[CHAP. XVII.

our forces will be so weak that they can march in. They intend attacking several points at the same time. They have forces all the [way] from the Ohio River here. They have provisions-any amount. The steamboats are running; four and five; are very large.

[Not signed.]

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

POUND GAP, WISE COUNTY, VA.,

February 14, 1862.

Brigadier General HUMPHREY MARSHALL,

Headquarters, Gladesville, Wise County, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to report from reliable source, one of Colonel Williams' men, who just came from near Prestonburg, states the enemy about 1,600 at Piketon and 3,000 at Paintsville and Prestonburg. they intend to concentrate a large force at Piketon to enter Virginia by the Louisa routes and this point. They have brought large supplies to all of those points; the number they intend for the column is 12,000. Their design is to destroy the Salt Works and the railroad; the cavalry is on the Rockhouse.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN B. THOMPSON,

Major, Virginia Volunteers.

[FEBRUARY 16, 1862.-For Benjamin to Lovell, in reference to arms and re-enforcements for Kentucky, &c., see Series I, Vol. VI, p. 827.]

RICHMOND, February 16, 1862.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Nashville:

I know not what arms are on the Victoria. I have ordered General Lovell to forward them all to Grand Junction, subject to your order, under care of a special agent, and to inform you by telegraph of all particulars.

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War.

EDGEFIELD, February 16, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

Do not send me the arms I requested yesterday until I name some other place.

A. S. JOHNSTON,

General.

FEBRUARY 16, 1862.

Captain D. P. BUCKNER, Clarksville:

Do not destroy the railroad bridge. Do not destroy the army stores, &c., if their destruction will endanger the city. If you can burn the army stores, &c., without destroying the city, do it.

A. S. JOHNSTON.