OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

[Inclosure.]

PIKETON, October 28, 1861.

HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, C. S. A.:

SIR: I reached this place last night, which is on Sandy River, 25 miles above Prestonburg, where Colonel Williams is now encamped. Colonel Williams has a force of about 1,000 men, who are deficient in ammunition. I sent down last night 4 kegs powder, 16 bags buck-shot, and 200 pounds lead, and we expect to-night to have an abundance of fixed ammunition, all sent by Captain William Gibboney, of Wytheville. The country for a considerable distance up Sandy River is in great alarm as to Colonel Williams' safety. I have not seen Colonel Williams, but will repair to his headquarters this morning. I have the most reliable information that the Federal forces at West Liberty and Hazel green, which are from Prestonburg, about 40 miles from former and 47 from latter, amount to 4,000 men, fully armed, and with four pieces of artillery. On the 23rd instant an advanced guard of Colonel Williams', of 60 men, placed themselves near West Liberty, attacked a large Federal force from the bushes on the hill-side, in which the Federals suffered a loss of 30 killed and a number wounded. Our men did not lose a man. This advance of the enemy in such numbers will prevent our advance, if it will not drive our forces out of Sandy Valley.

I believe the importance of sustaining the occupancy of the valley of Sandy is fully appreciated at Richmond; if not, the railroad at Abingdon and Wytheville will be liable to attack. We should have a column here not only of sufficient backbone to hold on to this place and Prestonburg, but to advance into the county of Bath, so as to offer opportunities for our men to get behind us and to get the pork of Kentucky into the South. The command of Colonel Williams is much alarmed, and the population hereabouts still more so. The approach of the enemy in such force has prevented many hundreds from enlisting and a hers from getting to the mountains. We think we may sustain our position, but it will be with much peril; and it is, I hear, the intention of Colonel Williams to hold on the last extremity. If we are confined to this valley, we shall soon consume the subsistence. We should advance so as to get full supplies, and for other reasons stated. If we could get two regiments immediately we could thereby gain a confidence which would cause a rush to our standard. One regiment is indispensable for defense, but two would enable us to advance. We need pack-saddles and their fixtures. Our basis of operations is at Wytheville, which is 150 miles, on a tolerable mountain road. I hasten to lay these statements for your consideration.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. HAWES, Major, C. S. Army.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, November 4, 1861.

Major General LEONIDAS POLK, Columbus, Ky.:

SIR: Your letter of 22nd ultimo to the Department and of 23rd to the President have been received.

The sum of $2,000 desired by you for secret service has been placed in the Treasury to your credit and is subject to your check.

Your recommendation of E. W. Rucker is so urgent, that I have, with