Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky.:
SIR: A
reconnoitering detachment has just returned from London, reporting no
appearance of an enemy there. They report, upon general information from
country people, that there are 3,300 of the enemy encamped on Rockcastle Hills,
a strong position 13 miles beyond, where the Mount Vernon road crosses the Rockcastle
River. I would move forward and attack them instantly but for unexpected
deficiency in subsistence stores. Ten days ago I ordered the brigade commissary
to accumulate a stock of 30 days' rations for 5,000 men. To-day I have not 5
days' rations. I could not properly advance with less than 10. I hope soon to
have the supplies.
I sent a large
detachment into Harlan County, where I heard there were 500 or 600 men embodied
under arms. No organized enemy found. I have sent a cavalry detachment to
Williamsburg; not yet returned. This is nearly my only means of getting
information of the country.
N. B.—Thirteen men
were captured in Harlan in small armed parties.
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