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

you were advised by telegraph on the 14th instant, the major-general commanding instructs me to say that he expects you will be able to organize a proper force for immediate operations in the direction of Cumberland Gap.

I am, general, &c.,

E.D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP NOLIN, November 16,1861.

General BUELL:

I have complete plans of General Johnston's entrenchments; know their position. Hardee started toward Nashville, it was thought to re-enforce Columbus, but I am well satisfied that he commands that force that passed through Scottsville and are now in the vicinity of Tompkinsville. We are ready for any emergency. The First Ohio reached us this evening. Hazard with three regiments at Elizabethtown.

McCOOK.

HEADQUARTERS, Louisville, November 16,1861.

(Received at 2.20 p.m., November 17.)

General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Crab Orchard:

General Buell has arrived and assumed command. He will send you full orders.

In the mean time remain at Crab Orchard.

W.T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS EAST TENNESSEE BRIGADE, Camp Calvert, November 16,1861. (Received November 17.)

Brigadier General GEORGE H. THOMAS, U.S.A., Commanding, &c., Crab Orchard, Ky.:

GENERAL: My brother William has just arrived from East Tennessee, and the news he brings I think of so much importance, that I will dispatch a special messenger to convey it to you. My brother left Roane County, near Kingston, on Monday night last. He reports that on Friday night, 8th instant, of last week, he succeeded in having burned at least six, and perhaps eight, bridges on the railroad, viz: Union Bridge, in Sullivan County, near the Virginia line; Lick Creek Bridge, in Greene County; Strawberry Plains, in Jefferson County, 15 miles east of Knoxville, partially destroyed; Hiwassee Bridge, 70 miles southwest of Knoxville, and on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad; two bridges over the Chickamauga, between Clevaland and Chattanooga, and between Chattanooga and Dalton, Georgia. These bridges are certainly destroyed. The Long Island Bridge, at Bridgeport, on Tennessee River, and a bridge below Dalton, on the Western Atlantic road, are probably destroyed.

The consternation among the secessionists of East Tennessee is very great. The Union men are waiting with longing and anxiety for the appearance of Federal forces on the Cumberland Mountains, and are