CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.
CAMP ROBERT ANDERSON, September 22, 1861 - 5 p. m.
General THOMAS:
I inclose letter just handed to me by Judge Buckner.* He informs me that steps are taken to have forces fall in here and at Camp Robinson -Home Guards, &c., to act under your command - and that I am excepted to protect the place, and, if you think right, move forward to secure the railroad, part of which is now in possession of General Mitchel, with 2,000 forces.
I can't hear from my family at Columbia. If any letters or news comes from there to me, do me the great kindness to forward it. I rest necessary for news from my wife and little children at that place, now held, as I learn, by traitor troops.
Respectfully,
THO. E. BRAMLETTE.
CAMP ROBERT ANDERSON, September 22, 1861 - 11.30 p. m.
General GEORGE H. THOMAS:
I have just sent out two companies to watch the various passes, and seize guns, which my scouts think will be attempted to be moved to-night by the rebels. While engaged in instructing the commandants of the different squads I received the inclosed letter, which I forward to you, as I have no cavalry with which to operate at the distance from here required. Lawrenceburg is about 25 miles from camp Robinson, and there is no doubt in my mind but it is in the direct line of the rebel movements. I have it from so many reliable sources, that I am well assured that their line of communication and for stealing purposes lies through Versailles, Lawrenceburg, and Spencer County.
Some point which could be secured, and which Morgan Vance, of Harrodsburg, could designate, ought to be secured by 200 or 300 cavalry, so as to intercept arms, &c., and seize any armed traitors who may attempt to move in that direction.
We are getting along pretty well here, and I think our presence here has greatly alarmed and disconcerted them in their movements.
Breckinridge and others fled the night we reached here and in advance of our arrival, having been warned by a swamp by the name of Smith, from Nicholasville. They are not far, I learn to-day, from Mount Sterling, at a little place called Hazel Green, and it is thought are concentrating forces in that vicinity, I send this by the same gentleman who brought the letter inclosed. Captain Hoskins' indorsement of them is sufficient.
In haste, respectfully,
THO. E. BRAMLETTE.
[Inclosure.]
VERSAILLES, KY., September 22, 1861.
Colonel BRAMLETTE, Commanding at camp Anderson:
DEAR SIR: We believe, from reliable information, that many of the secessionists from the surrounding country are collecting in Anderson County, for the purpose of joining our enemies in Tennessee or the southern part of this State. They are constantly moving in that direction
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* Probably Fisk to Buckner, p. 268.
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