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

tofore in the river, mounting much heavier guns. I am starting to Eddyville, and if successful will be able to give you a more satisfactory detail on my return, which will be as soon a practicable. No troops left, so far as I can learn, though much alarm exists about it. I was unable to get hold of information upon which I could rely so as to send a messenger last night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. MACHEN.

HOPKINSVILLE, November 2, 1861.

Colonel W. W. MACKALL:

Your dispatches through Clarksville received. I am more at ease. The enemy have retired towards mouth of river in part and part reported gone north. My scouts are from beyond Madinsonville and Princenton and Eddyville, and my impression is the movement intended principally for you point. Shall push reconnoitering well towards Asbyshburg and Rochester when able to do so. Can't you send me some cavalry, say 200? I will hold my position yet. Have ordered up Colonel Gregg.

LLOYD TILGHMAN, Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 2, 1861.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, C. S. A., Bowling Green, Ky.:

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that the obstructions at Eddy Shoals, or Ingram's Bar, was completed Wednesday last, by sinking three barges, 120 by 27 by 8, filled with stone; also two smaller ones near the bar. This obstruction is complete against the gunboats for any rise less than about 12 feet over present stage. These boats contain about 1,200 tones of stone, and the boats themselves are made of 6-inch scantling. It may be possible that in a few weeks the current which ese in over the head of the bar between the sunken boat may wash out a channel. If so, it can be easily closed by sinking a small boat in the new channel. Lieutenant-Colonel MacGavock, commanding at Fort Donelson, furnished a company of cavalry, three of infantry, and four pieces of artillery to protect the working party, but no enemy appeared. Captain Dixon, engineers, had charge of the force, and Captain H. H. Harrison was instructed with the sinking of the boats. Two barges were also sunk at Line Island, effecting a barrier there, which may be made complete by sinking a small boat at the head of the island to close a small interval. The people on the river above Eddyville to Dover, 45 miles, are generally enthusiastic for the South, but a few Lincolnites are scattered about, who eagerly carry the news to Smithland. Captain Dixon and Major Gilmer of the engineers are examining the site at Line Port, with a view of fortifying it.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MILTON A HAYNES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Artillery.

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland Gap, November 2, 1861.

HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War:

I asked some weeks ago for ten guns. You promised me 8-inch howitzers. Only three have arrived, and two Parrott guns, sent by General