[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

On the 6th of August last I reported at length to General Foster in regard to the defenses of the Tennessee and Cumberland Riers, and stated that nothing could prevent the enemy from ascending both rivers are up now and rising rapidly. With your permission will be to-morrow's mail report to you more fully.

Your obedient servant,

A. HEIMAN, Colonel, Commanding.

P. S.-Since writing the above I have received the general's letter of the 15th, by Captain Ellis. The regiment is already encamped in the rear of the fort.

NASHVILLE, October 17, 1861.

Major General LEONIDAS POLK, Columbus, Ky.:

I beg leave to draw your attention to the defenseless condition of the Cumberland River. From here to Smithland there are not 300 soldiers in arms. One small fort-Donelson-3 miles below the town of Dover, with four guns, is all we have to rely on.

On yesterday Lieutenant Dixon took from Clarksville the four 32-pounder guns I obtained in Memphis three weeks ago for Fort Donelson, and this day Governor Harris has order one artillery company to go to Fort Donelson immediately.

Lieutenant-Colonel MacGavock, now in command there, telegraphs to Governor Harris of this date that 300 men were on yesterday landed in Eddyville from the gunboats of the enemy, and that there was water enough for them to pass the shoals, and, to make the matter worse, it has been raining all night last night and nearly all day to-day. We are in actual danger of being invaded and without any means od defense. The four 32-pounder guns cannot yet be put in battery, nor are there now any soldiers there who know anything about artillery service. Wood, Lewis & Co. have very valuable property on the river a few miles above Fort Donelson-the Cumberland Rolling Mills-now engaged in manufacturing iron for the Confederate States, which could be destroyed any night. Its machinery could not be reinstated now, and the public loss would be irreparable. The bridge at Clarksville over the Cumberland River could be destroyed, which would sever all connection with Tennessee, and this loss could not be repaired at a cost of $200,000. If the river keep up Nashville itself is not safe.

Colonel MacGavock telegraphs for two companies of cavalry and one company of artillery and one regiment of infantry. Can you not spare a regiment for Fort Donelson immediately? No time is to be lost, in my opinion. When I saw you in Columbus I was impressed with the danger that threatened us, and so expressed myself to you. I am now more fully impressed with [the] danger, and cannot too urgently urge you to send prompt relief to us.

It seems to be the idea that Paducah is not to be assailed by our army. If that be so, there is nothing to prevent the enemy from harassing us on this and the Tennessee Rivers, both of which are now in fine boating order.

Truly, your friend,

G. A. HENRY.