OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [Chap.XII.
request, and urged them to bring with them every effective weapon which they can obtain. I cannot now inform you how many will probably assemble at the rendezvous named in your letter.
More than 40 companies are now in camp in this State, which have not received marching orders; over half of these are enlisted for the war. I will advise you at the earliest moment of the tenders of companies, and hope mustering officers and provisions will be ready as soon as possible at the several encampments.
I have a number of hands employed in preparing ammunition for cannon, muskets, and rifles, and nearly out of lead. Could you aid me in procuring any quantity, from 1 to 100,000 pounds? I need some now in preparing ammunition for rifled cannon.
I could send you a company of artillery with two field pieces, with horses, harness, & c., for four if I can get the two field pieces which I loaned to General Pillow last spring to complete the battery of four guns. These two pieces are at Union City, or in that region of country.
Advise me how I can aid you, and it shall be done to the extent of my power.
Respectfully,
JOHN J. PETTUS.
CUMBERLAND FORD, KY., September 29, 1861.
SECRETARY OF WAR:
I much need as soon as practicable an engineer officer and ten 12-pounder cannon for fixed batteries at Cumberland Gap and Cumberland Ford. General Johnston approves.
F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.
RICHMOND, September 30, 1861.
General F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Cumberland Ford, via Knoxville:
The only engineer officer we have to spare (Captain Gilmer) has just been ordered to report to General Johnston. Perhaps he will assign him to duty with you. We have no 12-pounders, but will send you some 8-inch siege howitzers for your batteries.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
RICHMOND, September 30, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Columbus, Ky.:
You may accept the Louisiana regiment. Have them mustered into service, and report to Adjutant-General.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Columbus, Ky., September 30, 1861.
Lieutenant JOSEPH DIXON:
SIR: You are directed by General Johnston to proceed to examine the country on a line east from this place to Mayfield, and included within
