S. P. Carter to George E. Flynt, December 12, 1861

(Received December 16, 1861.) Capt. GEORGE E. FLYNT, Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division, Lebanon, Ky.:

CAPTAIN: Since my arrival at this place I have received Special Orders, No. 23, detaching the Twelfth Brigade from First Division, and requiring me to report direct to department headquarters.

The consolidated reports of the First and Second East Tennessee and Third Kentucky Regiments were forwarded direct to department headquarters. Is it necessary for me to send duplicates to headquarters First Division ?

Reports this afternoon say that the rebel Zollicoffer is throwing up defenses this side the river, near Mill Springs. If this is the case, he could be readily captured by sending a force from Columbia via Jamestown to Monticello and taking him in rear.

Unless there is a prospect of doing something very soon, I wish to return to my position in front of Cumberland Gap.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,