Geo. H. Thomas to Albin Schoepf, December 21, 1861
Lebanon, Ky., December 21, 1861.
Brig. Gen. ALBIN SCHOFPF, Commanding at Somerset, JCy. :
GENERAL: Yours of the 18th was received: yesterday. When you reported to me some days since the position of Zollieoffer I immediately telegraphed to General Buell, and suggested making a move on the enemy in front whilst you crossed the river and attacked him in the rear, but have received no answer from him.
Under the circumstances I think it will be best to keep a close watch on him, and if you can draw him out or catch hinroff his guard attack him.
It may be that General Buell wishes him to be detained on the Cumberland until the troops-on the line to Nashville are ready to move. He has not communicated any of his plans to me, but requires that I shall keep my troops together and be prepared to move promptly in any direction. I will try to send you two of Colonel Wolford’s companies from his camp, but you wall find them but little better than those you have.
General Boyle writes me that his scouts report that Zollicoffer is sending a large number of wagons to Celina, on the Cumberland, to be shipped west.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,â
Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.