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

into Tennessee. I believe General Sherman has done the same. Up to this time we have been unsuccessful.

Have your heard by authority that the troops at London were to fall back? because I have not, and shall not move any of them back unless ordered; because, if not interfered with, I can have them subsisted there as well as here. I am inclined to think that the rumor has grown out of the feverish excitement which seems to exist in the minds of some of the regiments that if we stop for a day that no further advance is contemplated. I can only say I am doing the best I can. Our commanding general is doing the same, and using all his influence to equip a force for the rescue of Tennessee.

If the Tennesseans are not content and must go, then the risk of disaster will remain with them. Some of our troops are not yet clothed, and it seems impossible to get clothing.

For information respecting the organization of regiments, I inclose you General Orders, Numbers 70, from the War Department.

If the gentlemen you name can raise regiments agreeably to the conditions and instructions contained in said order, the Government will accept them, and I hope will have arms to place in their hands in the course of two or three months.

In conclusion I will add I am here ready to obey orders, and earnestly hope that the troops at London will see the necessity of doing the same.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

GEO. H. THOMAS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS, Crab Orchard, Ky., November 7, 1861.

Brigadier-General SHOEPF, Commanding Camp Calvert, London, Ky.:

GENERAL: I find it necessary to reply to Governor Johnson's letter in the manner of the foregoing, which I send to you for your information. It is time that discontented persons should be silenced both in and out of the service. I sympathize most deeply with the Tennesseans on account of their natural anxiety to relieve their friends and families from the terrible oppression which they are now suffering; but to make the attempt to rescue them when we are not half prepared is culpable, especially when our enemies are as anxious that we should make the move as Tennesseans themselves; for it is well known by our commanding general that Buckner has on overwhelming force within striking distance whenever he can get us at disadvantage. I hope you will therefore see the necessity of dealing decidedly with such people, and you have my authority and orders for doing so. We must learn to abide our time, or we shall never be successful.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST KENTUCKY BRIGADE, November 7, 1861.

Brigadier-General SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.:

GENERAL: Colonel Bramlette writes me again that the enemy have returned to Monticello. I had ordered back a section of artillery belong-