CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.
the railroad. It occurs to me that they can sufficiently guard the road, and in case of emergency I am near enough to re-enforce them. You are aware that we have no tents with us, and I learn from Major Buford, who knows the localities, that there is no place where our men can be quartered with sufficient shelter near the bridge. To quarter at the depot would separate the main body too far from the guard for efficient support. Many of the men are without blankets, and all without coats or blouses, and the weather is such that to occupy the open air and sleep on the ground without shelter or blankets would be dangerous to the men, especially as they have measles in the camp. We have five new cases here.
Our quarters are comfortable here, and the men seem well pleased with the place. There is considerable stir amongst the secessionists; they are alarmed. I think their meeting here will not take place; they are fixing to run, rather than fight. Rumors through the night last night were constant of movements on foot, and it is thought they ran off the 140 rifles night to flee to the Southern Army.
I have this moment learned, through Mr. Crittenden, of Missouri, now at this place, from what he deems reliable authority, that the arms are at Leonidas Johnston's, in Scott County; that the secesh of Harrison and other points collect there this evening to make a run to the Southern Army to-night through Anderson County. The Home Guards of Mercer ought to be on the lookout, and a strict watch kept along the line from Lebanon to Louisville. I will, if the news be confirmed, in the course of the day telegraph to Louisville to General Anderson.
I have sent for Captain Bruce and Dr. Dudley, to consult about moving to Cynthiana. My own opinion is that this is the point for a few days at least. We are doing good here, and it is the finest place for drilling the men I have seen. Plenty of the best water at hand.
I wish you could take time to come and inspect the position, and determine whether it would not be well to keep an encampment here for instruction, as well as for security of the roads.
In haste, respectfully,
THO. E. BRAMLETTE, Colonel, Commanding at camp Robert Anderson.
WASHINGTON, September 22, 1861.
Major-General FREMONT:
Governor Morton telegraphs as follows: Colonel Lane, just arrived by special train, represents Owensborough, 40 miles above Evansville, in possession of secessionists. Green River is navigable. Owensborough must be seized. We want a gunboat sent up from Paducah for that purpose. Send up the gunboat if, in your discretion, you think it right. Perhaps you had better order those in charge of the ohio River to guard it vigilantly at all points.
A. LINCOLN.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Saint Louis, September 22, 1861.
A. LINCOLN, President, Washington:
Your dispatch received. I have immediately ordered Captain Foote with gunboat to dislodge the rebels from Owensborough, and will take measures to guard the Ohio.
