Albin F. Schoepf to George H. Thomas, December 4, 1861

(Received December 6, 1861.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding, &e., Lebanon, Ky.:

GENERAL: As I had heard nothing from you since 25th ultimo, I did not until this evening know where you had established your headquarters.

I wrote to the commander of this department on the 2d instant, and advised him that we had already no little difficulty in obtaining necessary forage for our draught animals and that a portion of our stores was nearly exhausted, and in order to be nearer our depot I expected, unless I should receive orders to the contrary, to move towards Somerset. I hope that this step will meet with your approbation.

Another reason which renders a change of camps advisable is the siekness of our men and the increased malignity of disease. We have some rebels in camp from Scott County, East Tennessee; they were brought in yesterday by some Tennesseeans and Kentuckians. They have been noted for the bitterness of their enmity to the Union cause and the unrelenting manner in which they have persecuted loyal men. Four of them are said to be members of a rebel company of rangers, one of whom is a sergeant. What shall be done with them ?

(Received December 5 , 1861—3 a. im.)

Brig. Gen. GEoRGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Hastern Division:

GENERAL: According to your instructions to keep you informed of the movements of the enemy, I do so now.

From information just received (1 p. m.) from a captain of the Thirtyeighth Ohio, who was on picket west of me, I learned that the enemy, two regiments of infantry and one battery strong, beat the reveille at 3 o’clock this morning; he heard the train moving in a southwesterly direction, and also heard commands given distinctly.

I have no doubt they are moving towards Mill Springs. A negro man who came from the other side this morning informs me that they had constructed a large number of boats on Meadow Creek, opposite Mill Springs, with the intention to cross at that place. Being certain that they are not going to cross here, I ordered the whole battery to Mill Springs. I will order the Thirty-eighth Ohio to-morrow morning to Somerset, to be in readiness to move either to this ‘place or to Mill Springs, where it should be most needed, the distance to either place being only 6 miles.

I will proceed to Mill Springs nao am only waiting to get more reliable information with regard to their movements here.

Very respectfully, your obedient as