Tho. E. Bramlette to George H. Thomas, December 28, 1861

Colonel Bramlette writes at 7 [9] p.m. last evening, confirming his report of yesterday, that the enemy areat Jamestown, about 3,000 strong. Shall I move down to Columbia to Bramlette’s aid? One brigade might be moved and let supplies follow. .

brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

LOUISVILLE, December 28, 1861. (Received Lebanon, December 28, 1861.)

General THOMAS, Lebanon:

Yes, go on, not to his aid, but to the object we discussed ; that is what I want done, and to be entirely successful it must be conducted with secrecy and without any tarrying on the road.

Order supplies to be purchased there as well as sent.

D. C. BUELL, Brigadier-General. –

; CAMP BOYLE, December 28, 1861.

The pickets sent out bring in the news that the rebels have fallen back from Jamestowu 7 miles, having been frightened by the picket fight at Jamestown, by the impression that the forces here were near Jamestown and in front of their movement.

They will now most likely reeross to the south side of the river at Mill Springs, being in 7 miles of that crossing, which is in their possession. “They are evidently greatly disturbed by their position, and I think it very probable will now retire, by the same route they came into Kentucky. That they are retreating or about to do so I am well satisfied from the accounts I get of their recent acts in Clinton. They are now seizing everything they can carry off. The inhabitants are fleeing from before their marauding parties, that devastate as they go. “This is an evidenee of their retiring, being the course pursued by them as they leave. The forces that were at Jamestown are the same that composed the advance guard when they first invaded Kentucky, viz, Stanton and Murray’s regiments, with the addition of McRea’s regiment of cavalry ni 2^ added to the cavalry of Bledsoe. That they purposed passing down the river on the north side is ascertained to be certain, and were deterred by supposing that the Third Kentucky, Haggard’s, and Wolford’s regiments were intercepting them. . edd

I think it possible they may attempt to pass back through Wayne, Clinton, and Cumberland by Burkesville. I will take steps to watch, and if such movement is attempted, will intercept and thwart it at Burkesville.

You may be assured, general, that while Iam in the service obedience to orders will mark my actions. But these devils who infest the country make me very impatient to get after them and amongst them, and I can but give [expression] to my anxiety to move upon the marauding traitors.

Colonel Wolford is still at his camp on Green River and will remain there until otherwise ordered from headquarters. His position is dangerous, if the enemy choose to avail themselves of his isolation. It is the most indefensible position that could be selected in 10 miles of that place, and places him where all escape could be wholly cut off.

Respectfully