| Chattanooga, Tenn., September 2, 1862 |
| |
| Col. George G. Garner |
| Assistant Adjutant-General, &c |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I have a little information in regard to
the movements of the enemy in North Alabama which I think it proper
to communicate to the general, though it may be already known to
him. I am informed by two railroad engineers from Huntsville that on
Saturday last there was a guard of only some 300 or 400 men left by
the enemy at Huntsville, the main body of the force recently there
having left the day before and gone over the Nashville &
Chattanooga Railroad. These engineers were employed to run a train
of 10 or 12 cars loaded with military stores and 3 valuable
locomotives from Huntsville to Stevenson, and then over the
Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, picking up all railroad guards
on the route. Near Anderson Depot, on the line between Tennessee and
Alabama, the train ran off the track so effectually that it could
not be replaced on the track in less than two days. During the
attack on Stevenson day before yesterday some 200 wagons and teams,
all in admirable condition, left Stevenson going north. General
Maxey's men have possession of the pontoon boats which the enemy
have been so long constructing near Stevenson, and he will do all in
his power to secure the railroad train I have mentioned; but my
force is too small to profit to the full extent by the opportunities
offered of harassing the enemy and capturing his property on his
retreat. The First Kentucky Cavalry, which the general assigned to
my command, has not yet reported to me, and I have searched in vain
for it. I respectfully ask that you give me any information of the
regiment and the orders under which it is acting. |
| I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., |
| Sam. Jones |
|
Major-General |
|