F. K. Zollicoffer, October 2, 1861

SIR:

I had posted Captain Bledsoe’s cavalry company near Jamestown, Tenn., and four other cavalry companies at intermediate points from there to Cumberland Gap, to watch the mountain passes on the East Tennessee and Kentucky line in its whole extent. Colonel Stanton’s rifle regiment is encamped in Overton County, Middle Tennessee, uar. XIL] SKIRMISH AT HOPKINSVILLE, KY. ETC. 201

Captain Bledsoe ascertained that about 400 Lineoln men at Albany, Ky., had made prisoners of some of our friends in their neighborhood, who sent to Bledsoe for help. He dashed over the line to Albany, routed the Lincoln men, and captured about 60 muskets, which he sent to Colonel Stanton.

The force of the enemy has collected at Monticello 800 strong, and two small pieces of artillery have been sent them from Camp Dick Robinson. Bledsoe has since sent to Colonel Stanton for help, which has been refused. He sent a second time, and was informed that he (Stanton) would not afford the desired assistance unless ordered by General Johnston. ‘This is what a messenger sent to General Caswell disperse the Lincoln force and take their cannon. Three companies of cavalry have been ordered to Bledsoe’s relief, but Stanton, who is so near, ought to give his aid.

I hear that about 2,500 Lincolnites have assembled at Louisa, in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on the Lower Sandy River, and that the people of Seott, Lee, Wise, Russell, and other western countiesin Virginia are preparing against invasion. I have written to leading men in those counties, and have sent an intelligent officer through them to get reliable news and to urge timely preparations to guard the gaps in the mountains.

Very respectfully,