George H. Thomas to D. C. Bvell, December 7, 1861

General D. C. BvELL: We have just had interviews with the President and General MeClellan, and find they eoneur fully with us in respect to the East Tennessee expedition. Our people are oppressed and pursued as beasts of the forest. The Government must come to their relief. Weare looking to you with anxious solicitude to move in that direction. DECEMBER 7, 1861. General McCook, Camp Nevin: Send forward a brigade and a battery to Munfordville, to take a good position and protect the bridge. Move yourdivision up to Bacon Creek, leaving a small guard over the bridge at Nevin. Keep us informed, and be ready at all times to act promptly. D. €. BUELL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LEBANON, December 7, 1861. Brigadier-General BUELL: General Schoepf reports that enemy having crossed the Cumberland as near as he could learn with four regiments of infantry, two regiments of cavalry, and eight pieces of artillery, and as there was no position near the river that could be held by his small force, he fell back, on the night of the 5th, about 3 miles this side of Somerset to a very fine position, commanding the Crab Orchard and Stanford road, where he would await his re-entorcements and then move forward. Three roads flanking his position on Fishing Creek rendered it untenable. The enemy had 3,000 employed about 3 miles west of his position on Fishing Creek, and his scouts reported them still crossing and moving down the river, driving in his pickets and taking possession of the ferries at Hudson’s and Patterson’s, from which roads lead to the main road 1 mile in rear of his present position.

GEO. H. THOMAS,