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

Page 479(Official Records Volume 4)  


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

regiments, but he replies that his command is unarmed. Colonel Wood, at Knoxville, inform me that he has sent seven companies to Jamestown.

I hoped by this time to have placed under, General Polk's command a sufficient number of men for the defense of the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland, but so far, for want of arms, of which the country seems quite destitute, there has been no very considerable addition to the force under his command under the call I made upon Tennessee and other States. I have sent Major Gilmer to make an examination at Clarksville and Nashville, with the design to constructing works of defense at both place. Many pieces of cannon will be needed for the works, and an estimate will be prepared and forwarded as soon as he returns. I hope as soon as we can get ready to make up by activity for our deficiency in number. We have still here, and among all the troops elsewhere, a large number of men sick with measles.

Respectfully,

A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army.

CLARKSVILLE, TENN., October 27, 1861.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Bowling Green:

SIR: This will be handed you by Mr. Hillman, with whom I have talked freely on points of great interest to us all. He will give you fact connected with events now thickening fast around us that I am sure will be of service. his high character and warm devotion to our cause are guarantees for all he may communicate.

I have been detained here to-day, preparing matters to aid my organization at Hopkinsville, where I learn a vast deal of suffering exists, owing to the exposed condition of men. I have made arrangements to put 200 women to work on clothing, and hope for a contribution of blankets and clothing from the society at this place. I regret deeply to hear of the condition of things at Hopkinsville, but hope to overcome them. I am sorry also to hear of the inefficient condition of things at Fort Donelson. I fear our interests there are well-night beyond our control.

In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant, LLOYD TILGHMAN, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, October 28, 1861.

Major General LEONDIAS POLK, Columbus, Ky.:

SIR: In reply to your letter of the 17th instant the Secretary of War directs me to say that he thinks nothing will be gained by entering into a contract with Colonel Tate for the manufacture of powder. Three capitalists of Memphis have undertaken to get from the caves of Arkansas a large amount of saltpeter, and if this object be accomplished there is no fear as to the production of power.

Respectfully,

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