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

Page 275(Official Records Volume 4)  


CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

are evidently trying to run. If I had sufficient cavalry I could surround and cut them off. I think, however, they will stampede for Hazel Green, where Breckinridge is forming an encampment in the extreme edge of Morgan, adjoining Wolfe County. they no doubt intend to pass down through Breathitt, Perry, and Clay, to Knox, and join the invaders at Cumberland Ford. I shall try and get some reliable scouts, and, if I can find their position in striking distance, shall move upon them. If you have any use for me, however, my longer stay here is, I think, unnecessary, as I can effect but little or nothing with infantry against the flying rebels.

This is a good place to instruct; is convenient to move, and being at the end of the telegraph, news readily passed. I await your orders.

Respectfully,

THO. E. BRAMLETTE.

SAINT LOUIS, September 26, 1861.

Brigadier-General SMITH, Camp at Paducah:

SIR: The rebels having occupied Owensborough, you are directed to sent to that place the regiment ordered to Evansville on the 25th instant, together with two gunboats. After dispersing the enemy the force will return again to Paducah, as the latest movements of the enemy require the concentration of our troops as far as possible at that place.

J. C. FREMONT, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, [Cincinnati,] September 26, 1861.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: Your telegraph of the 25th instant is received. Only two regiment of Illinois troops have been in Camp Dennison. Both of these have been sent to General Anderson at Louisville by order of General Fremont.

I reached these headquarters on Saturday evening, the 22nd instant, and found the city greatly excited. General Anderson was reported to be in great peril, and Louisville threatened with attack by a large force under Buckner, approaching by Muldraugh's Hill, near the point of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, where the railroad crosses the Salt River; also by turnpike road leading to the mouth of Salt River and thence to louisville, It was further stated that Zollicoffer had already entered Kentucky by the way of Cumberland Gap, laying waste the country, and marching on Lexington and Frankfort, while Breckinridge was assembling in force in Morgan County and Humphrey Marshall in Owen County, Kentucky.

I telegraphed the legislature of Kentucky, asking to be placed by them in a position to act within 15 miles of this city. A reply came promptly, with full authority, and an earnest appeal to send 5,000 troops to their aid, and to drive back Zollicoffer; also requests came for assistance to General Anderson through his brother, Larz Anderson, esq., of the city.

General Buckingham came to this city at my request, arriving Sunday