F.K. Zollicoffer to Albert S. Johnston, September 16, 1861

General A. S. JOHNSTON, Memphis, Tenn. :

SIR: On the 10th instant I apprised Adjutant-General Cooper that I expected on the 12th to have three regiments at Cumberland Ford andthree other regiments there as soon as they could be withdrawn from other posts, and I added: The country beyond Cumberland Gap, toward Nelson’s Caihp, is poor and hostile. To make secure our line of communication with the sources of our supplies, it is essential

to strengthen the positions at Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Ford, and the intervening passes of the Three Log Mountains. This may be accomplished, I trust, in a few days after the six infantry regiments get to the Ford, when we will be ready to make

: a forward movement.

On the 13th I received dispatehes from Governor Harris and General Buckner, urging me to arrest my movement at the State line, if possible. These dispatches came too late, reaching me after my return from London. I replied to Governor Harris hy telegraph, requesting him to transmit to Governor Magoffin the following note:

KNOXVILLE, September 14, 1861. His Excellency Governor MAGOFFIN, Frankfort, Ky. :

Sin: The safety of Tennessee requiring it, I have oecupied the mountain passes at Cumberland Ford and the Three Log Mountains, in Kentucky. For weeks I have known that the Federal commander at Hoskins’ Cross-Roads was threatening the invasion of East Tennessee, and ruthlessly urging our people to destroy their own railroad bridges. I postponed this precautionary measure until the despotic Government at Washington, refusing to recognize the neutrality of Kentucky, had established’ formidable camps in the central and other parts of the State, with a view first to subjugate our gallant sister and then ourselves. Tenuessee feels, and has ever felt, towards Kentucky as a twin sister. Their people are as one people, in kindred, sympathy, valor, and patriotism. We have felt, and still feel, a religious respect for Kentucky neutrality. We will respect it as long as our safety will permit. If the Federal forces will now withdraw from their menacing position, the forces under my command shall instantly be withdrawn.

Very respectfully,