OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

MEMPHIS, TENN., November 12, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: Your telegram of the 11th instant (ordering me to advance to the support of General Zollicoffer) has just reached me. I am deeply mortified that I have been unable to move my command at an earlier day, but the want of transportation, and the unexpected failure to obtain my arms, have rendered any movement of my forces both useless and unsafe. Knowing the urgent necessity which has and yet exists for prompt and vigorous action in East Tennessee and Northern Kentucky, I have used every exertion to place my brigade in such a condition as to act effectively in the field. I took measures some weeks prior to my appointment to secure arms sufficient to arm three regiments. These consisted of such guns as were furnished by the recruits themselves, together with others of a similar kind, which I had procured by various means throughout the country. Some two months since I distributed 1,600 rifles among the different armories in the State, viz, Memphis, Nashville, Pulaski, and Columbia, where I had supposed they would be rapidly repaired and fitted for use. When I received you rewritten orders, forwarded me through Colonel H. C. Young, I dispatched an officer to each one of the places mentioned, with instructions to forward all the guns that had been repaired to Knoxville, Tenn., to which point I had intended to advance with all my force then ready for service, but, much to my regret and surprise, I then learned but little progress had been made in the work of repairing. I was assured, however, by the army officers in command at these places that everything would be ready in a very short time. My movements were therefore delayed from day to day, in the hope that the guns would be completed and my command thoroughly and perfectly armed. In this expectation I have up to the present time been sadly disappoint. The guns deposited in the armory at this place would have been completed but for the breaking of the armory machinery, which was only repaired a day or two since. The work is now being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. So soon as I ascertained that my arms could not be obtained for some time to come, I set about securing such guns as would answer in the sudden emergency brought about by the recent unfriendly demonstrations made in East Tennessee. With these (shot-guns, country rifles, and old muskets) I armed Colonel Looney's regiment, and moved it yesterday morning in the direction of General Zollicoffer's position. Another regiment (Colonel White's) was to-day armed in a similar manner, and will move to-morrow in the same direction. The remainder of my brigade will be brought into the field as soon as I can possibly arm them in any way whatever.

I deem it proper to make this explanation of the causes which have so long kept me idle, in order that you may properly understand the difficulties under which I have labored. I shall continue to act as promptly as circumstances will permit. In the mean time I will keep you constantly advised of my future movements. I have apprised General Zollicoffer that my command is approaching to his support. When I shall have reached him, I have but little doubt that we will be able to quell the insurrectionary spirit which I learn is springing up in the eastern portion of our State and to hold in check any force which may be advancing from Western Virginia or Northern Kentucky.

Very respectfully,

WM. H. CARROLL, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.