Unknown to George Henry Thomas, December 12, 1861

Columbia, Ky., December 12, 1861.

General THOMAS, U. $. A., Commanding First Division, Lebanon, Ky.:

GENERAL: Ihave kept scouts in the direction of Glasgow and Edmonton, and yesterday morning my men returned after visiting Edmonton. The enemy had been there the day before with 160 cavalry. They evidently purpose to control or prevent the election for member of the Legislature on Saturday. Ihave intended to send several hundred eavalry to Edmonton on Saturday morning.

Rev. Mr. Crenshaw, of Louisville, a Methodist cirenit rider or elder, is here this evening from Glasgow this morning. He intorms me that Colonel Hindman passed up from Bowling Green with 7,000 men, with the view of marching on this place. He was at a place called Horse Well and near Bear Wallow, moving in this direction.

The secessionists at Glasgow expected a collision here to-day and an . easy victory. Mr. Crenshaw did not see the infantry forces, but he saw and counted 350 Texas Rangers, or cavalry troops. They were to join Hindman. The rebels at Glasgow understood your forces are in possession of Munfordville and with forces south of Green River.

Ihave scouts out in direction of Edmonton, Glasgow, and Greensburg, besides toward the Cumberland.

It seems to me that the forces here ought to have accession of at least a battery of artillery. We certainly need such arm of defense here now,

If Hindman shall be found advancing upon us, I will order up the forces from Campbellsville.

Colonel Hobson is now at Green River Bridge, about13 miles from this place. I think he should locate several miles this side the bridge, leaving a company to guard the bridge until some other takes his place.

Respectfully, J. T. BOYLE, – Acting Brigadier-General, Commanding.