OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

Should the movements contemplated by your as likely to occur in Kentucky actually take place, the most important results may be anticipated therefrom, and in that connection the force of General Zollicoffer can probably render you more effectual aid than that of General Polk. In that contingency the cause of Kentucky will be in every aspect that of the Confederate States, and the officer to whom you refer will be as readily ordered to operations there as elsewhere within the limits where the Confederate forces fight battles in the cause of constitutional liberty. In anticipation of such events, and because of the confidence reposed in you, the President directs me to give you letters to General Zollicoffer, Governor Harris, and General Polk, which will secure to you their confidence in any conference you may have with them.

Copies of the various laws affecting the condition of Kentuckians who may co-operate with us in the existing war will be sent to the disbursing and supplying staff officers in Tennessee, which will best answer your wish in that regard. No one can regret more than the President his inability to furnish arms to the Kentucky volunteers. He through he had provided against it, but his arrangements have been disturbed, and he has not since been able to supply the deficiency created. You refer to the arms now in the hands of Major Gorgas; they are 700 in number, and there are two regiments encamped here without arms and waiting for service. Under such circumstances you cannot expect that arms will be sent from their presence and in proximity to the great military force of our enemy, to be issued to troops elsewhere.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

[Inclosure.]

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Richmond, September 3,1861.

His Excellency Governor HARRIS, Nashville: Major General LEONIDAS POLK, Memphis: Brigadier-General ZOLLICOFFER, Knoxville:

General S.B. Buckner, of the Kentucky State Guards, impressed with the necessity to make armed resistance to the rapid encroachments of Federal power on the reserved rights and constitutional liberty of his State, seeks, in advance of the action of her governor, to have such co-intelligence with the Confederate authorities as will enable him to act effectively when the opportune moment arrives.

You will not fail to appreciate the common interest which binds Kentucky to the South and the Southern States to Kentucky. It is, therefore, only needful to present to you General Buckner as one entitled to your confidence, and to ask that you will converse with him so feebly, that he may anticipate the assistance which Kentucky may expect in the hour of her need from the forces and other means of the Confederate States.

Concerning all movements in this regard you are requested to communicate promptly and freely, both as to events and your views of what may be necessary and proper.

Very respectfully,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.