Today in History:

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

Page 297(Official Records Volume 4)  


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

Regretting deeply the necessity which renders this step proper, I do it with less reluctance, because my successor, Brigadier-General Sherman, is the man I had selected for that purpose. God grant that he may be the means of delivering this department from the marauding bands, who, under the guise of relieving and benefiting Kentucky, are doing all the injury they can to those who will not join them in their accursed warfare.

ROBERT ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,} HDQRS. DEP'T OF THE CUMBERLAND, Numbers 7. } Louisville, Ky., October 8, 1861.

Brigadier General Robert Anderson having relinquished the command of this department in General Orders, Numbers 6, of this date, the undersigned assumes command of this department.

W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., October 8, 1861.

Brigadier-General CRITTENDEN:

SIR: I have made an order for you to go to Owensborough and to assume command of the regiments organizing in that quarter.

I am aware that whilst regiments are being formed and equipped they can do little service, yet our enemies give us little time, and we must do the best we can.

If one of the regiments could show itself on Green River, make a circuit south of the river and return, it would have a good effect. Hopkinsville has 1,000 men, but poorly armed, and a demonstration on it would probably lead to its evacuation.

Kentucky looks for some bold stroke, and with such men as Jackson, Johnson, Burnbridge, Kawkins, and McHenry almost anything might be attempted.

You may purchase subsistence or hire wagons at discretion. Certify the bills and I will have them paid here.

Yours, &c., W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

LOUISVILLE, KY., October 8, 1861.

GARRETT DAVIS, Esq., Paris, Ky.:

DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of 7th instant* I state that General Anderson has already ordered an Ohio Regiment to the point suggested by you in your favor. No further troops will be ordered now.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.