CHAP.XV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

cannot suppose any considerable portion will be armed. When I made the call I hoped that some might come armed. I cannot now conjuncture how many will do so. The call was made to save time, and in the hope that by the time they were organized and somewhat instructed the Confederate Government would be able to arm them.

As at present informed, I think the best effort of the enemy will be made on this line, threatening perhaps at the same time the communications between Tennessee and Virginia, covered by Zollicofer, and Columbus from Cairo by the river and Paducah by land, and maybe a serious attack on one or the other; and for this their command of the Ohio and all the navigable waters of Kentucky and better means of land transportation gives them great facilities of concentration.

As my forces at neither this nor eight of the other points threatened are more than sufficient to meet the force in front, I cannot weaken either until the object of the enemy is fully pronounced.

You know the efforts I anticipate from the enemy and the line on white the first blow is expected to fall and the means adopted by me with the forces at my disposal to meet him.

I will use all means to increase my force, and spare no exertion to render it effective at every point, but I cannot assure you that this will be sufficient, and it re-enforcements from less endangered or less important points can be spared, I would be glad to receive them.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Columbus, October 17, 1861.

HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War:

SIR: We are greatly by the want of power. Saltpeter,t he article chiefly needed for its manufacture, is now being delivered in increasing quantities from the mines in Arkansas, but the work does not go on as it might, nor will it until the Government makes a contract with parties of capital and character to furnish a supply of manufactured powder.

I strongly urge the making of a contract for powder with a company, to be headed by Mr. Sam. Tate, of Memphis. This company can be made up of the best men in West Tennessee, who would go into the matter for the sake of the cause, and would furnish the best guarantee for an abundant supply that could be presented. I am greatly in want of powder, and urge this mode of relief on the Government.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Bowling Green, Ky., October 17, 1861.

His Excellency ISHAM G, HARRIS, Governor of Tennessee:

GOVERNOR: Your letters of this date have been received.* By my instructions General Buckner reports to you this evening that he had order Colonel Stanton to disperse the enemy in his neighborhood before marching on this point, and that only after having done this, in

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* Not found.

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