Unknown to Don Carlos Buell, November 25, 1861

General BUELL:

I wrote you this morning t that a rebel force, said to be commanded by Breckinridge, estimated from 4,000 to 6,000, reached Rochester yesterday morning. Since writing, an agent, reliable, is in from Hopkinsville, says all are talking there of a concerted move on Lock No. 1, on Green River. I have ordered Jones’ regiment here. Can’t you have Steele’s, now at Evansville, ordered to Lock No.1? T have written to Colonel Steele, suggesting the propriety of the movement. The forces at Hopkinsville are estimated at 8,000.

* November 23. + Probably that of November 16. See Series I, Vol. IV, p. 358, ł Letter not found.