A. Schoepf, December 12, 1861

(Received December 16, 1861.)

Commanding Division, Lebanon:

GENERAL: Having obtained much information relative to the face of the adjacent country, its roads, streams, and crossings, together with the ranges and haunts of the enemy, I would respectfully offer the following suggestion:

Let a respectable force move from Columbia along the road leading to Somerset until it reaches the salt-works, at the head of Fishing Creek; by this time its movements will have attracted the attention of the enemy, now on the river near the mouth of this creek.

At this moment let me cross the river with the principal part of my force at a point due south of Somerset (which I ean do). The enemy, on being crowded by the Columbia force, will attempt to recross the river, when, with that force in his rear and mine in front (south side of the river), his capture must be certain.

What do you say to this plan?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,