[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

conjunction with Colonel Murray, would he cover that section. This done, Colonel Murray will take up some suitable position to cover your line and defend your people.

This, with the presence of Head's regiment and the cavalry now forming at Sulphur Springs, Macon, will, I think, relieve the uneasiness of the people, and relieve them from further apprehension for the present.

Respectfully, &c.,

A. S. JOHNSTON.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Bowling Green, October 17, 1861.

Major General LEONIDAS POLK, Commanding First Division, Columbus, Ky.:

SIR: General Johnston directs you to hasten the armament of the works at Fort Donelson and the obstructions below the place at which a post was intended. The operations of the enemy on the Tennessee show that the necessity of interrupting the Cumberland is urgent; and he reminds you that Island Numbers 10 should be occupied by a least a regiment, and that, as the men are to be occupied chiefly in working the guns, a regiment not fully armed should be selected.

The regiment that was sent across the river to strengthen that of Colonel Tappan was not intended to be permanently detached, but only to remain until the works were sufficiently advanced, or until in your opinion it could be safety withdrawn.

As soon as the whole of General Hardee's regiments are dispatched, send forward to this the regiment designated by you from Union City.

The general has been informed that the experiments made with the torpedo at Memphis have been very successful. Should you on inquiry find this to be the case, you are authorized to employ them to any extent necessary on the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. For the present don't move the regiment from Fort Henry. The man are accustomed to the guns; new ones might not be efficient.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

It is believed that this letter was mailed the day before yesterday. This is sent for fear that it was neglected. Will the general please inform me whether he got the first copy?

BOWLING GREEN, October 17, 1861.

Major-General Polk, Commanding, Columbus, Ky.:

If you not sent the Tennessee regiment from Union City this place, as verbally order by General Johnston to do, send it here at once.

Send four companies to Ford Donelson, if you have not already sent the force you were verbally order the general to send. The necessity is urgent for them to man the works now.

If neither the regiment nor battalion has mover, send the four companies first; let the regiment follow immediately.

W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.