Colonel William A. Hoskins to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 29, 1861

MCCLARIES’, PULASKI COUNTY, KENTUCKY,        

October 29, 1861.

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        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.

Please send me what assistance you can and as speedily as possible.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. HOSKINS.

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

Colonel William A. Hoskins to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, November 4, 1861

CAMP HOSKINS, PULASKI COUNTY, KY.,        

November 4, 1861. (Received November 6.)

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,

        Commanding, Crab Orchard:

GENERAL: On yesterday Colonel Wolford left to make a reconnaissance of the rebel force below this, and with the general understanding that, should he find the enemy too strong, he was either to return or send back for re-enforcements, when Colonel Bramlette and myself are to move forward with all our available force, which we think will reach 1,200.

We learned this evening that there was a rebel force of cavalry of 350 at Travisville, and, if true, I have no doubt that Colonel Wolford has proceeded to that point with a view of giving them battle.

On Friday night the same party were at Monticello, distant 20 miles from this place; that infantry force, numbering 3,200, made but a short stay at Albany on their return to their encampment at Old Monroe from Burkesville, though it is said they ravaged the country in their passage, driving off horses, cattle, and hogs. They also found a brother of Captain Frogg sick in bed, whom they murdered.

My boys are quite eager to meet the rebels in combat, and should any more troops move in that direction I could not, if I were disposed, prevent their joining in the march.

I have improved our position at this place by the erection of some rude breastworks along the face of the hill and parallel with the roads. I have also blockaded a number of roads to prevent a flank movement of the enemy. They, I learn, had determined to force's passage by this route with a view of forming a junction with Zollicoffer at Crab Orchard, not doubting but that he would reach that point. Their whole force at Travisville and Old Monroe from the best information will reach near 4,000, though all assert that they are but insufficiently and poorly armed. I have not learned that they certainly have any artillery.

Recruits are coming in rapidly the past few days, and I hope to have the minimum number by the 10th instant and a full regiment in a few weeks.

I hope soon to see matters sufficiently quieted in this section to allow me time to return and dispose of my old quartermasters business.

Most respectfully, your friend and obedient servant,

W. A. HOSKINS.

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. 334-5