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

If it be true that the force at the Gap has been increased, as represented, to 20,000, it would be madness to contend. My information is positive as to the state of affairs along Green River, but conjectural as to the other, and I send a special messenger to convey it to you.

Yours,

W.T. SHERMAN, Commanding.

CAMP WOLFORD, November 11,1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

Since writing to you this morning, I have ascertained that they are above this, in process of construction, 80 coal boats, 44 nearly complete, the others temporarily suspended. These boats are usually 80 to 90 feet long by 25 to 30 in width. Any number within reason could be constructed above this in the course of six to eight weeks, capable of transporting a large force, with all necessary equipments. They are a heavy boat, open top, made to bear up the immense burden of 80,000 to 100,000 bushels of coal.

I made inquiry of an of boatman as to the number of boats building, and what preparations were making for the shipment of coal, and thus learned the state of preparations. Boats might be built without exciting suspicion and a descent upon Nashville accomplished, if in the plan of operations such movement were desirable. I communicate these facts for consideration.

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I will send the section of Captain Hewett's battery back so soon as I can determine whether it is necessary to make a descent upon the cavalry at Camp McGinnis. If I do that, I wish to do so with the cavalry; two companies of skirmishers to go with the artillery, and shall accompany them and command myself. If they are back at McGinnis, I can so arrange those forces as to cut them off and bag them. But the uncertainty of all the reports, even of avowed eye-witnesses, renders it necessary that I get information through means of my own that can be relied on.

Respectfully,

THO. E. BRAMLETTE, Colonel First Regiment Infantry Kentucky Vols.

SEVEN O'CLOCK P.M.

General THOMAS:

I open this letter, having just received the inclosed from Major Brents. I have ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Letcher forward immediately with three companies, with direction to maintain the position, unless superior force move upon them; if so, to fall back upon the main body, which I will throw across the river and move forward with in the morning. I will take five days' rations and all the effective forces of my command and Colonel Hoskins' regiment, except sufficient to guard our stores, and try the metal of these rebels. They shall fight or run, and that soon.

Respectfully,

THO. E. BRAMLETTE, Colonel First Regiment Infantry Kentucky Vols.