IMPORTANT FROM THE WEST: Preparations for a Great Battle in Kentucky; Expected Collision Between Schoepf and Zollicoffer (12/14/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 12/14/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

CINCINNATI, Friday, Dec. 13.

The Frankfort (Ky.) Gazette has a dispatch, which says that when the stage left Somerset, at 11 o'clock, on Wednesday, there had been no fighting.

The Postmaster wrote as follows:

"We are expecting to fight hourly. The enemy are close upon us, with a force estimated at from 8,000 to 15,000 men. Our force is about 5,000 effective men. Both citizens and soldiers complain of Gen. THOMAS for not having sent reinforcements to Gen. SCHOEPF."

As it cannot interfere with the plans laid down, it is not improper to state that the plans of Gen. BUELL was that Gen. THOMAS should get in the rear of Gen. ZOLLICOFFER.

Letters to-night express apprehensions about the result, should Gen. ZOLLICOFFER force Gen. SCHOEPFF to an engagement before Gen. THOMAS arrives.

An officer arrived from London this evening says that the rumor there was that after some picket fighting Gen. ZOLLICOFFER began to retreat again. If this should prove true Gen. THOMAS will not be in time to intercept him.

Troops continue pouring into Louisville. Four regiments passed through yesterday.

The Commercial of this city has a dispatch which says: "The Paymaster from London reports that Gen. CRITTENDRN is at Cumberland Gap with fifteen hundred men and a large force in the vicinity."

A letter to the Representative from Wayne County says that Major HELVETI, and three others captured with him by the rebels, were killed after their capture.

All the leading men have been driven from Owensville, Bath County, and the town is in possession of 100 rebels, who are committing the greatest excesses.

The Louisville Journal of yesterday, says that all Indiana regiments which have a minimum number of men, have been ordered into Kentucky.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4020760/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Important from the West: Preparations for a Great Battle in Kentucky – 2-3
The Escape of the Sumter: Serious Charge Against the commander of the Gunboat Iroquois – 3
Down the Mississippi: From Cairo to Memphis – 3-5
News from Washington: Startling Report Brought from the Rebels by a Deserter – 5-6
Editorial: The Search of the Trent-The Views of the British Ministerial Organ – 6-7
Editorial: The Search of the Trent No Outrage – 7
Editorial: The Latest Outrage – 7-8
Editorial: Another Report About the Sumter – 8
Editorial: What Shall We Do with the Slaves? – 8

[BroJoeK]

"Editorial: What Shall We Do with the Slaves? – 8"

Union Gen. Wool's plan is a practical one, but, just guessing, may not withstand closer scrutiny.

"Whatever Congress may do -- whatever laws may be enacted, Slavery will disappear under the silent influences of our advancing armies just as certainly as the snow-drift melts under the constant heat of the sun."

So, even in 1861 Civil War was already about slavery.

[libertylover]

later