Albin F. Schoepf to George H. Thomas, December 9, 1861

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Eastern Division, Kentucky :

GENERAL: Yours of the 7th is at hand. In a hasty note of the Sth I stated to you the state of affairs about Somerset. I have little to communicate in addition to what I then wrote, viz, that the enemy is on this side of the river and within 7 miles of us. His force, from the most reliable information, consists of nine regiments of infantry, 3,500 cavalry, and twelve pieces of artillery.

My force, including the Tennesseeans, just arrived, will not amount.

to more than 5,000. I have no cavalry that ean be relied on. I have ten pieces of artillery. My eommand is necessarily seattered, having several points to defend,

it being uncertain by which of the several approaches to the village the y

enemy will make his appearance.

From the above you must see the necessity of my being immediately re-enforced. My communications for the last seven or eight days have, I think, fully shown this necessity.

I shall meet the enemy, be the result what it may.

Ihave ordered Captain Dillion to report to your headquarters in arrest. Charges will be forwarded. per next mail.

We received about two days’ supply of provisions from Lebanon today. We were entirely out.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,