S. P. Carter to George H. Thomas, December 23, 1861

(Received December 25, 1861.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding First Division, Lebanon, Ky. : GENERAL: Captain Fry, Company F, Second Regiment East Tennessee Volunteers, was detailed for special service in October last, by

33 R R—VOL VII your orders, and left for Tennessee in company with my brother, Rev. W. B. Carter. I fear that he has been captured by the rebels, and, if not, that he is so environed by them as to leave but little hope of his being able to return to his regiment. His company is of course still without a captain. I wish your-advice-as-tó whether it will or will not be advisable, under the circumstances, to have the position filled by a new appointment. I write at the request of the colonel of the Second Regiment.

We are still lying idle, hoping that some move is in progress from Columbia to get in Zollicoffer’s rear. The position he holds is said to be a very strong one, and our force in comparison to his is too weak to justify making a diversion so as to attack on both sides the river at same time or to even assault his works on this side. Such, at all events, seems to be the view held by those who ought to have the means of knowing.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,