Today in History:

153 Series I Volume XLV-II Serial 94 - Franklin - Nashville Part II

Page 153 Chapter LVII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

captured, between Fort Donelson and Clarksville, on the evening o the 9th. The officers and men were paroled and the steamer was burned. General Lyon crossed the Cumberland with 3,000 men, using the T. E. Tutt to cross with. Boats were also fired into at he same point last night coming down the river.

Respectfully,

HENRY P. REED,

Captain, Commanding Post.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 11, 1864-4 p. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER, Smithland:

You will direct all boats designing to ascend the Cumberland to halt at Smithland and report to me at this place for further orders. Colonel Between will also follow these instructions, as it is not advisable to move up the river at this time. Acknowledge receipt.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

CLARKSVILLE, December 11, 1864-10.20 a. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:

Rebel General Lyon, with from 2,00 to 3,000 men, with nine pieces of artillery, captured an up boat, at Cumberland City, Friday evening, and was crossing the river yesterday. He captured the Ben South that left here yesterday. The other boats all returned except two, who ran the battery and are at Fort Donelson.

A. A. SMITH,

Colonel, Commanding.

NASHVILLE, December 11, 1864-6 p. m.

Colonel A. A. SMITH, Clarksville:

It has been reported by the assistant quartermaster at Clarksville that the boats captured by the rebel General Lyon have all been burned. Will you report at once whether the statement is correct.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

CLARKSVILLE, December 11, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

The Thomas E. Tutt and Ben South are certainly burned. Tow-boat Echo has not returned-supposed to have been burned. A courier left Donelson last night at 12 o'clock. Echo had not arrived there. The two that had run the battery had arrived.

A. A. SMITH,

Colonel, Commanding.

CLARKSVILLE, December 11, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General:

My scouts have just been driven in by Lyon's men, but I do not think he will come here, but threaten me. I think he will go to Hopkinsville, Bowling Green, or Russellville. I am ready for him.

A. A. SMITH,

Colonel, Commanding.


Page 153 Chapter LVII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.