[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

Hopkinsville immediately? The distance is only 30 miles, over at turnpike most of the way and a good dirt road the balance. It seems to me three is no part of the whole West so expose as the valley of the Cumberland. The river is in fine boating order and rising quite fast. If Paducah is not to be attacked, so as to held the enemy in cheek, he can, unimpeded, destroy the rolling-mills on the river now manufacturing iron for the Confederate States, the railroad bridge at Clarksville, and otherwise do incalculable mischief. I have written to General Polk on this subject, but in occurs to me the army at Hopkinsville is not subject to his order, and therefore I address you.

Dixon has not yet had time to mound his 32-pounder guns, nor has the artillery company ordered from here left Nashville. I suppose it may reach Fort Donelson to Morrow night.

Excuse my anxiety about this matter, for I think the danger is not only great, but that there is no time to be lost to avert it.

Sincerely, your friend,

G. A. HENRY.

HDQRS. FOURTH BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

Enterprise, October 16, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America:

DEAR SIR: I have just received orders from the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Mississippi, John. J. Pettus, to transfer the two regiments under my command to the Confederate States, which I shall do to-morrow. I have one word to say in behalf, not only of the troops, but for the good of the service, to wit: These troops, numbering some 1,800, are now just recovering from measles. At least two-thirds of the brigade have had them,a nd to send them in their present condition into the valley of the Mississippi or Kentucky would lose one-half of them in a very short time. If they could go to the coast anywhere for a few months, they would then be prepared for a colder climate. Hoping you will find it convenient to send them South, I have the honor to be, very, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN W. O'FERRALD, Brigadier-General, Fourth Brigade, Army of the Mississippi.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Bowling Greem Ky., October 17, 1861.

General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: Informed you be telegraphed on the 12th that, in consequence of information received from General Buckner of the advance of the enemy in considerable force, I had order forward all my available force to his support. Hardee's division and Terry's regiment have arrived here and in advance. Our force may be estimated at 12,000 men. Correct returns cannot be obtained until after a better organization. Two Tennessee regiments (Stanton's, from Overton Country, and one from Union City) are yet to arrive, and may reach this [place] in two or three days, and give an increase of about 2,000 men.

I cannot except immediately any additional force under the call of last month on the governors of Tennessee and Mississippi. The men will doubtless present themselves promptly at the rendezvous, but I