F.K. Zollicoffer to William W. Mackall, September 30, 1861

SIR:

The detachments whose movements I réported to you on the 26th instant are returning into camp. The commands of Colonels Rains and Statham and Lieutenant-Colonel MeNairy went a few miles beyond London, having driven in the enemy’s pickets a few miles this side of Laurel Bridge, captured a part of the baggage of the eneampment at the bridge, and given ineffectual chase for several miles to a retreating force variously estimated at from 600 to 1,500. They captured two of the pickets and one other prisoner, 8,000 eartridges, 25,000 caps, 3 kegs of powder, 6 barrels of salt, 2 wagons and teams (hauling off the last of their baggage), 3 other horses, 25 pairs of shoes, and several guns. The commands of Colonel Cummings’and Lieutenant-Colonel Brazelton proceeded to the salt works in Olay County and loaded their wagon train with all the salt there—200 barrels—and returned with it without any incident of note. The works belong to Lincoln men, but Colonel Cummings was instructed to receipt’for it, which he did. It appears certain that a portion of the enemy’s force at Laurel Bridge was from Camp Dick Robinson, and there is reason to suppose that a considerable force has advanced from that camp towards Lon- – don, but of this I have no reliable information. I have not yet had an opportunity of getting detailed information from the officers of the character of the roads, the topography of the country, temper of the people, &c., but learn that the people seem hostile, and that the roads have numerous mountain defiles. ‘ I regret to have to report that I learn that some of our soldiers com- y mitted discreditable trespasses on the property of private citizens on the route, which I will investigate and endeavor to have properly punished. It will tend to thwart progress I was making in conciliating. masses of ignorant people here who were hostile because they were told we would have no respect for their personal or property rights. Very respeetfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER,