Unknown to Zollicoffer, November 10, 1861

General ZOLLICOFFER : SIR: Information has been received that Mr. Hodgson, a member of the legislature, has been making a treasonable speech over in Sevier County. He is also suspected as having a knowledge, if not an instigator, of the burning of the bridges. He was here yesterday morning, and we would have arrested him, but he made his escape, and may probably try to get through your lines somewhere. He ought to be arrested. Five of the incendiaries who burned the Lick Creek Bridge have been arrested. I have sent up after them. The bridge at Union has been destroyed; one at Charleston; two on the Western and Atlantie Road below Chattanooga. i

Regretting as much as any one this calamity; I feel that I did all that I could to prevent it, and Lam glad thatitisno worse. Ihada company at Lick Creek, but the incendiaries deceived them, and getting possession of their guns, took them prisoners and accomplished their ends. I send you a Register, from which you will see some of the measures I have taken for the present as being necessary under the cireumstances.

What shall I do with the prisoners ? 1

very respectfully, your obedient servant,