Commanding First Kentucky Brigade:
GENERAL: I left
Camp Hoskins this morning at 3 o'clock to visit my family, being summoned to
attend a little daughter who I fear is dead ere this; but I am overtaken by a
courier with information, reliable, that the rebels are advancing with an
expressed determination to break up our encampment. I must return to my
command.
The rebel force
is estimated at 3,200, which I suppose is not exaggerated, as they also have a
train of 140 wagons.
I learn that they
have also a body of cavalry stationed at Travisville, numbering 1,200, which of
course will join their main force at Albany, making in the aggregate 4,400. I
have no fears from an attack should it come from the direction of the main road
leading from Monticello, but apprehend that they may attempt to flank us by
crossing lower down the river. It is likewise reported that they have two
batteries of artillery, and if true they may shell us from our present position.
Can you send us aid—say at least one regiment and a battery? Should they effect
a crossing of the Cumberland, they might prove troublesome. I shall not abandon
the position we now hold unless ordered or driven, conceiving, as I do, it to
be of the utmost importance that it should be held. I shall improve the time by
fortifying our position as well as I can and blocking the passes more effectually
above and below. In conclusion, I would state that I have received the news of
their advancing from too many reliable sources to justly me in doubting it.
P. S.—If cavalry can be spared I should like to have at least one company, that which I had having been recalled.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 323
