D. Bruce to Colonel Garesche, December 5, 1862

Russellville, Ky., December 5, 1862.

Colonel GARESCHE, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff, Nashville :

COLONEL: Your dispatch in regard to the occupation of Clarksville by Colonel McHenry is received. General Boyle is unwilling that I should send the regiment there at present. Mycommand has been much reduced by leaving behind the Ninth Michigan Volunteers at Bowling Green, and the ordering away of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry. They leave to-morrow. I have also been compelled to furnish BrigadierGeneral Granger with a battalion of cavalry for scouting purposes, that he may guard against a raid upon the railroad above. Another battalion has been engaged in removing obstructions frum the Cumberland, in the vicinity of Eddyville and Cadiz, in order that you may get supplies by way of the river upon the slightest rise. There is considerable contraband trade carried on in this country, and it requires a considerable force, as well as a very active one, to cover the avenues.

We are capturing a number of returned soldiers, and many of them are reporting themselves of their ownaccord. The active sympathizers and aiders of these guerrillas are being made to feel the power of the Government, and indemnify Union men for the property stolen or destroyed by paying for the same in cash.

Hoping the above will meet your approval, I remain,

very respectfully,

yours,
8. D. BRUCE,
‘ Colonel, Commanding Post.