[CHAP. XXVIII.

escape through Montgomery County by way of Pound Gap. He is stealing horses and tearing up railroads. Has about 1,200 or 1,600 men, having gathered some recruits. He has done most damage he can. I ordered an attack by General Ward, an officer at Frankfort, but could not have the order executed. Nothing but cavalry would avail anything. I have ordered pursuit of him, with part of Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry and infantry I have mounted. I have but little hope of overtaking him. I have few officers and raw recruits. With fair officers I could have taken him or cut him up. No man ever had such times.

If you will prevent the villains from coming through Cumberland from Sparta, &c., I will put the scoundrels through. It would hardly justify you bringing your command over. Orders if necessary I will telegraph. I am not satisfactorily advised of the position of the enemy.

J. T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General.

General NELSON.

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 17, 1862.

Governor Campbell, Jordan Stokes, and Trimble, of Tennessee, and the prominent men of Kentucky desire that I ask leave to raise cavalry regiment for term of twelve months or for three years, to serve in Kentucky and Tennessee. Twelve-months' men would only need a jacket to distinguish them, and arms and horses, many of which should be taken from secessionists. Twelve-months' men can be had in very short time. Since the rebels have mounted so many of their men we must have cavalry to protect the railroads or General Buell will have to fall back with his whole army for subsistence. We can clear the two States of these villains from the South and at home in less than twelve months. I trust I may have this authority at once. I feel it all-important. Rebels becoming impudent and propose to celebrate Manassas at Hopkinsville. They have driven off the best Union men at Henderson, on the Ohio River.

J. T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

E. M. STANTON.

CINCINNATI, July 17, 1862.

(Received Washington July 17, 1862, 9 p.m.)

Have received no reply to my several dispatches last few days. Rebels reported to have attacked Cynthiana. Have sent all the force I can raise, some arms and ammunition. Appeals constantly made for assistance, which we cannot render.

GEORGE HATCH,

Mayor of Cincinnati.

SECRETARY OF WAR.

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 17, 1862.

Recent events in Kentucky prove that infantry cannot protect the State against the inroads of hostile cavalry, and we cannot have cavalry force to meet cavalry invaders. Kentucky is in imminent danger of being overrun. The internal strength of sympathizers in this rebell-