OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

the woods. No damage done. My seven days' provisions are almost out. I think some ought to be sent to meet me.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. R. CLEBURNE.

P. S.-I will have a detailed report of captured property of the enemy made out and sent in.

CAM NEAR BOWLING GREEN, November 13, 1861.

Major-General HARDEE, Commanding First Division, Bowling Green, Ky.:

GENERAL: In obedience to orders I left camp on the evening of the 9th instant, in command of a squadron of dragoons, composed of the companies of Captains Gaines and Sugg, numbering 124 men. I encamped that night about 8 miles from Bowling Green. One next day I entered Morgantown about 3 o'clock, having previously turned my wagons off on the road to Rochester. At Morgantown I remained about an hour, sending scouting parties out in the direction of Bora's Ferry and other roads, without meeting any opposition. Whilst in the town, I made inquiries as to the best points to cross the river for lumber to erect a brigade and for forage sufficient to support about 2,500 cavalry and artillery horses, and other matters relating to an advance of an army of 12,000 or 15,000 men. There were but three men left in this town, which, as I have before reported, is strongly opposed to us.

I learned from a reliable person, before entering the town, that the opposite bank at Bora's Ferry was protected by some pieces of artillery. Anticipating another attack at that point, I encamped that night about 8 miles from Morgantown, on the road to Rochester. Some three or four men, who lived in the vicinity of our encamped, left soon after our arrival. I posted strong pickets on the roads leading to my after our arrival. I posted strong pickets on the roads leading to my camp, also a sufficient camp guard, and sent out patrols. I found the neighborhood entirely deserted by men, and learned that 18 men from that point had joined the enemy, and were in camp on the other side of the river.

On the next day I reached Rochester, which I approached cautiously, having hearted during my march that a force, estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000 men, were to cross either on Sunday or Monday, with the view of taking possession of Russellville. After a careful reconnaissance, I entered the town, and found but three or four men. The opposite bank was unoccupied. After making inquiries as to the facilities for a large force to cross the river, &c., I marched out by the Russellville road, which I followed to its intersection with the Greenville road, on which I encamped, about 10 miles from Rochester, at a point called Berry's I encamped, about 10 miles from Rochester, at a point called Berry's Lick. From that point I crossed Gaspar River on next day, and encamped after a march of about 15 miles, and on next day, the 13th, I reached our camp at this place at 11 o'clock.

I found the people generally impressed with the idea that a large force of the enemy were on the point of crossing the river at Rochester, and that large re-enforcements had reached their camps from Indiana. They were also filled with apprehensions to the course our troops would pursue towards them. My approach to town was always anticipated by spies, and I have no doubt an exaggerated report of our number and objects of visit has already reached the camp of the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES HAGAN, Major, Commanding Department Detachment.