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

Page 377(Official Records Volume 4)  


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

BRISTOL, July 31,1861.

S.COOPER, Adjutant-General:

I am here to comprehend facts. Under great confusion of orders from Nashville. The regiments of Fulton, Maney, Forbes, Battle, Newman, and a West Tennessee regiment were ordered to Virginia service; Savage's, Fulton's, and Rains' to East Tennessee. General Anderson went to Lynchburg, and ordered on Fulton and Savage from Richmond. They were ordered back here, but now I learn they are ordered to Virginia again. Newman and Battle were temporarily detained here for want of transportation, but propose going to Lynchburg to-morrow morning. Which regiments shall I assume command of for East Tennessee service?

F.K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Richmond, July 31,1861.

Brigadier General F.K. ZOLLICOFFER, Commanding, &c., Bristol, Tenn.:

SIR: I am instructed by the President to make you the following communication: The great importance of the East Tennessee and Western Virginia road requires that it should be closely guarded wherever there is reason to apprehend its destruction. The movements of the enemy or the sending of arms into East Tennessee should be so closely watched by an adequate force as to render success impracticable. You will know so well the state of things in East Tennessee that nothing more can be said in that regard than to point to you the importance of preventing organization for resistance to the Government and of attracting by every possible means the people to support the Government, both State and Confederate. It may occur that civil process in case of treason may be resisted, in which event you will endeavor to be in position to give all needful support to the civil authorities. The President relies on you to give more accurate and exact information in relation to public affairs in East Tennessee than it has heretofore been possible to obtain, and you are invited to the fullest correspondence in all matters relating to your command.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C.S.A.,

Richmond, July 31,1861.

General WILLIAM T. WITHERS, Clarksville, Tenn.:

SIR: In reply to your letter of 25th instant, I am directed by the Secretary of War to request that the questions of cavalry be referred to Major-General Polk. One additional regiment of infantry or ten companies may be received for the war.

Very respectfully,

A.T. BLEDSOE, Chief of Bureau of War.