[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

I need not speak. If they should be occupied and held by the enemy, they must necessarily prove of the most serious inconvenience to our army in Kentucky. Without disparagement to the parties in command, I bed to say that Colonel Tilghman, who I presume to be with you, is better informed as to the military aspect and capabilities of the country through which they run than any other person of whom I know, and I would suggest the propriety of having Colonel Tilghman put in charge if those defenses, if the exigencies of the service he is now upon would at all allow of such an arrangement. He might be with great advantage advances to a higher military grade, and if in that command would form a very much need link of connection between my command and that of General Buckner. The information I am daily receiving from that quarter makes this increasingly necessary. The space between General Buckner and myself is now very feebly occupied.

I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

[For a return of General Polk's command, October 31, 1861, see Vol III of this services, p. 730.]

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,

Rocky Hill Station, Ky., October 31, 1861.

Lieutenant D. G. WHITE, Assistant Adjutant-General.

SIR: Pursuant to the order from division headquarters the troops under my command have fallen back to this place, except a detachment of cavalry, left at Cave City to protect public property, for which there was no transportation. A special train has been sent for this property and its return to-night detachment will move here.

The position I now hold commands all approaches. The encampment is in order of battle as nearly as the nature of the ground will allow.

Pickets are thrown out to the distance of from 5 to 8 miles, in the direction of Brownsville, Mammoth Cave, Cave City, and Glasgow. They are posted also at Chalybeate Springs, and Merry Oaks. On the night of the 29th my pickets went beyond Green River, on both the Nalin and Brownsville roads, and within half a mile of Greensburg. They saw nothing of the enemy. On yesterday they were thrown out towards the same points, but without crossing the river, with the same result. It is reported in this locality that Rousseau's army is advancing, but I have observed nothing as yet to sustain the rumor. I believe that the prompt movement of two brigades, one towards Green River, on the railroad route, the other upon Campbelsville, would drive the enemy beyond Muldraugh's Hill on both lines, and secure to our forces all the region south. The unexpected movement of my command interrupted the inspection and muster which had been ordered. The works is resumed to-day. Very respectfully,

T. C. HINDMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY., October 31, 1861.

Colonel W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I send Captain Culbertson, formerly of the U. S. Army, to Bowling Green for the equipment for the guns here, and also to endeavor