; O. M. Mitchel to Brigadier-General Thomas, October 10, 1861
October 10, 1861.
. Cincinnati, Ohio, October 10, 1861. Brigadier-General THomAs, Camp Dick Robinson :
GENERAL: Under orders from the Secretary of War of this date, I am directed to repair to Camp Dick Robinson, and there prepare the
troops for an onward movement, the object being to take possession of Cumberland Ford and Cumberland Gap, and ultimately seize the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad.
In compliance with these orders, I desire you to move the three Ohio regiments now in Camp Dick Robinson to some convenient point beyond your camp, in the hope that they may thus escape the epidemie now prevailing among your men. You will order the regiments at Nicholasville to remain there until their transportation shall arrive.
I beg you, general, to make every preparation in your power-for this expedition in which we are about to be united. ` .
It is my purpose to leave for the camp as soon as I am assured that supplies, transportation, ammunition, and other necessaries are certain to be sent forward. :
In the hope of soon greeting you in camp,
I have the honor to be,
– very truly, your obedient servant, ;
; O. M. MITCHEL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.