S. P. Carter to George H. Thomas, November 19, 1861

Camp Calvert, November 19, 1861.

GENERAL: I have just received information that the rebels, 5,000 strong, were last night at Flat Lick, 8 miles above Barboursville and 32 miles from this place. The messenger left Barboursville this morning. As I ean make no stand at this place without artillery with my force, which consists of only some 2,000 effective men, I shall, on obtaining eertain information of the enemy’s approach, if possible move in the direetion of Somerset.

From our very limited means of transportation I shall probably have to destroy nearly the whole of our rations, as I shall not be able to move more than our camp equipage.

440. OPERATIONS IN KY., TENN., N. ALA., AND S. W. VA. (Cmar. XYI

Were I sure of your being still at Crab Orchard I should of course fall back on Rock Castle, notwithstanding the almost impassable state of the roads; but as 1 have been told you had left the Crab Orchard, I must take your advice and retire to Somerset. b

I need not say, general, how much I regret the necessity of this move, but I can see no help for “it, as this place, without artillery and with so small a force, is altogether inde! ensible. I have sent out to press all the wagons that can be obtained; but as most of them were taken by General Schoepf’s troops, I fear I can obtain but few, if any.

your obedient servant,

Acting Brigadier- General, Commanding.

CINCINNATI, OHIO, November 20, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis:

SIR: Will you allow me to suggest the consideration of a great movement by land and water up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers ?

ist. Would it not allow of water transportation half way to Nashville?

2d. Would it not necessitate the evacuation of Columbus by threatening their railway communication ?

3d. Would it not necessitate the retreat of General Buckner by threatening his railway lines ?