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232 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 232(Official Records Volume 4)  


OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

M. Millard, the representative of Sullivan County, Tennessee, by note, whose handwriting was testified to by George Pile and Jos. R. Anderson, I do hereby inform you that the bridge across the Holston was burned last night by about 50 Union men, and that a Union force is now assembling near Watauga Bridge, reported to number about 500, for the purpose of attacking Captain McClellan's troops, now stationed at the bridge, and burning the bridge, and ask aid, as we are unable to form any idea of the result of this, and furthermore state that all communication between this place and Nashville by railroad and telegraph is cut off, and as that you appeal to President Davis to call out the militia of East Tennessee to suppress rebellion.

WM. F. MOORE, J. P., Washington County, Virginia.

JACKSBOROUGH, November 9, 1861.

Colonel W. B. WOOD, Sixteenth Alabama Regiment, Knoxville, Tenn.:

SIR: Your dispatch just received informing me of the burning of Hiawassee bridge and other bridges on the railroad, and asking for reenforcements. Colonel Powell's regiment being 5 miles from here, on the Knoxville road, I have sent him an order to march at daylight in the morning for Knoxville, making a forced march. He is instructed to communicate with you immediately on his arrival. You will be in command, and will make such disposition of the forces as you may think advisable.

Brigadier General W. H. Carroll's three regiments have been ordered to report to me, but have not reported, and I have no knowledge where they are. I have expected them by now at Knoxville. Have you any knowledge where they are? Have the inclosed dispatches transmitted by telegraph, if the wires are not cut. Inform me daily of the facts in your knowledge connected with the wires and railroads. Send dispatch to Memphis or wherever else he may be.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

CAMP McGINNIS, NEAR JAMESTOWN, November 9, 1861.

Colonel W. B. WOOD:

SIR: I received a dispatch from General Zollicoffer last evening, dated 6th instant, at the Cumberland Gap, informing me that he would move his headquarters to Jacksborough, 9th. This dispatch came directly through by Huntsville, and I have dispatched him by the same route. I sent Captain Ragsdale's company on the road near Huntsville several days ago, with instructions to break up the communication with the enemy that way. They attempted to arrest a mail-carrier in that section, and failed; he had absconded; they got his mail, arms, &c., and on their return to camp were fired on by 30 tories from ambush, killing 2 horses only. They sent to me for re-enforcements. I sent Captain -----, with company, night before last to their relief; have heard nothing from them since. From the best information I can get there are no Federal troops south of Cumberland River, except a small force of 300