A. Schoepf to December 18, 1861, December 17, 1861

Somerset, Ky., December 17, 1861.

(Received December 20, 1861.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, y Commanding First Division, Dept. of the Ohio, Lebanon, Ky.:

GENERAL: Since my last nothing of interest has occurred. Colonel Hoskins’ regiment, Twelfth Kentucky, reoccupies its former position on the river bank.

I shall move forward at day-light to-morrow with four regiments by three different routes in the direction of the enemy’s camp, for the purpose mainly of driving in his pickets, gaining information of his strength and position, and of presenting to him an offensive attitude. It may be that the information thus gained will be of that nature as to ee me to attack him in his for tified position at Mill Springs.

I will report to you on my return to-morrow the result of my notion

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, Commanding First Brigade.

P. S.—Major Coffee, with the regimental band of the First Kentucky

Cavalry (Wolford’s), arrived this evening, in search of his regiment, but

I could give him no information on the subject.

DECEMBER 18, 1861.

Major-General McCLELLAN, U. S. A., i

Washington, ‘ D. O.: