. Schoepf to Brigadier- General, January 15, 1862

Prig: Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Eastern Division:

GENERAL: I received yours of the 14th instant, and in reply to your inquiries regarding the practicability of sending boats down the river to Mill Springs I could not take the responsibility of advising it from the knowledge I have of the enemy’s position at that place. Please advise me which route you are going to take. If to Somerset, I would advise you to take the road north by Adams’ Mill, as the Columbia road is now impassable even for empty wagons.

It would be very important for me to know the strength and disposition of your command in case of a simultaneous attack upon the enemy. We can barely obtain forage, the roads being very bad. Provisions are very searce, and complaints are made daily of our troops taking them without pay. Grows train has been taken from our lines and transferred to the London road.

‘The brigade quartermaster has only a few wagons and fewer mules. It is extremely important that the disbursing officers should be provided with funds, as the inhabitants complain bitterly of having their property taken without compensation.

Very respectfully, 2100 obedient xcu