OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

to that use for themselves. I found two 6-pounders and one 12-pounder nearly complete-for where intended I did not learn. I will call your attention to three points on the line of the railroad that, if occupied by a hostile force of 3,000 men with one or two batteries of flying artillery, could easily and successfully cut off all communication between Virginia and the Southern States it seems to me. The first point to which I will call your attention is at the foot of Lookout Mountain, where the railroad passes between the mountain and Tennessee River. At this point an inconsiderable force, with a small battery, could successfully resist the advance of a very large force. So at the second point above Chattanooga, at a tunnel which passes through a spur of the mountain, a small battery could effectually prevent the advance of the cars with any number of troops; and, lastly, at a defile beyond Loudon, near the Tennessee River, a small force could prevent all transports of men and munitions. These points all lie in the most disaffected region, and, in my opinion, if not occupied by Confederate forces in less than a month, will be by hostile men. I think that at least a reconnaissance should be made of the locality. All this may have been called to your attention, or may, in point of fact, be of no value. If so, set down and excuse the error because of my zeal and desire to protect the service from injury. I feel that my thus addressing you might seem presumptuous in one so unused to military affairs; yet I assure you a most earnest desire to be of service prompts me. The conviction that more is necessary to protect us from the outbreak of the disaffected in East Tennessee than is generally supposed induces me to call your attention to these facts. I think at least 2,500 or 3,000 troops should be properly stationed at these points in this district of country to keep our way open. The twelve-months' men of Mississippi now at this point could be much better employed there than here, and if it should become necessary to disarm those people of the weapons they have, could effectually and successfully accomplish it if under the command of some discreet commander. If this point is kept quiet by the presence of an imposing military force, there will be no other part of East Tennessee that will be able to give any considerable trouble."

NASHVILLE, July 18,1861.

HonorableL.P. WALKER:

General Anderson left this evening for Haynesville, East Tennessee, where he awaits your orders. He will have with him two regiments of infantry, one ranger company, all well armed. One other regiment is at Knoxville, ordered from Middle Tennessee.

By command:

W.C. WHITTHORNE, Assistant Adjutant-General.

FRANKFORT, KY., July 19,1861.

General WILLIAM T. WITHERS, near Clarksville, Tenn.:

DEAR SIR: Governor Magoffin has been advised that three boxes of guns, consigned to a Home Guard company at Elkton, Ky., have by some means found their way into your possession. He desires me to request that you will have those guns returned to Elkton as soon as you can.