OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [Chap.XII.

You will perceive by the words of the law that troops thus raised are to serve "for the defense of exposed places or localities or such special service as the President may deem expedient."

It will be necessary to use great care in specifying the service for which the troops are thus specially engaged, in order to avoid all question as to the legality of any call that may be made on them when the moment arrives for resorting to their aid.

Your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

NASHVILLE, September 25, 1861.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Commander Confederate Troops, & c., Columbus, Ky.:

SIR: Feeling the importance of our position, and wishing to facilitate matters as much as possible, I have instructed Major Boyd, brigade quartermaster, now en route for Memphis, to call at Columbus and ascertain something definite as to the arms for my brigade.

Understanding that an officer was on his way from Savannah, Ga., with arms, I would request, if compatible with the public service, that you give Major Boyd an order to receive 2,500 stand from the first arrival at Nashville. Part of my brigade is waiting in arms at Nashville, and there is no other authority than your own to effect this purpose. My zeal in the public interests must be my apology for thus troubling you.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

LLOYD TILGHMAN, Colonel, Commanding First Kentucky Brigade.

COLUMBUS, September 25 [1861].

General BUCKNER, Bowling Green:

We asked for news from you to-day. No reply.

Four thousand Federals have landed at Henderson to co-operate with the Union men. Look to your left and rear.

Respectfully,

W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

COLUMBUS, KY., September 25, 1861.

General COOPER:

The necessity of engineers is pressed on my attention by the wants of every hour. Can they be furnished? If not, can I muster the engineers of Tennessee, if to be had? Please give prompt reply.

A. S. JOHNSTON, General.

RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Columbus, Ky.:

Captain Alexander cannot be spared from Manassas. I have tried to find you an officer, but have failed. There are but few in the corps,