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

HOPKINSVILLE, KY., November 6, 1861.

Colonel W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. A., Bowling Green:

SIR: The arrival of the Texas battalion of infantry relieves me somewhat in that arm, but still leaves me very inefficiently provided with the important arm of cavalry in a position such as this, and without which I cannot render the important service I might. The enemy, now a little more quiet (rendered so by the late low water in the Cumberland), on my left, will now that the river has risen again very much, carry out their designs with their new gunboats, and endeavor to try to metal of Fort Donelson, with a cavalry force to move on my left again. These are their designs I know; and their preparations at Smithland prove the fact. The cavalry force is intended, I have no doubt, to prevent the delivery here and at Clarksville of a large number of hogs and beeves collecting at various points in the counties above. In looking at the military defenses of this county [country?], I keep in mind a wholesome amount of these two important sinews, and when I solve the problem thus, that the necessary force to guard my rot and give me security here attains the end of covering these vast supplies, I can see in my own mind full justification of a reiteration of my request to have a force of not less than 500 cavalry sent at once to me.

My scout in the direction of Ashbysburg (within 5 miles) returned last evening; a large-enforcement has left Owensborough, and another regiment from Henderson. At 7 p. m. last night a courier from a safety committee at henderson reached me. It is known there that the force referred to above is intended for this place. I feel that with such a number of sick, with but little improvement for the last three days, owing, I suppose, to this terrible weather, having now 750 cases, I cannot remove them, at any rate not until the weather improves. The thing is impossible, having any regard for the lives of not less than 500, who are too low to move with any chance of success. Again, the importance of a force here is immense and better appreciated from my stand-point here than form anywhere else. I need not only more force, but I need some person besides myself to rely on in case of an accident. Should I fall, there is not a man, sir, who could manage over 100 men on the ground. They are good men, but with no military knowledge. The raw troops are very raw, and it will take good handling to make them at all steady under the first fire in action. Can you not send me my old regiment, with Lyon at its head? Lyon and Anderson will be worth the mere force of many more men. Lyon knows this region, and it is a difficult one, and the men know it. This regiment, with part of, says, Adams' cavalry and Captain Woodward's company, is suggested respectfully. I am endeavoring to get the country people organized, but with not much success. Please reply by telegraph to Clarksville and write fully by mail.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

LLOYD TILGHMAN, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

P. S.-I am just issuing a short proclamation. Will sen copy to-morrow. I have written fully to Major Gilmer of the character of the new gunboats. They are very formidable; vastly more so than is generally considered.