OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.
pressions may be more clearly stated I have through it best to send this letter by General Pillow, to whom I have communicated them very fully, and who will give you any information you may desire of our condition.
After consultation, I have through it best to sent the troops forward by land as far as to Tennessee River. They will there take the railroad, and will accomplish the journey in less time than in any other way. I will get off a part of them, if possible, to-morrow.
I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.
NASHVILLE, TENN., November 4, 1861.
Lieutenant Colonel W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I did not mention in my communication of yesterday the want of additional guns for the proper defense of the Cumberland River and for other purposes. At Fort Donelson there are now only 4 32-pounders and 2 naval guns, an armament insufficient, I fear, to make a reliable defense against a fleet of gunboats. The number of guns should be doubled; say 4 additional 32-ponders and 2 of heavier caliber, 8-inch columbiads, or long-range Parrott guns, all with garrison carriages. Heavy guns may also be required for defending the Cumberland River near this city, but on this point I will report positively in a few days. For arming defenses against a land attack here or elsewhere a supply of 12-pounders should be obtained, say 20 to 25 guns, mounted on siege carriages, to be employed in conjunction with such field batteries as can be supplied here or from other points. In addition to the 12-pounder guns it will be advisable to procure some howitzers for throwing shells. In addition to the 4 32-pounders and 2 naval guns at Fort Donelson (that fire over the river), there are 2 small iron guns that were manufactured at Clarksville and a battery of bronze field pieces, which will be effective in the land defense of the place.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. GILMER, Major, and Chief Engineer Western Department.
JAMESTOWN, November 4, 1861-1 p. m.
General ZOLLICOFFER:
SIR: I have information that is entirely reliable that the enemy is approaching this point 6,000 strong-1,500 cavalry and the balance artillery and infantry. The infantry and artillery camped last night 5 miles east of Monticello, a portion of the cavalry in town, their pickets 7 miles below. Colonel Murray is at Camp Zollicoffer, in Overton County. I dispatched him yesterday, urging him to move to this place. Colonel Stanton, I understand, is at Celina. I forwarded your dispatch to Colonel Murray last night, requesting him to forward to Colonel Stanton. Have heard nothing from either since we were at Albany. Captain Bledsoe, with his company, is at Camp Myers. I have with me not more than 500 effective men, and I have determined to retire, with the commissary stores, in direction of Pikeville, which is 15 miles from Brison's Landing, on the Tennessee River. Fine road from here
