E Geo. H. Thomas to 1 HEADQUARTERS First KENTUCKY BRIGADE, November 7, 1861
Crab Orchard, Ky., November 7, 1861.
Brigadier-General SCHOEPF,
Commanding Camp Calvert, London, Ky. : — GENERAL: I find it necessary to reply to Governor Johnson’s letter in the manner of the foregoing, which I send to you for your information. Itis time that discontented persons should be silenced both in and out of the service. I sympathize most deeply with the Tennes- -geeans on account of their natural anxiety to relieve their friends and families from the terrible oppression which they are now suffering; but to make the attempt to rescue them when we are.not half prepared is – eulpable, especially when our enemies are as anxious that we should make the move as the Tennesseeans themselves; for it is well known by our commanding general that Buckner has an overwhelming force within striking distance whenever he can get us at a disadvantage. *[ hope you will therefore see the necessity of dealing decidedly with
LEST edes wor ERR, E h q
Se S ; + . such people, and you have my authority and orders for doing so. We – 3 must learn to abide our time, or we shall never be successful.
your obedient servant,
3 p ; à Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
E .
2 ^^ Brigadier-General SHERMAN,
Commanding Department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky. :
E GENERAL: Colonel Bramlette writes me again that the enemy have