Today in History:

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

Page 415(Official Records Volume 4)  


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

of the very means relied upon to pay the largely-increased taxation demanded by the policy of the Government. As far as rests in my power, I propose to secure to the people of these counties their just rights in this respect, by permitting the traffic on the road to continue as it existed before the illegal interference of the President. With this view I have possessed myself of a considerable portion of the rolling stock of the road, and now propose to you that, as president of the company, you continue the management of the portion of road within the limits of the influence of the forces under my command, and conduct it, as before the existence of the war, in the interest of the people who are interested in its stock. I propose that you will continue your agents and employes, with the single restriction that they shall be men who are not inimical to the people of these counties, and that the stockholders shall enjoy all the benefit to which their railroad charter entitles them. In order to secure the rights of the stockholders, I have directed an account to be kept of the earnings and expenses of the road, including the amount to which the company will be entitled for transporting the troops under my orders. This account will be rendered to you, and the balance paid over on the single condition that it shall be applied to the purposes contemplated by the charter. If this proposition should be declined, I propose transferring the rolling stock to such agents as may be appointed by the counties through which the road passes. This will insure an equitable distribution of the property of the road in the interest of the stockholders.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DIVISION OF KENTUCKY, Bowling Green, Ky., September 18, 1861.

Major J. M. HAWES, C. S. A., Bowling Green, Ky.: SIR: You will establish yourself without delay, with an infantry battalion of 600 men and Byrne's battery of artillery, at the railroad crossing on Green River, to cover the bridge and the line of defense of the river. I also desire you to open communication with Elizabethtown. It is also suggested that you establish a strong picket at Bacon Creek Bridge, 8 miles in advance of Munfordville, on Green River, and that you carefully watch the Green River Bridge, 10 miles above Munfordville. You will rally around your command as strong a force of Kentuckians as possible. It is supposed that a large force of southern-rights men will assemble on Muldraugh's Hill, near Elizabethtown. Encourage their remaining there as long as they can and the assemblage of soldiers. Muster into service all companies who may present themselves armed for three years, or during the ar, or for twelve months, if they will not volunteer for a longer period. At Elizabethtown, communicate with Colonel Helm, Colonel Martin H. Cofer, or General Henry E. Read in relation to destruction of bridges and organization of troops. At Munfordville, communicate with Messrs. Showdy, Bohannon, or Edwards. Seize any United States arms which may be in Munfordville depot. Send all trains to Bowling Green, after establishing communication with Elizabethtown, except one locomotive and a few cars, to keep up communication with your pickets. Impress upon the people, in accordance with the assurances of my proclamation, that we do not propose to