CHap.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - CONFEDERATE.
ward that 15 to 18 miles. I much need a half-dozen pieces for pivot guns.
Very respectfully,
F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.
BOWLING GREEN, KY., September 21, 1861.
Major GEORGE B. COSBY, C. S. A.:
SIR: Your force will consist of 300 infantry from this place, re-enforced by 100 or 200 men from Russellville. The object of the movement is to re-enforce Colonel B. H. Helm, you moving from Russellville. As your proposed point of junction, of which you are informed, is near the enemy's position at Rochester, your movement will be cautious. I inclose you a copy of my instructions to Colonel Helm.* Endeavor to communicate with him by guides during to-morrow, and concert your movement in such a way as to insure concert of action in supporting distance of each other as you approach the point of junction. If the enemy should be in stronger force than is supposed, unite with Helm at a point farther from Rochester. The dam or lock at Rochester should be disabled.
Respectfully, & c.,
S. B. BUCKNER, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
P. S. - As you hold a Confederate commission, you will be entitled to assume command of the entire force.
HEADQUARTERS, NEAR PENSACOLA, FLA., September 21, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Nashville, Tenn.:
DEAR SIR: Colonel W. P. Buckner called on me yesterday in behalf of yourself and our great cause in Kentucky. His accounts of our affairs there are by no means cheering, but with the blessing of Providence and your exertions we yet expect a great deal in that direction.
It is in my power to do but little for you. We have no spare arms, and are still deficient in ammunition. I have men and can get any number, and those who have been with us some months are well instructed, fine soldiers. Weeks ago I offered four of these regiments to the President for an equal number of new men, believing that the cause would be advanced by such a move. This was all I could do, and all I can do now, but no reply has reached me, though I learn from an officer who has been to Richmond that the Department thinks that the short time my men have to serve would not justify the expense. Upon hearing this I again wrote, requesting that I might offer the alternative to them, satisfied a very large proportion will stay for the war. To this I ought to hear very soon.
The mission of Colonel B. will not be successful, I fear, as our extreme Southern country has been stripped of both arms and men. We started early in this matter and have well nigh exhausted our resources. Besides, there is a general apprehension of invasion this fall and winter, and every means in the country is being devoted to defense; some of it very injudiciously. Mobile and New Orleans are being fortified at
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* Not found.
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