[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

officers and private. I was joined by Major Cox, with 75 men from his battalion of cavalry, a few miles from this place, which increased the force under my command to about 250 men.

At my first encampment, 13 miles distant, I was informed that a detachment of about 150 or 200 men, under command of Colonel Hobson occupied the town of Greensburg. Not deeming it prudent to proceed to Williams' plantation without first dislonding this party, who might easily, if warned of my advance, attack me in rear, I sent a party of 10 men, under Lieutenant Owens, to reconnoiter the town and report the strength and position of the enemy. This he did in three hours, stating that he had marched thought the town and conversed freely with the citizens, who informed him that a party from the enemy's camp had been in town for several days.

I then proceeded to Williams', where his wife told, me the Black Republican troops has carried away 9 of the most valuable negroes, every horse and mule on the plantation, the household furniture, besides spoiling the crops and robbing the smoke-house.

At the request of Mr. Williams I brought away his niece and daughter nd 6 young negroes. I learned from reliable authority, that the town of Cumpbellsville was garrison by 1,800 infantry, under command of General Ward. They have also a few cavalry (probably a squadron) and two pieces of artillery (one brass and one iron, 12-pounders). A regiment of infantry, 600 strong, left that place six days ago for Columbia, where they are now quartered.

The Black Republican troops in that vicinity have oppressed and persecuted men entertaining Southern feelings with a relentlessness and rigor scarcely to be expected of a civilized enemy. Neither the property nor person of themselves or family are free from their depredations and malice. Their houses are constantly broken open and plundered; their crops laid waste; the men forced to swear allegiance to the North or fly from their families and firesides. I returned to this place to-day at 1 o'clock p. m.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. PHIFERR, Major, Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS,

Knoxville, October 28, 1861.

Brigadier General F. K. ZOLLICOFFER:

GENERAL: We will start ion the morning the two Parrott guns, caissons, and 40 kegs of powder. Upon inquiry, I learn that the 47 half barrels of power reported by Major Bicknell have been sent no New Orleans, by order of General Polk, but there are still some kegs left here, and I will send another load as soon as I can get transportation. There is great difficulty in obtaining horses and wagons. Major Jackson and Captain Burleson are both absent. Mr. Gammon is acting for Major Jackson, and exerting himself to the utmost to procure transportation.

The news of your falling back to Cumberland Ford has had the effect of developing a feeling that has only been kept under by the presence of troops. It was plainly visible that the Union men were so elated that they could scarcely repress an open expression of their joy. This afternoon it assumed an open character, and some eight or ten of the bullies and leaders made an attack on some of my men near the Lamar House,