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

HOPKINSVILLE, KY., November 11, 1861.

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

SIR: I am glad to be able to report "improvement" in my whole command, and the gradual assuming of form and energy in every department. A thorough change in my entire hospital arrangement, by the use of a propriety buildings and the procurement of proper supplies, aided by thorough police, has produced the results usually attainable through such means. The cheerful and able assistance rendered me by those of my own staff, as well as many of the regimental officer, is deserving of high commendation. The command, however, is yet very insufficient for the object I know you would desire to have attained, and as it seems my only hope is in a patient waiting for re-enforcements, I can only hope I may now be allowed a little respite from the constant danger, real, that has surrounded me for the last ten days.

The movements referred to in your last communication-the crossing of Federal troops over Green River-were watched by my scouts, who were thrown out as far as within 9 miles of Ashbysburg, and also to Pond River Bridge, on the road from Greenville to Madisonville. As the scouts retired by way of Madisonville and Nebo towards Princeton, Shackelford occupied Madisonville with 500 infantry and 300 of Jackson's cavalry, whilst some 300 more of Jackson's cavalry crossed Pond River at the point referred to above, coming out from Greenville; they (the latter) advanced to "White Plains" (see the map). The best information I could get led me to believe that there was a force of some two regiments of infantry moving up behind them from Greenville, or more likely from Calhoun, by way of Millport and Clark Cross-Roads, the whole of both forces to concentrate on Hopkinsville, by the Madisonville and White Plains roads.

The relative position of parties here described was that held this morning at 8 o'clock. I got a good position to meet them in, and could have successfully handled them, I am well assured. My right, composed of the Third Mississippi and Kentucky battalion, under Colonel Davidons, resting on the right of the Greenville road, just south of the bridge (a very strong position), to be assisted by three pieces of artillery. My left, composed of the First Mississippi and a battalion of Texans, rested on the Madisonville road near Brenaugh Bridge, supported by three pieces of artillery. The center was held by the seven remaining companies of Texans on a cross road connecting the right and left, with one piece of artillery. The latter force was intended a sa reserve, inasmuch as its front could not be reached easily, and the cross road gave easy access to the right or left. A small cavalry force co-operated with each body, and a small force left in the town.

Much to the chagrin of the men we were relieved at 5 o'clock of our anxiety by a messenger from Madisonville, giving me reliable information that the enemy, becoming alarmed, struck camp and retired precipitately to Ashbysburg; the Greensville force (exaggerated) having gone northward also. I still hold my positions on the two roads, retiring in Texan regiment back to town, and shall do so until my next messenger arrives, when I will resume my original ground. I will send you a map, which will give you full details. General Buckner will understand the ground I took. I do not complain of this disappointment; the men are instructed better in this way, and a repetition of it insures alacrity and vigilance. I never saw men more enthused and at the same time more steady. The scout referred to in the first part