€. F. SMITH, December 1, 1861

Paducah, Ky., December 1, 1861.

To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:”

Sin: The letter of the major-general commanding the department, dated on the 26th ultimo, in reference to the defense of the line of the Ohio between the mouths of the Wabash and Tennessee from Hardee’s rebel forces attempting to cross into Illinois, &e., was duly received. I concur entirely with the general that the cavalry force he speaks of operating on the north bank of the Ohio would, with an occasional visit of a gunboat, be sufficient.

Our main reliance against the enemy’s attempt by gunboats by way of the Tennessee and Cumberland must be by the flotilla, though at present that term is rather a misnomer, since it consists of but the gunboat Conestoga. The two floating batteries (two coal-barges joined), one of which is in position, can scarcely be regarded as part of the flotilla. They were intended to sweep both shores and guard the bridge, but only as against field guns. Alone, they could be run down or destroyed by an enemy’s gunboat, properly constructed and armed, easily, though as an auxiliary to gunboats they may do good service. The

464. OPERATIONS IN KY., TENN., N. ALA., AND $. W. VA. [Omar. XVIL –

bridge is down and the parts sheltered, as I have already reported. I inelose a copy of General McClellan’s orders in relation to it. My reports to him on this and other matters were made to him direct, by his orders, during the absence of General Frémont in the West, and. until General Halleck’s arrival at Saint Louis.

There is no bridge-head, it not being deemed necessary at the moment. The nature of the surface on the opposite shore is such that at this season an enemy could not take up an effective position.

I am not aware of any marauding in the country just east of the Tennessee—4. e., between the Tennessee and the Cumberland—bu it has been earried on extensively on the east of the Cumberland. My cavalry force is not adequate to attempt the service of scouring this part of the country and attending to necessary duties here. It consists of four companies of the Second Illinois Cavalry, imperfectly armed. Each company wants 20 sabers. They have no pistols, and only some of them have carbines. I have written several times about the arming of these men, but have not been successful. Of two companies of regular cavalry (neither of which has a single officer belonging to it present), one is weak in numbers—only 54. This is Company C, Second Cavalry. If recruits are received, they will need the usual equipments. Thielemann’s company of Chicago cavalry is in full strength, and armed with sabers, though but partially with pistols. General Frémont authorizes it to be converted into a squadron. The second company has one first lieutenant and 70 men. It needs a captain and second lieutenant, which might well be taken by transfer from the other company, and which I recommend. These men need horses and arms.

I think Shawneetown and Cave in Rock might well be occupied by the three regiments spoken of, and from thence patrol the north bank of the Ohio, occasionally crossing and scouring the country east of the Cumberland. This, I think, would stop the plundering. .

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

€. F. SMITH,

DBrigadier- General, Commanding.