OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.

The consequence is that Harris' regiment is now at McCormick's Gap without support. The enemy, I believe, from all information I can gather, to be 1,500 strong at Hazel Green, 18 miles from McCormick's, and 500 at West Liberty, which is 5 miles from Hazel Green. Sill's regiment is making forced marches to get up, and to-night will be at Mount Sterling. If the rebels get the pass at McCormick's they will then hold the three passes into the blue-grass region, and be able to come down whenever it suits them. If I can hold McCormick's I turn the other two, Betty's Gap and Yokum, and move and break up their force. The whole mountain, whence we expected to get many soldiers, is becoming completely demoralized, and they are enlisting under Williams.

From the passes to this town is but 45 miles, and their forward movement must flank the whole line of operations going on towards Dick Robinson.

I beg that such force as the general commanding will deem proper be immediately sent to my assistance. With two regiments from Lexington, or elsewhere, I can finish this business. Without such assistance I cannot be certain as to the result.

I rode to this place to get near the postal lines and the telegraph, and return immediately to join Colonel Harris.

Very respectfully,

W. NELSON, Brigadier-General.

CAMP WILDCAT, October 18, 1861-1 p. m.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

I have information now beyond doubt that Zollicoffer is coming on with a large force and six pieces artillery.

I saw the colonel of the Indiana regiment last night at the river when Mr. Faulkner left. I insisted on his returning to his regiment and coming up and joining me immediately. He said he could not do so unless he was ordered by you.

I am now making arrangements to move my sick and commissary's stores across the river, and intend, if I do not receive more troops, to abandon this place and retreat towards Camp Robinson. I have no idea of having my men butchered up here, where they have a force of six or seven to one, with artillery. I would like to hear from you immediately.

Very respectfully,

T. T. GARRARD, Colonel Third Regiment Kentucky Volunteers.

CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 19, 1861.

Brigadier-General THOMAS:

SIR: Having inspected your position and situation, I must say you are surrounded by difficulties and exposed to labors of the most serious character.

We all occupy the strange position of carrying on war to defend Kentucky against an invasion of secessionists from abroad and refugees from the State.

A force threatens the fertile basins of Kentucky from the east by