A. B. Moore to Colonel Scott, December 5, 1862

Hartsville, Tenn., December 5, 1862.

Brig. Gen. E. DUMONT, Commanding Twelfth Division :

Ste: I respectfully report the arrival of two scouts sent out by Colonel Scott, in obedience to your instructions. ‘They went within 1 mile of Liberty, where there is a small force of guerrillas engaged in collecting stock, enforcing the conscription law, and running a steam-mill. From information given these scouts by their parents and friends (Liberty being, according to their account, a strong Union town), they assert that Kirby Smith is at Manchester, Tenn., and that he himself is sick. They also inquired about the force that threatened us at Tompkinsville, but could learn nothing of it, nor of any other force invading Kentucky. I have sent my cavalry scouts as far across the river as Lebanon. They report that town picketed by the enemy.

very respectfully, your obedient servant.

Colonel, Commanding Thirty-ninth Brigade.