[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.
FORT HENRY, TENNESSEE RIVER, October 28, 1861.
Captain E. D. BLAKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIR: Lieutenant-Colonel MacGavock, in command at Fort Donelson, notified me on Friday last that the expedition to obstruct the navigation of the Cumberland at Ingram's Should would be ready to leave that place Saturday evening, 26th, under the command of Colonel Haynes, who was sick. I immediately proceeded to Dover, and finding Colonel Haynes unfit for duty, I directed Captain Dixon, Corps of Engineers, to take charge of the expedition.
A squadron of cavalry of 115 men, under command of Major D. C. Kelly, left Fort Donelson on Friday for the Shoals, for the purpose of reconnoitering and protecting the operations.
At 3 o'clock Saturday evening the expedition left Fort Donelson accompany, of 40 men and 4 pieces, and 2 companies of infantry (170 men), under command of Captain Young. I returned to Ford Henry yesterday, bringing with me a detachment of cavalry of 40 men of Colonel Forrest's battalion, under command of Lieutenant Hamilton, to be used as pickets and scouts at this post until the arrival of the company which I was informed would be order here.
Lasty night, at 12 o'clock, a messenger from Colonel MacGavock brought me the inclosed note.* I sent the messenger back immediately, with instructions to Colonel MacGavock to inform me early this morning of any further developments. The cavalry company mentioned in the note are Kentuckians.
This morning early I sent one company of my regiment, and have others ready to march at a moment's notice should it become necessary.
I dispatched a messenger to Fort Donelson early this morning, with instructions to return immediately should his report render it necessary. I will further re-enforce Ford Donelson, and accompany the re-inforcements myself, leaving Colonel Drake, of the Fourth Mississippi Regiment, in command of this post during my absence.
The bearer of this, Lieutenant Milton, is assisting Captain Bolling in recruiting a cavalry company in Kentucky. They have now about 40 men mounted, and deeming it unsafe to remain at home, they came to this post, have offered their service for any duty that may be assigned them, and are anxious to be mustered into the service at once and armed. Being intimately acquaint with the surrounding country, this company would be a valuable acquisition to the service of this post. Please instruction me as to what shall be done with this company.
The gunboats are reported in this river, and last weed they captured a steam ferry boat at Egner's Landing, 20 miles below this point. The owner of this boat, who has been a stage contractor in the United States service, informed me that he had 36 horses for sale suitable for artillery.
If the is ascending the two rivers, it may be with the object of making a feint at either place and an attack on the other, against which I will guard.
Your obedient servant,
A. HEIMAN, Colonel, Commanding.
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* Not found.
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