CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

and seriously wounded several. Gentlemen who witnessed the whole affair say that my men gave no offense, and were not at all to blame. That affair became pretty general, and couriers were sent to me at my camp of its existence. I immediately marched Captain White's cavalry and 100 of my men into the town to arrest the assailants, but they made their escape. The Southerners here are considerably alarmed, believing that there is a preconcerted movement amongst the Union men, if by any means the enemy should get into Tennessee J. Swan told me to-night that he heard one say this evening, as Captain White's cavalry rode through town, that "they could do so now, but in less than ten days the Union forces would be here and run them off." I cannot well tell you the many evidences of disaffection which are manifested every day, and the increased boldness that it is assuming. I deem it, however, of sufficient importance to be on the alert, and, as there are no other forces here now but a part of my regiment and Captains Gillespie's and White's cavalry, I think I had better keep my men there until others arrive.

THURSDAY MORNING, 29TH.

The town is quiet this morning. The men who committed the assault on my men yesterday have left town, I am informed. The cannon and ammunition start this morning, with orders to push on as rapidly as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. WOOD, Colonel, Commanding Post.

CAMP BUCKNER, KY., October 28, 1861.

Colonel JOHN P. MURRAY, New Albany, Ky.,

SIR: I left on the enemy's entrenched camp at Rockcastle Hills, on the road from London to Mont Vernon, on the 21st instant; found the position almost a natural fortification. My information [was] that the enemy was nine regiments strong there, and large reserves between there and Cincinnati. I fell back on the 22nd, and will retire to Cumberland Gap, where I have placed a number of guns in position. The Log Mountains will soon be impassable, making this position difficult to hold. If the enemy advances, the approach is likely to be by way of Jacksborough of Jamestown. So soon, therefore, as I can complete the work, strengthening the pass at the Cumberland Gap (now in a few days), I will dispose my forces so as to be ready to meet the enemy on either of the other routes.

I hope you and Lieutenant-Colonel McClellan will co-operate to watch that border, and give me early and frequent reliable intelligence.

Learning that the enemy had retired from Alabany, and desiring to see that the guns were all in position at the gap, I determined to return this way.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, [Brigadier-General.]