Preparation for a Fight at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee

(Correspondence of the Louisville Journal)

MERSAON’S CROASS ROADS,

Laurel Co., Kentucky, May 2, 1862.

We receive nearly every day word by passing supply trains of how matters are going on at the Cumberland Ford, and all the rumors current there in regard to the doings at the Gap.  Every one concurs in the statement that there is to be a tremendous fight necessary to take it, as they have the strongest intrenchments that have yet been occupied by the rebel troops, and are determined to make a stand, for the occupation of the place by the Federals would cut off all communication between Richmond and the army of the rebels in Mississippi by the quickest and most convenient route.  ‘Twas said that Gen. Smith, the rebel commander there, sent a bragadocia message to Gen. Morgan, who is commanding on our side, that he would defend the place until every one of his men, and himself, too were numbered among the killed.  I don’t know much about Smith’s character, but from all accounts, Morgan means what he says when he talks that way.  It’s more likely Smith’s defiant style, like Buckner’s black flag, was gotten up merely for show, and will not, in the end prevent an unconditional surrender.

Near the Gap, Morgan has engineers and miners working every day, as he is trying to plant a strong battery on a point that overlooks the enemy completely, and every day there are advances made in the work.  They have been reinforced lately by the Wisconsin battery that was sojourning in the Fair ground at Louisville through the winter, and as it is composed of splendid Parrott guns, and is supposed to be the best battery out here, it very likely will be the one posted on the mountain.  I do not know what other batteries are out there now, but the following is a complete list of the regiments there.

(For prudential reasons we omit the numeration of the forces now at the Gap.)

There are three Brigadiers there: Generals Morgan, Carter and Spears, and as there will be a brigade or two more than they can manage, there will be some chance for deserving Colonels who aspire higher.

When I reach the ford I will be better able to give you more detailed accounts of the proceedings there, and as they have a telegraph in operation now as far as Barboursville, I will try and telegraph the most important news to you, always, of course, providing that a military necessity don’t stand in the way.

G. G. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2