W. A. Hoskins to Don Carlos Buell, December 18, 1861

December 18, 1861. GENERAL: To-day I took six of my companies and one section of Captain Hewett’s battery and proceeded in the direction of Waits- K. remaining five companies I proceeded to Waitsborough, but saw no rebels. I found at the river three ferry-boats, which I rendered unseaworthy before leaving my old camp, but not so mueh so, however, but that they can be repaired in a few hours, which I should have had attended [to] to-day, but hearing the eannonading at Fishing Creek, I hastened back to camp in anticipation of marching orders. If it be true, as reported, that there is a rebel force of only two regiments at Mill Springs, and that their «whole transportation train is at that point, would it not be well to move three regiments with one of the batteries across the river upon them at Mill Springs, while the remaining force could annoy ther in front? Should we gain possession of Mill Springs, I have no doubt we could shell their fortifications on this side the river, while the loss of their army stores, artillery, and transportation train at Mill Springs, consisting of several hundred wagons, would be a blow from which this division of their army could not recover. I learn there is also a small boat at a point just above the shoals and one other at Steigall’s, making in all five boats, in which the artillery and infantry (without baggage train) could be crossed in a few hours, and make the march to Mill Springs in four or five hours. I hope you will pardon me for thus obtruding my suggestions upon you.

W. A. HOSKINS,