William T. Sherman to Brigadier- General, October 8, 1861
Louisville, Ky., October 8, 1861.
Brigadier-General CRITTENDEN :
SIR: I have made an order for you to go to Owensborough and to assume command of the regiments organizing in that quarter.
Iam aware that whilst regiments are being formed and equipped they can do little service, yet our enemies give us little time, and we must do the best we can. l ` If one of the regiments could show itself on Green River, make a circuit south of the river and return, it would have a good effect. Hopkinsville has 1,000 men, but poorly armed, and a demonstration on it would probably lead to its evacuation.
Kentucky looks for some bold stroke, and with such men as Jackson, Johnson, Burbridge, Hawkins, and McHenry almost anything might be attempted.
You may purchase subsistence or hire wagons at discretion. Certify the bills and I will have them paid here.
Yours, &c. S W. T. SHERMAN,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
J LOUISVILLE, KY., October 8, 1861.
GARRETT DAvis, Esq., Paris, Ky. :
DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of 7th instant* I state that General Anderson has already ordered an Ohio regiment to the point suggested by you in your favor. No further troops will be ordered now.
Very respeetfully,
your obedient servant,
Brigadier- General.
P. S.âI am forced into the command of this department against my
will, and it would take 300,000 men to fill half the calls for troops.
* Not found.
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