[CHAP. XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

horses and mules, destroyed some property, insulted some woman, captured one citizen as prisoner, and returned to Smithland, form whence they came. I now have spies at Smithland, and will be advised daily of all movements. The enemy have at that place 600 troops and are fortifying a hill in rear of the town. No immediate movement of the enemy on force up Cumberland need be apprehended, yet a force for defense at Fort Donelson is certainly necessary.

The cloud looks most ominous for immediate injury in the direction of Henderson. On the 17th 100 cavalry, supported by 250 infantry, marched from Henderson within 11 miles of Madisonville, took some prisoners, burnt a house or two, as I am informed, stole some horses, and are now encamped at Nebo 12 miles from Madisonville.

In Levingston and Caldwell the enemy are seizing every horse and mule and driving off every animal fit for rations that they can find, besides taking prisoners daily. Our mutual friend Wallace, who was at your camp on the morning after your arrival at this place, is of the number arrested. It would be an easy task with a small army to read some valuable lessons in that direction.

I had a courier and spy to return to-day from a searching visit northward. He reports at Owensborough 400 troops, mostly cavalry, about 50 wagons, and 200 extra horses; at Henderson, 1,700 infantry, 50 cavalry, with a large and increasing amount of transportation; at Calhoun, 600, mostly cavalry, 60 wagons, and two 6-pounder guns; at Hartford, the spy takes the word of a friends whom he thinks reliable, that there are 500 infantry, a few cavalry, and about 50 wagons; summing up something over 3,000 troops, well equipped, who shift from one post to another, and when moving steal everything that they meet and take everything valuable that they can carry.

I have just received from Clarksville two 9-pounder pieces and one 6-pounder piece, with 50 rounds of fixed ammunition; no caissons; carriages out of fix, but can soon have them ready, I could obtain howitzer, but have no carriage. At this post there should be supplies of tents and camp equipage. It discourages troops to have to lie out until the slow process of requisition from Bowling Green or Nashville is worked out. Apothecary supplies should also be sent, as when a company comes the requirements of medical treatment will not await the requisition.

I scarcely know what to do about an artillery company. I can fort one-have it partly formed-but hearing that a company of artillery is coming, without knowing anything of their purpose, do not know but that they are for the pieces which I have. I have written to know if I should buy horses; not being answered, I fear to proceed further.

I this evening received your reply to my note asking the appointment of N. S. Cumings [?] as quartermaster, and C. S. Severson as commissary or assistant quartermaster. In reply to your suggestion I have to state that my command has been mustered into service, except some hospital patients. Major Hewett fell sick and did not finish these. He has promised to return on Monday, when the last one will be mustered in. The being done, the cause for my continuance no longer exist in force sufficient to detain me. I wish to leave for Mississippi, and ask your permission to fix the 27th instant as the day for my departure. This post in an important one, and should not be commanded by one has not hate confidence or is distasteful to the Government at Richmond. My service as brigadier-general of Mississippi is due that State only. If the Confederate Government wished me, I would be appointed. This not being done, I am an intruder. My self-respect,