George H. Thomas to S. P. Carter, December 3, 1861

Brig. Gen. S. P. CARTER, Commanding at London, Ky.: GENERAL: Yours of November 28 has been received. The information which we have of the immediate movements of the rebels is to the effect that they are moving towards the west. You did right in declining to march to Somerset without orders.

It is General Buell’s intention to keep troops at London for a while yet. As I wrote you a few days since, your regiments, at least the Tennesseeans, will move to Somerset, if they are moved west. Encourage your men to remain hopeful, and assure them that the Government will not leave them to their enemies, but will-atford relief to East Tennessee as soon as possible. I am not a vathor ized to tell you even what I know, beeause General Buell is desirous that the enemy be kept profoundly ignorant of our movements.

I will take measures to have arms for your recruits, if they can be had from Louisville, and also some for the East Tennesseeans.

Should you need the corn, flour, &c., of those secessionists you mentioned, I would not hesitate to takeit. Have statements of the amount of ammunition you have on hand made out and send to Capt. A. Miller,

ordnance officer at this place, as soon as the colonels can forward them;

also direct them to forward their monthly regimental returns immedi-

. ately. The paymaster will be with you soon. You may hasten his

arrival by sending an escort with a wagon to take charge of his moneychest. Let the escort meet him at Crab Orchard.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,