L. Polk to Zollicoffer, September 14, 1861

General ZOLLICOFFER, Knoxville, Tenn. : . Your letter of 10th received.* “The military eonsiderations elearly indicate the forward movement which you propose. The politieal condition of Kentucky affects the determination of this question. Of that you are better informed than ourselves, and as you are supposed to

“Not found; but Sco Zollicotter to Johnston, September 16, p. 194.

have conferred with General A. S. J ohnston, the matter is left to your discretion. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

COLUMBUS, Ky., September 14, 1861. Adjutant-General COOPER:

The enemy is concentrating a force at Paducah. It is necessary I should have more troops. I am offered two brigades by Governor Pettus, of Mississippi, armed and equipped, provided they are mustered into the Confederate service. May I take them? Prompt action is our policy now in Kentucky. COLUMBUS, September 14, 1861. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President, dc. :

Inelosed I send you a letter from two distinguished gentlemen of Kentucky, which will explain itself. My own opinion is, they overrate the importance of the seizure on the public mind of Kentucky. This is as I regard it from other sources of information. They both agree that the course Kentucky has pursued deprives her of the right to protest, and so far as the protection of Tennessee is concerned, the seizure in a military point of view was a necessity. Both deplore the effect on what they think its political influence. I believe, if we could have found a respectable pretext, it would have been better to have seized this place some months ago, as I am convinced we had more friends then in Kentucky than we have had since, and every hour’s delay made against us. Kentucky was fast melting away under the influence of the Lincoln Government. If we make the stand now, and do it vigor- . ously, we shall find we have more allies in the State than we shall ever ‘ have at any future day, and if our arms should be successful in a few battles, the State will soon abandon the position which fear of the power -of the Federal Government alone constrains her- now to maintain. Give us armies, with more commanders, and we cannot but believe that the State will rally strongly to our support for their emancipation.

I have the honor to remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,