CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.
once proceed to Bowling Green, Ky., and report to General A. S. Johston accordingly.
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By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
GALLATIN, November 2, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON:
SIR: My company is threatened by superior force from Kentucky. Please order Captain Nat. Saunders' company of cavalry sent here at once. Three-fourths of my command are without arms. Can you spare 500 stand arms?
J. W. HEAD, Commanding.
BOWLING GREEN, November 2, 1861.
Colonel J. W. HEAD, Gallation:
SIR: Colonel Stanton reports that section of country clear of enemies this morning. His own troops between Berkesville and Gallatin are now passing through on the route to Jamestown. No arms can be sent now. No report of Captain Nat. Saunders' company here. We know nothing of it.
Please report condition of the company.
W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Cumberland, Ky., November 2, 1861.
To the PRESIDENT, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: Under the very urgent necessity of supplying my command with arms, and in view of the very slow progress made in obtaining them form our own manufactures, I have had ny thoughts directed to other sources, and am satisfied a supply adequate to the wants of my own department can be obtained from Havana, Island of Cuba.
Arms in considerable numbers have already reached our southern coast, but the number is, of course, limited to the ability of private enterprise.
I have made an arrangement with gentleman in whom I have the utmost confidence for making the purchase and bringing them into the country. The details have been a matter of careful consideration, and I have no hesitation with your approval. i have made an arrangement for borrowing the funds to carry out the enterprise, to be refunded at the pleasure of thee Government.
This will be handed you by my aide-de-camp, W. B. Richmond, who will give you any information desired in regard to this matter.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.
