Theophilus T. Garrard to George H. Thomas, October 2, 1861

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

Since General Carter arrived wehave been over considerable country. The general thinks when the work is completed we will be secure against almost any force. With strangers they could not find passways, but

VS MESS) EN INC persons aequainted with the country could get into our camp many” ways. Still, they could not do so if we had a small force at each point.

The distance from Little Rockcastle River to Big Rockeastle is some — ral cliffs, so that it relieves us from performing much labor at those places. Ten miles of the road south of our camp is almost a dense thicket on each side of the road, and could be defended, or at least we could annoy the enemy with infantry the entire distance, whilst we would – be comparatively secure, provided we acted cautiously. General Carter can explain more explicitly. j

Colonel Brown desires me to say to you that he can supply his command of twelve-months’ men with beef and bread, but will be dependent on you or General Crittenden for sugar, coffee, soap, candles, and such. other articles as are furnished. He has no tents or camp equipage. i Many of his men are bare of shoes, clothing, and blankets.

Colonel Brown desires to know whether or not he must open a correspondence with General Crittenden or must he address you. on all matters connected with his military affairs? He desires such instructions as. you may from time to time think proper to give. :

Colonel Brown has now enrolled and in camp some 250 twelve-months? soldiers. He has muskets, but no cartridge-boxes, caps, pouches, nor bayonet scabbards. He desires to hear from you as soon as convenient. Mount Vernon is the post-office, if sent by mail. >

I have not heard anything of the rebels since they reached Barboursville.. The last account is that some 100 or Upwards were in Barboursville. Ihave heard, but do not say that it is reliable, that there is à robbing party going through Knox County, plundering every person (almost) they come across, and that it is headed by men by the name ef Arthur, citizens of Knox County, Kentucky.

I have got Colonel Brown to move all of his men to the river except one company, and they are outside our camp in a rock house. We have been much annoyed by them, as well as visitors and others who were driven before the rebels. Some of them returned this evening part of the way home, but heard of the rebels below London, and they returned – to camp. The report, I am satisfied, is false. Se

Respectfully, your obedient servant, i