CHAP. XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

now enrolled under Buckner, have gone to him, while ours have to be raised in the neighborhood, and cannot be called together except at long notice. These volunteers are being organized under the laws of the State, and the 10th of November is fixed as the time for consolidating them into companies and regiments. Many of them are armed by the United States as Home Guards, and many of them by General Anderson and myself, because of the necessity of being armed to guard their camps against internal enemies. Should we be overwhelmed, these would scatter and their arms and clothing will go the enemy, furnishing the very material they so much need.

We should have here a very large force, sufficient to give confidence to the Union men of the ability to do what should be done-possess ourselves of all the State; but all see we are brought to a stand-still, and this produces doubt and alarm. With our present force it would be simple madness to cross Green River, and yet hesitation may be as fatal. In like manner other columns are in peril; not so much in front as rear. The railroad over which our stores must pass being much exposed, I have the Nashville Railroad guarded by three regiments; yet it is far from being safe, and the moment actual hostilities commence these roads will be interrupted, and we will be in a dilemma. To meet this in part I have put a cargo of provisions at the mouth of Salt River, guarded by two regiments. All these detachments weaken the main force and endanger the whole.

Do not conclude, as before, that I exaggerate the facts. They are as stated, and the future looks as dark as possible. It would be better if some more sanguine mind were here, for I am forced to order according to my convictions.

Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP CALVERT, London, Ky., November 6, 1861.

Captain GEORGE E. FLYNT, Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: The instructions from General Thomas relative to repairs of the road hence to Rockcastle River have been complied with. Things are quiet about London and the men in good spirits. Clothing for the needy has arrived in part, much to their relief.

I learned two days since that parties of the enemy's cavalry were in the habit of coming to within 12 miles of our camp for the purpose of getting their horses shod. I sent out a strong reconnaissance to a point near Barboursville two days since, but they returned without making any discovery of importance. It is evident that the enemy has retired to the vicinity of Cumberland Gap.

Having reason to believe that some of the officers of the Third Kentucky Regiment are wholly incompetent, I would respectfully ask for authority to cause such officers to be brought before a board of examination, and a report made of the result.

The Home Guard report to have had a skirmish with the enemy's scouts yesterday, getting advantage is several respects.

Very respectfully,

A. SCHOEPF, Brigadier-General.