OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [Chap.XII.

encamped between London and the Rockcastle River. It is also reported to me to-day that a considerable Lincoln force, said to be about 2,500, is assembled near Louisa, in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on the Lower Sandy River, apparently portending a movement threatening the counties of Russell, Wise, Buchanan, Lee, and Scott, in Virginia. In this connection I beg leave to call attention to a letter from S. D. Newbury, of Wise County, which I inclosed to the Secretary of War on the 6th ultimo. I respectfully suggest that some officer of military experience be sent immediately into those Western Virginia counties to organize a proper defense for their security. The companies I was authorized to organize in Lee and Scott I am scarcely able to give any attention to.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Columbus, Ky., October 1, 1861.

His Excellency Gov. JOHN J. PETTUS, Jackson, Miss.:

GOVERNOR: I this morning received your letter of the 28th ultimo, and thank you for prompt answer to my call for troops and your offer of services.

The companies now in camp I accept as a portion of the quota, and beg you to organize them into regiments at once, placing such as have arms, if any there be, in the same regiment, and sending it to this place, and those without arms to one of the rendezvous already pointed out to you, and where I have to-day ordered supplies of provisions. Should mustering officers not reach any particular point in time, do not permit this to become a matter of discontent with the troops, as I will give orders to have their time counted on the rolls from the date at which each regiment presents itself.

I retreat that I am unable at the present time to furnish lead. My supply is limited.

I will make inquiry in reference to the guns spoken of an inform you of the result.

I am, respectfully,

A. S. JOHNSTON, General.

ABINGDON, October 2, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

We have at this place some 50 refugees from Kentucky. They bring information of large force collecting in a border county there, whose object is to invade Virginia by Pound Gap, in Wise County, and prevent secessionists from reaching us. People of Russell and adjoining counties willing to defend that pass. Have no arms and ammunition. Can powder and arms be furnished? It is an important point. If taken by Federalists, will seriously check coming of friends and supplies from Kentucky.

A. S. MOORE, Colonel, Commanding Virginia Volunteers.