Robert Anderson to George H. Thomas, September 17, 1861

Brig. Gen. G. H. THOMAS, U. S. A., Commanding Camp Dick Robinson : : ;

GENERAL: Your letter of the 16th instant has just been received. I will send a supply of buck and ball cartridges (at least 100,000) as soon as they arrive; they have been ordered, and will probably reach here to-morrow. In the present imperfect knowledge which we have of the movements of the rebel forces, I can only direct you to guard strictly the passes on the roads leading from Barboursville to Richmond and Mount Verhon, and intercept and arrest any parties who may be going to join the rebels.

I regret that you have not been able to get staff officers. I am in the ` same condition, and have so far been unsuccessful in my efforts to obtain the necessary staff. >

You had better retain the wagons now hired until you receive those required for from Cincinnati.

General Sherman has been sent to secure Muldraugh’s Hill, which was occupied yesterday afternoon by some secessionists.

I hope that the Kentuckians will rally now rapidly and in strength.

very respectfully,