[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.
HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DIVISION OF KENTUCKY,
October 20, 1861.
Colonel W. W. MACKALL:
SIR: On the arrival an this place of two regiments of Mississippi State troops, I found that they had not yet been mustered into the Confederate service. They were under the command of Brigadier General J. L. Alcorn, of Mississippi. At my request, he consented to retain the command of the two regiments, which I organized temporarily into a brigade, until they were mustered into the service. In making this request I consulted what I am still convinced was the best interests of the service. General Alcorn deservedly holds a high place in the estimation of his soldiers and has rendered me valuable assistance. The manner in which he has discharged the delicate duties which have been assigned him inthe district of country west of here, and of which he was formerly a citizen, has contributed very much to the success of our cause, and I hope will entitle him to be continued in the command as a brigadier-general after the regiments shall have been received into the Confederate service. Brigadier-General Alcorn has continued in command at Hopkinsville from motives of patriotic duty and as a personal favor to me.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. B. BUCKNER, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS,
Cave City, October 20, 1861.
Colonel W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General, Bowling Green, Ky.:
I have received your dispatch, * and shall to-day examine the points indicated by you, and will to-morrow give orders to fall. But for the rise in the rivers, there seems to be no doubt we would have taken the insurgents at Greensburg by surprise and captured the whole party.
Lieutenant-Colonel Marmaduke will give you all the particulars.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. J. HARDEE, Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Bowling Green, Ky., October 21, 1861.
Brigadier General W. J. HARDEE, Commanding, &c.:
SIR: I am instructed by General Johnston to say that his order to you was based on the great deficiency in and the great necessity for organization of this army corps; but on other reflections, this must yield to other consideration and be effected by other means.
The backward movement from Green River might, and probably would, be interpreted by the enemy into a retreat, and if if did not encourage them to a move in rapid advance, would discourage our friends and elate our enemies in Kentucky. He therefore asserts [revokes?] it.
He desires you to maintain yourself in observation of Green River, disposing of the forces now with so as, in your judgment, will best
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* Not found.
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