OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.

ing to Captain Hewett's battery, which I suppose is the cause of the reappearance of the enemy. I have directed the section to return to him, and directed him to ascertain positively whether the enemy is anywhere near, and send me more reliable information. I hope to hear from him in two days from this.

General Schoepf writes me that Zollicoffer has retired beyond the Cumberland Ford, and that it is reported he is retiring to Cumberland Gap. He does not place much confidence in the report, however. I hear also from Colonel Barnes that Nelson is at Prestonburg, the enemy having retired towards Virginia. A man by the name of Wilson has been to see me, who offers his services as a spy; but, having no need for him, I have suggested to him to go to see you. He is vouched for by several persons of standing in Lexington, and no doubt can make use of him if you desire his services. He says he is well acquainted with the country between Louisville and Nashville, and can go any where you may desire to send him.

Respectfully, &c.,

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

CAMP CALVERT, LONDON, KY., November 7, 1861. (Received November 9.)

GENERAL: Without wishing to do aught of injustice to the cavalry now under my command, I am compelled, in justice to myself and the service, to say that they are not the material for the occasion. I speak from experience. A cavalry force of from two companies to a regiment is absolutely necessary and indispensable with this command.

I learn that Doubleday has a regiment of very superior men at Cleveland. Could you not secure this regiment for this brigade and allow me at least four companies of it?

I spent a portion of the day yesterday in artillery practice. With a full sense of the advantages of rifled cannon, I must express my fears that we are depending on them to the exclusion of other and (under certain circumstance) more appropriate guns. If each of the batteries under my command could exchange two of the rifled for two smooth-bored guns or 12-pounder howitzers, I am certain the efficiency of that valuable arm [would] be much enhanced. I make the suggestion.

Very respectfully, yours,

A. SCHOEPF, Brigadier-General.

CAMP OWENS, PULASKI COUNTY, KENTUCKY, (Received November 7, 1861.)

General THOMAS:

DEAR SIR: I have just returned to this place from Monticello, in Wayne County, Ky., where I went with 400 men and one cannon.

I found no enemy in Wayne, but satisfied myself that about 2,000 of them are in Albany, badly armed and terribly frightened. We can whip them and break up their camp if permitted to advance as far as Old Monroe, a distance of 65 miles from this place.

Yours, &c.,

FRANK WORLFORD.