Letter
Unknown to Giliead M. Nelson, October 8, 1861
Louisville, Ky., October 8, 1861.
Brigadier-General NELSON, Commanding at Maysville, Ky. : k
GENERAL: lam directed by the general commanding to say that if in your judgment you can by a sudden mareh or by chartering a steamboat to go up the Sandy surprise the rebel camp at Prestonburg, he fully authorizes you to do so, and desires you to do so.
He is aware of your being greatly deficient in arms and ammunition for an expedition, but he hopes you may be able to arm a sufficient number of men for the purpose with the arms of the country.
The general does not order this expedition, but hopes it can be undertaken. It is left entirely to your discretion.
Iam, general, yours, &e., OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutaut- General.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 1861. Location: Louisville, Ky.. Summary: Union headquarters authorizes Brigadier-General Nelson to consider a surprise attack on the rebel camp at Prestonburg, Kentucky, despite limited arms and ammunition, leaving the decision to his discretion.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4
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