OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.

COLUMBUS, November 13, 1861.

General JOHNSTON:

In your dispatch of the 10th [9th?] you say "you have reported no imperious necessity for suspension of the order for the movement of General Pillow's command." Intelligence just received has created that imperious necessity. We have undoubted intelligence, making it indispensable that this command should remain in its present position, and that if possible we should have re-enforcements.

L. POLK.

COLUMBUS, November 13, 1861.

Major MACKALL:

General [Polk] is not so well. His physician advises repose as absolutely necessary. He directs me to recall my advance and suspend the column upon the ground of an imperious and overruling necessity, involving the safety of this post and of this command, and places me in present command.

We have had for several days intelligence, from sources which we know are entitled to full confidence, that the enemy are making preparations upon a gigantic scale to assault. To-day a deserter from Cairo, an artillerist from the fixed battery at Cairo, came in, and said that the movement will be made on this place in the latter part of the coming week. They are bringing all their available forces from the interior of Missouri and Illinois, and will invest this place with 30,000 men.

The state of things here General Polk considers as coming within the purview of Major Mackall's dispatch, viz: that no report had been made by him showing any imperious necessity for the suspension of the movement of my division. He now makes that report, and seriously assures General Johnston that no necessity more important or urgent could exist. This dispatch is directed by General Polk, and has been read to him and myself. General Cheatham and General McCown all concur, upon full conference, in the statement of fact and opinion expressed.

GID. J. PILLOW, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army, Commanding.

WYTHEVILLE, November 13, 1861.

General COOPER:

Dispatch of 11th received at Jeffersonville. Trigg supposed to have moved this morning. If so, this is his nearest way at Abingdon road, at Harrisonsville, 21 miles from Abingdon. I think if enemy penetrates Virginia, it will be by this road. Richland covers the salt works. Scouts sent forward to ascertain his route. My movements determined from Richland or this place. If orders are positive telegraph, but as at present situated I think best plan to move on at least to this point. Supplies stopped by order, except ammunition.

HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Brigadier-General.

BOWLING GREEN, November 14, 1861.

Generals POLK and PILLOW:

Your dispatch of the 13th received. General Johnston insists that General Pillow's command move at once to Clarksville. Let the in-