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

Page 489(Official Records Volume 4)  


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

I wish you to send me an accurate statement of the number and discipline of force your command by private hand, and state what you think requisite for efficient defense.

Your obedient servant,

L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

BOWLING GREEN, KY., October 30, 1861.

General HINDMAN:

Bring the coaches and the horses. Bring telegraph operator, and destroy the line as far as you fall back. Bring sick back, and send them here by this evening's train. Send the stores by the train. As soon as sick and stores are sent to the rear, Phifer and Cox will fall back with their troops on Hindman.

Reply by telegraph.

W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

BOWLING GREEN, October 30, 1861.

Colonel MACKALL:

All your orders will be obeyed as rapidly as possible. Train has not arrived. Will remove sick first, then remove stores from Green River, and have them destroy telegraph, &c. I remain here till last detachment falls back. Enemy's pickets approach nearer on right. They are thrown out from Campbellsville, where-there is a force of 2,300 under War.

T. C. HINDMAN, Brigadier-General.

BOWLING GREEN, October 30, 1861.

General HARDEE:

Having the transportation for my sick or public stores, I leave here two companies of Phifer's battalion. Have order Major Cox, with his battalion, to this place immediately. It is reported to me by citizens that there is great scarcity of water at Rock Hill. Please send forward train, that my whole force may be moved as ordered.

T. C. HINDMAN.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP ALCORN,

Hopkinsville, Ky., October 30, 1861.

Colonel W. W. MACKALL:

SIR: I am instructed by Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman to say that the enemy are assembling in considerable force upon Green River, and that be has certain and reliable information that Madisonville and a point higher up are the points upon which they intend to advance. Since his hurried letter by Major Hewett concerning the condition of the troops here, he has had reports from the different parts of his command showing that his estimate of its inefficiency was entirely correct. There is no artillery which can be used, and re-enforcements of both infantry and cavalry are needed at once. Whilst not alarmed, the general deems