S. P. Carter to George H. Thomas, November 24, 1861

(Received November 27, 1361.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding, &e., Danville, Ky.:

GENERAL: On the 21st instant I sent out upwards of 600 men, with orders to take the old State road and proceed as far as Flat Lick (8 miles this side of Cumberland Ford), and endeavor to gain some certain information as to the force and position of the rebels, and if possible to cut off their cavalry, which I had been informed were in the habit of coming down on thieving expeditions to the vicinity of Barboursville. .

The detachment returned this evening, having marched from Barboursville since morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Spears, the officer in command, reports that none of the rebels were at Cumberland Ford, nor have they

been below that ‘point for some days. From the best information he –

could obtain from the citizens there is but a small number of troops at Cumberland Gap, the larger portion of them having moved down Powell’s Valley in the direction of Jamestown.

Lieutenant-Colonel Spears represents that subsistence in large quantities can be obtained in Knox County, and that a very small force could occupy a position at or near the Cumberland Ford, and hold it against a greatly superior force.

* Sce Fry to Thomas, November 22, p. 445.

a i We have arrivals every day from East Tennessee. The condition of affairs there is sad beyond description, and if the loyal people who love and cling to the Government are not soon relieved they will be lost.

I have sent forward nearly all the sick and a part of the commissary stores to Crab Orehard, and will leave with the rest of the command as I can obtain means of transportation for our stores. I have had the whole country scoured for wagons, but have not yet been able to obtain a sufficient number.

your obedient servant,