Unknown to J. C. Kelton, January 6, 1862
Capt. J. C. KELTON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:
CAPTAIN: From information just received from Columbus the garrison there is now reduced from what i; was a:few weeks ago by the withdrawal of the sixty-days men, who are supposed many of them to have gone to Camp Beauregard. This leaves a force of probably thirty regiments in Columbus. General Pillow has resigned and gone to his home, in consequence of being ordered to Bowling Green.
The rebels have a chain across the river about 1 mile above Columbus. It is sustained by flats at intervals, the ehain passing through staples placed about the water’s edge, the chain passing under the boats. Between each pair of the boats a torpedo is attached to the chain, whieh is expected to explode by concussion.
An experiment was made with one of these machines about ten days ago by directing a coal-boat against it. The experiment resulted satisfactorily to the enemy. The position of them being so distinctly marked . eannot be regarded as much of an obstaele. Others are supposed to be planted in the river above these, not so distinctly located. From information received through a gentleman up from Memphis there are about 600 torpedoes in the river from Columbus to that city.
There are quite a number of soldiers in the guard-house here for desertion, disorderly conduct, &c. I would suggest, in view of the difficulty of getting men for the gunboat service, that these men be transferred to that service; also that authority be given to transfer unruly men hereafter. I have spoken to Commodore Foote on the subject, and I believe it meets with his approval. .
If it meets with the approval of the general commanding the department, I would be pleased to visit headquarters on business connected with this command.
Cua, XVIL] . CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.âUNION. 535
WAR DEPARTMENT, January 7, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Louisville, Ky.:
A gentleman ealled yesterday from Kentucky, stating he had been sent by one of your officers to ask more troops. How many more do you want and of what kind? Weare exceedingly anxious to have some result in Kentucky, especially towards East Tennessee.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
LOUISVILLE, January â, 1862. SECRETARY OF WAR:
No person has been sent to ask for more troops. Undoubtedly there: ought to be more, and better artillery and better cavalry, but I shall work with what I have, and as soon as possible. Concert of action, by which the enemy may be prevented from concentrating his whole force from Columbus to Bowling Green on one point of attack, would have the same and a better effect than more troops immediately here.
WASHINGTON, January 7, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Louisville:
Please name as early a Fu as you safely can on or before which you can be ready to move south ward in concert with Major-General Halleck. Delay is ruining us, and itis indispensable for me to have something definite. I send a like dispatch to Major-General Halleck.