[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

The enemy profess to be advancing towards Cumberland Gap, but may turn towards Jamestown or Wheeler's Gap. General Zollicoffer is falling back to Cumberland Ford. I have ordered seven companies of cavalry to Jamestown-all I could spare. There ought to be sufficient re-enforcements sent to Jamestown and a force to Wheeler's Gap immediately. No troops here that can be spare.

W. B. WOOD, Colonel, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Bowling Green, October 27, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector C. S. Army:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose for your information an abstract return the present organization of the force here.* You will observe that besides the division commanders, Major-General Hardee and Brigadier-General Buckner, there is but one brigadier-general (Hindman). I had the honor in a recent communication to the Secretary of War to suggest the appointment of three brigadier-general. I now, in addition to these, recommend three others. The appointment of competent officers to these grades would contribute very greatly to the effectiveness of the force. I have organized a reserve, consisting of a regiment of cavalry, one of infantry, and a battery. In order that it should have the full effect of such a body, it should be thoroughly instructed and well commanded. There is no one available who, in my opinion, has higher qualifications for that position than Major Hawes. I therefore recommend that he be appointed a brigadier-general. I also recommend for the same grade Colonel J. C. Brown, of Third Tennessee Regiment. His regiment is in excellent condition; its thorough instruction and discipline is a commendation indicating that he will make an efficient commander of a brigade.

Lieutenant Wright is in the performance of most responsible duties of his department (ordnance), requiring a superior knowledge and skill, which he possesses in an eminent degree, and I do not doubt that the interest of the service be promoted by his appointed to a higher grade. It is difficult to find and assistant for him who does not rank him. I am making every effort to be ready for operations as soon as possible. I hope soon to provide sufficient transportation to give all desirable mobility to this corps. We are quite deficient at present.

The enemy seem to design to operate on at least three lines in Kentucky: One against Zolliffer, on the route to Cumberland Gap, which can be turned by Walker's and Jamestown Gaps; another on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, confronting troops here, and the other against Polk, and will, perhaps, endeavor to use the Tennessee River in aid of the movement. They have, besides the other place on the Ohio with which you are acquainted, occupied Henderson and Owensborough in considerable force, and have detachments of 300 or 400 at Colhoun and Hartford.

Zollicoffer's force is insufficient. I estimate it under 8,000. I have not the means to re-enforce him. He has authority to order to join him troops from Knoxville if any armed have assembled at the rendezvous. I have order General Walker to join him with his division of four

---------------

* Not found, but see p. 484.

---------------