John Coburn to George H. Thomas, December 6, 1861
(Received December 9, 1861.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding, dec., Lebanon :
GENERAL: The orders received last night from departmental headquarters require me to remain in front of Cumberland Gap, for the purpose, in part, of keeping out marauders and protecting the loyal citizens.
This morning, having learned that Barboursville was threatened by a small force, I ordered the Third Kentucky Regiment to march to its protection. Colonel Garrard was directed to employ some mounted
íi. EE amount of ammunition.
Hampton’s Legion arrived there on the 3d, with a large
At Morristown, Jefferson County, East Tennessee, report says there were five regiments, whose destination is Kentucky, via the Gap. The rebel general Crittenden had been at the Gap, but left to bring
up his brigade.
I fear that we cannot do a great deal towards resisting
the force the enemy is accumulating at and about the Gap.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, Acting Brigadier-General, Commanding East Tennessee Brigade.
Hpars. First Div., DEPT. OF THE Ohio,
Lebanon, December 6, 1861.
I. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 19, from department headquarters, Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas assumes command of the First
First Brigade. 33d Indiana Regiment Volunteers, Col.
John Coburn.
17th Ohio Regiment Volunteers, Col. J.