W. A Hoskin S to George H. Thomas, November 27, 1861

General THOMAS, Lebanon:

Send General Sehoepf, with one section of artillery, Wolford’s cavalry, and the nearest regiment of infantry rapidly to Somerset to relieve Hoskins, who is threatened by Zollicoffer. Vary the force if later information makes advisable. Be at all times ready to advance.

~ Camp Hoskins, PULASKI COUNTY, K. Y., November 27, 1861. ‘(Received November 28, ien)

Drigadier-General THOMAS, Headquarters, Danville, Ky. : i

GENERAL: I have received no reliable news from the rebel forces across the river for twenty-fourhours. Onlasteveningthey came (some 20 in number) across the river opposite ourencampment, but a preparation to level the howitzer at them dispersed them immediately.

About the same time my picket guard at the river at Mill Springs, 12 miles below this point, at which their cavalry are encamped, had a skirmish, in whieh 4 of the rebels were killed in eight shots from our Colt/s rifles at a distance of 300 yards; and strange to say, although they fired some hundred shots at our party, they escaped unhurt. I have had all the boats on the river for several miles below and above this point sunk, and as they have but two boats of small capacity at Mill Spriugs, should they attempt to cross at that point I shall meet and amuse them before they get over a force sufficient to cut us off.

I am now inclined to the belief that their force is strong, whether Zollicoffer be with them or not. Some five negroes (fugitives) from Monticello, Wayne County, report that a strong lorce is now at and this side Monticello, and as all communication between this and that side the river has been cut off for two days by the main road, I am inclined to the belief that it is true.

All my buck and ball cartridges are now distributed, and I send up the wagon for a supply, which you will oblige us by forwarding as expeditiously as possible.

I shall send a scout to the opposite side of the river, with orders to proceed as far as Monticello, if possible; and on his return I hope to be enabled to give you reliable intormation of their numbers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,