Theophilus T. Garrard to George H. Thomas, September 30, 1861

General THOMAS, Lexington :

I have ordered two regiments to re-enforce you, and sent telegrams to the President and to the governors of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois to forward re-enforcements as rapidly as possible. Do your best.

I hope that it will turn out that the enemy’s force has been magnified.

/ CAMP WILDCAT, September 30, 1864. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Camp Dick Robinson:

My wife sent a messenger to me that has just arrived. The rebels have taken Manchester, pulled down the flag, tore it up, and placed theirs on the same pole. The messenger says they turned back from Manchester, taking from one of the furnaces fifty wagon loads of salt.

I have nothing of importance to write you since Colonel Wolford left. I would like very much to have Colonel Wolford with us or some more experienced person. Lieutenant Dillion is quite young, though he appears to be very active.

The Home Guard are still coming in. Colonel Brown is trying to make arrangements to feed them with beef and flour. Captain Adams has written you, I suppose, on the subject of supplies.

I have no definite news that the enemy is this side of the forks of the road, though the messenger from my house says he heard guns firing this morning in the direction of the forks of the road.

Many of our men have never drawn blankets, and some who have joined since we left have no clothing. Captain McDaniel, of Colonel Barnes’ regiment, has some 12 or 15 recruits that joined him on the road that have no clothing. If you have a supply of clothing I would like for you to have furnished sufficient for the recruits. None of the regiment have received coats, and the nights are quite cool. We had frost last night.

There are many persons here who cannot purchase food. They are willing to fight if they are fed, as they say they cannot go home. They are also willing to work or do anything else required.

If you could see proper, I would like to see you in regard to our fortifieations. I am not pleased with them; they are very good, provided the enemy would march up to them, but infantry could flank us on either side. It is quite difficult to do so, but infantry can go anywhere a common hunter can. If it will not be convenient for you to visit the camp (and I cannot see how you can leave), I would like for some experienced person to come immediately. .

When I reached [here] the work had been commenced’? miles or more

: Ona. XI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. ` 283

from the river. We have been still cutting timber in all the points or – hollows that we think will be of service. I will return there if not instructed to the contrary—to the point near the meeting-house. I would like to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,