ORs: (CS) ADC E. Cunningham to Gen. C. L. Stevenson - July 7, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 724

KNOXVILLE, TENN.,
July 7, 1862.

Brig. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding Division:

GENERAL:
I am directed by the major-general commanding to say to you that we may soon assume the offensive against General Morgan’s column, in which case it will be of the utmost importance to push a cavalry force across upon his line of communications for the purpose of cutting off his supplies. If we can succeed in doing this the enemy will be obliged to evacuate his position at Cumberland Gap or come out and give us battle. He wishes you to make careful inquiries and get all the information you can with reference to the practicability of moving such a force through Big Creek Gap or by any other route which you may think most practicable. Particular inquiries should be made about the position of the enemy’s magazines. The general thinks from information received that they have depots at Flat Lick and London. If your investigations prove the scheme to be feasible three regiments of cavalry may be sent to capture them. By taking these, capturing the trains on the road, pushing on and destroying the bridge over the Kentucky River, a blow could be given which would so cripple the enemy’s resources as to compel the evacuation of the position. The force sent on this expedition would have two lines of retreat: one south by Kingston and Sparta; the other east, into Virginia, through Pound Gap, or some other pass in that vicinity. The commanding general desires you to make the necessary inquiries without exciting suspicion or attracting attention. The plan should not be known till the expedition is determined on and started.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. CUNNINGHAM,
Acting Aide de-Camp.