[CHAP.XII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

On the score of artillery I have merely to say, that there is not an organized squad for a singe gun that could be taken in to action. There are five pieces of artillery-two 6-pounders, two 9, one 12-none of which I think fit for service in account of the wretched manner in which they are mounted; a total ignorance of all mechanical principles evidenced inthe construction of the carriages. The guns seem to be pretty fair. On the subject of clothing and equipments, equipage, &c., I can only sat that I find nothing more encouraging. The commissary department is pretty well supplies; the quarter's department entirely deficient.

I have thus fairly sketched the condition of things. Major Hewett will be able to give you some particulars that I have not time now to do, but will write by the next mail. I have commenced at the root of things, and mean to work out the best result I can. I write not thus discouragingly in any spirit of complaint, but to lay before the commanding general the plain facts of the case. They are plainly these: I have no force here available for any purpose save protecting the sick and depot. i have reason to think that the enemy are in full possession of this fact, and are calculating on it. I have no force with which to operate i any direction, and our people are suffering terribly within the lines assigned me for my operations. In front and on my left they need a check. The defenses of the Cumberland cannot I believe be perfected, unmolested, unless my position is strengthened for this purpose.

A movement has taken place at Henderson. A courier reached me to-night with the inclosed paper* from a committee at Henderson. The Union men have been very busy here to-day. They are too open-mounted, and must be checked. The stage is waiting, and I have not time to say more than this. I deem it absolutely necessary that I should as soon as possible be re-enforced. A cavalry force is indispensably necessary to cover my front and prevent the removal of a large amount of wheat, flour, corn, and hobs, now drafted daily on heavily by scouting parties. Of the latter item, there are not less than 50,000 hogs. This service would require the whole time of not less than 500 cavalry. For practical purposes I am without infantry and artillery, and desire that a due proportion of both be at once sent. I be you to say to General Johnston that I need the assistance of some graduates, for artillery especial. Could I not have the services of the two young men mentioned by General Buckner? (See him.) I will prepare full estimates for all my wants and forward them.

I beg you to pardon this hurried communication. I have not had time it read it over. Major Hewett will give you facts as to a landing at Eddyville by our people.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

LLOYD TILGHMAN, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army, Commanding.

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,

Camp Buckner (Cumberland Ford), October 29, 1861.

Lieutenant-Colonel MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General, Bowling Green, Ky.:

SIR: My pickets at Laurel Bridge yesterday drove back a small cavalry picket of the enemy and took 3 prisoners, who represent that a

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* Not found.

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