ORs: (CS) Report from Gen. Kirby Smith - October 15, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 949-50

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KENTUCKY,
October 15, [1861] 8 ‘a m.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,
Commanding Department No. 2:

GENERAL:
The ordnance train is not yet up the Big Hill. The road is still blocked up with trains, many of which, it seems, belong to your comumand. General Stevenson yesterday engaged the enemy at Lancaster, trying to hold them in check. He fell back during the night, they trying to turn his position. I have little hope of saving any of the trains, and fear much of the artillery will be lost. I shall push forward the ordnance and provision trains first. I shall try to hold the enemy in check here amid give myself all the time possible. I hope the Crab Orchard defile is occupied, as it gives the enemy a passage to my flank. I have given General Marshall permission to go to Pound Gap via Richmond, as it would be impossible for him to get his cavalry or artillery out by this route. Lexington is still unoccupied and the route through Pound Gap open. General Marshall feels sure he can move that way with perfect safety.

Your obedient servant,

E. KIRBY SMITH,
Major- General, Commanding.

[Indorsements.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KENTUCKY,
October 15, [1862].

Any cavalry officer whom this courier may overtake is hereby ordered to send this dispatch forward to General Bragg under an escort of 25 men.

By command of Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith:

E. CUNNINGHAM,
Lieutenant and Assistant Adjutant-General.

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Forwarded to Major-General Polk for his information.

GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Chief of Staff.

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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
October 15,1862.

The general commanding hopes Colonel Wheeler is taking efficient measures to protect the approaches on his line of march on his right flank. He has not yet heard of the regiment of cavalry which he this morning directed Colonel Wharton to send forward along the line of his march, which regiment was intended to be employed in picketing to the right of his line of march. He is informed by General Bragg that there is a road from Crab Orchard running nearly parallel to this line of travel, and which comes in 1 mile or 10 miles west of London, that should be watched.

By command of General Polk:

W. B. RICHMOND,
Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
October 15, 1862.

The above has but this moment been received and is sent to Colonel Wheeler for his guidance and information. The general commanding expects of course that every effort will be made to comply with the wishes of General Smith.

By command of Major-General Polk:

W. B. RICHMOND,
Aide-de-Camp.

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