Forrest, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877) to George G. Garner
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02460.05 Author/Creator: Forrest, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877) Place Written: Kentucky Type: Letter signed Date: 24 September 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 30.4 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Reply to Garner's order, stating that he cannot "guard the mines at Bloomfield and Fairfield" because he has no troops. However "as soon as Col Wharton returns" with his 8,000 troops, "I will be at your service." An initialed note ("B.B.") from Braxton Bragg on verso states that Forrest should remove any men he has in town, as small guards at Bloomfield and Fairfield "are absolutely necessary...and must be furnished." Written during the Confederate invasion of Kentucky, while prospects for the campaign remained bright.
George G. Garner was an Assistant Adjutant General on Braxton Bragg's staff.
[excerpt] …It is impossible for me to comply With Your order to guard the mines at Bloomfield and Fairfield. My entire force ore out on out post duty and I have not twenty men in camp for duty.
The enemy are pressing my pickets and I have been compelled to send out reinforcements to sustain them this morning. The enemy have attacked my Pickets both at Taylorville and at Salt River. Col. Wharton (You may be aware of) has eight thousand of my men with him and the balance of my force are scattered on out Post duty and some in town on guard - as soon as Col Wharton returns - probably this evening I will be at your service…
[docket]
Genl Forest will remove any men he may have in town, as they are not there by any order
Small guards are absolutely necessary at Bloomfield and Fairfield & must be furnished
B.B.
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