Unknown to Samuel P. Carter, December 2, 1861

General S. P. CARTER, i Commanding Twelfth Brigade :

SIR: It is the intention of the general commanding to keep your command in front of Cumberland Gap, both for the protection of that section of the country and to operate on that line at a suitable time. At as early a moment as possible a squadron or so of eavalry and at least one seetion of artillery will be sent you. Your supplies will be drawn from Lexington, through Richmond.

It is desirable, perhaps, that you should take a position at the Cumberland Ford, but you must for the present be the judge of the expediency of moving there now. By throwing up a small field work, it will enable you at any time to hold that position and to operate so as to proteet the inhabitants and expel marauders.

It was the wish of the general commanding to join the East Tennessee regiments to the main body of the army which will operate upon Tennessee, but they would perhaps prefer remaining on their present line of

A er operations, their acquaintance with that region rendering them peculiarly suitable for service there. For the present, at least, he deems it ‘ advisable to keep them on that line. 2 j

Very respectfully, &c., "JAMES B. FRY,