CAMP GOGGIN, December 2, 1861.
GENERAL: I arrived here yesterday, reconnoitered same day
and today. This morning the enemy opened fire from three pieces, one rifled,
and infantry on Colonel Haskins' camp subsequent to my order for the removal of
the camp some distance back.
The strength of the enemy is estimated, by the best accounts
we can get, of the following distant from Mill Springs 2 miles, 1,000 infantry;
at Steubenville, 2 miles distant from West's, 2,000 infantry; and at
Monticello, 5 miles from Steubenville, 3,000 infantry. Mill Springs is distant
from this point 12 miles, at which place they can cross the Cumberland with
facility, and 2 miles below that point they can also cross.
Apprehending the probability of their crossing at Mill
Springs, I detailed two companies of cavalry to that place. I deem the position
east of me safe, but west of me they may cross.
The river is high and not fordable, but by means of flats
they can cross anywhere; the troops under my command are not sufficient to keep
the river guarded as far as Mill Springs. Should they cross in the vicinity of
my camp I can defend my position. The Thirty-eighth Ohio will be with me to-day.
The Seventeenth will occupy a position on Fishing Creek, to defend against a
flank movement should the enemy cross.
Commanding Eastern Division.
P. S.—The enemy have moved their artillery and opened fire again. I have hardly time to write.
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