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

to concentrate the commands of Stanton, Murray, and McClellan near Jamestown.

It appears to me that the railroad facilities of the enemy, connecting Cincinnati and Louisville with Nicholasville and the Louisville and Nashville road, enable the enemy with great ease to bring up reserves, and, when I advance, glide them round and concentrate in my front; and when General Buckner advances, glide them around the other way and concentrate in his front. They therefore seem to occupy a central position between us, and may with facility strike at our separate forces in detail. It appears to me if my main force could properly be placed nearer General Buckner's, the two lines, within supporting distance of each other, would be able to advance more safely and effectively. If therefore it should meet your approval, I will as rapidly as possible endeavor to so fortify Cumberland Gap that the smallest possible force will be necessary here; will simultaneously endeavor to fortify or thoroughly blockade the passes near Jacksborough, and all the by-ways east and west of these passes, so as to set free as large number of my troops as possible, and concentrate them upon some point in the open country near Jamestown, with the view of advancing towards Danville. The country is not so sterile through which to make a forward movement as the one in front of me, called "The Wilderness of Kentucky." It cannot be more hostile, and my column would not be so much exposed to attack by overwhelming force in an isolated position without reserves or co-operation.

It may require some time to prepare this mode of defense for East Tennessee, but I think it can be made effectual, and leave us a much larger field force for aggression upon the enemy and in a more effective position.

As this will necessarily be a permanent post, i have authorized the regiments here to employ any surplus force more than can be employed on the fortifications in constructing some huts to shelter them.

The late cold, rainy weather here has been severe upon those who are thinly clad.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Bowling Green, Ky., November 5, 1861.

Major-General POLK, Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: Your letter of November 4 has been received and duly considered by the general.

Your force is not so great as he would wish it to be, but, viewed from his stand-point, now that your river defenses are complete, it is fully as large, after deducting that detachment ordered, as he can spared from other parts of the field.

That order, then, will be executed.

In addition to General Pillow's division, you will send another regiment, if necessary, to make the complement of 5,000 effective men.

If there are no special reasons to the contrary, permit General Pillow to bring with him his siege battery.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.