John F. Tisk to Thomas, September 18, 1861

General THOMAS: SIR: From indications that point to a gathering of the rebels in Lexington on Saturday next from the surrounding country, we deem it of

vital importance that you move a regiment there forthwith, fully prepared for a fight. : j The State Guards from all this part of the State meet in Lexington on Saturday ostensibly for drill. They have been buying and stealing all the powder and lead they can get, even tearing up lead pipes. We. will take measures to have a large force of Home Guards to meet you. You take the Fair Grounds for a camp, unless you can do better. No time is to be lost. They have taken Muldraugh’s Hill, we are informed, 1,500 strong, and burned the bridge over Rolling Fork of Salt River. General Rousseau is after them, with from 2,000 to 3,000 men; but the loss of the bridge is a great misfortune, If they take Lexington – with 2,500 men, as we fear they will, they will take the arsenal and magazine here, and disperse or capture the legislature. = Please let there be no delay. x

Respectfully, yours, :