Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-09-24
Correspondence of the Nashville Patriot-l
CUMBERLAND FORD. KNOX COUNTY, KY,
NEwNAN's REGIMENT, ;
y0.h 1901
September 10Th 1861.

NEWAAN's REGIMENT,
September 18th 1861.
1t is scarcely possible for a soldier to cor
respond regularly; he must write when op.
portunity affords; there is no selection of time
or material; both are precious to the soldier
Since we left the vicinity of the Railroads,
paper can hardly be had for love or money.
When | last wrote we were at Wilson's Gap
After marching and counter-marching for
several weeks up and down Powell's Valley
which lies at the base of the mountain on the
Tennessee side, conjecturing over the various
camp rumors afioat, we were, at length,
warned that something unusual was on foot,
by the constant additions to our forces.
From the occupation of Paducah, KY, by
the Hessians, and other palpable violations
of the neutrality by Lincoln, it was not diff
cult to tell where we were to go, though our
destination was not announced.
Accordingly, last Friday night at o'clock
We had struck our tents, and, crossing the
mountain at the Gap, were. by sunrise, sew
eral miles in Kentucky. That night we en-
camped twelve miles from the Gap, at the
ford of the Cumberland river, after passing
over very rough road, and suffering con-
siderably for water. The Cumberland river,
at this place, cuts through spur of the
Cumberland mountains, called Pine noun
tain. constituting most rugged and roman
tice picture. 1t is a natural Notification, and
the mere planting of cannon, is all the work
necessary TO make an impregnable strong
hold. 1t is reported that Lincoln's engineers
had made a survey of it few days previous
to our coming, with view of erecting mill
tary post here. But you may rest assured
that it is now in our safe keeping.
On our march hither we only found one
Lincoln gun, though it is said that several
hundred are concealed in the neighborhood,
to be sent to East Tennessee. We get pris-
oner or two every day. Some of them ap-
pear to be intelligent, but they are mostly
very ignorant, "potter's clay" in the hands
OF the usurper.
For sometime Col. NEWMAN was in COM
mand of the forces at Cumberland Gap; but
on being Joined by Col. RAINS, who ranked
him In seniority, the latter took command,
on arriving at this station.
On Monday morning, or Q o'clock, we
received news of the approach of the enemy.
Col. Battles Regiment was encamped in
front of the others on the road; and when
the alarm was given bis men were ordered to
fire off their guns and load afresh. This mu-
sic led us of the "rear-guard" to conclude the
ball had really opened. Our men fell into
line with alacrity, and were ready to take a
hand in five or ten minutes. We marched to
the Ford, and were disappointed in finding
no enemy. Yesterday small force, an es-
cort to our Engineers, was fred upon by the
enemy in ambush. No one was hurt. Last
night a force consisting of several companies,
under command of Col. Battle, were sent
forward TO Barboursville, where our pickets
had been fred upon. They found the enemy
posted on the opposite side Of the river. A
sharp engagement ensued, resulting in the
complete discontinue of the enemy, who
left eleven dead on the ground. On our side
It. Powell, of Col. Cummings regiment, was
shot dead, and one man was dangerously
wounded. The enemy is said to have ppm-
bered seven or eight hundred, though it Is
impossible to form correct estimate, as they
pred from under cover. / think it hardly
possible Tor them TO be posted in any strength
near this place. Bat while write il lie re-
ported that they are marching upon us from
Camp Dick Robinson, ten thousand strong !;
but have no doubt their numbers, are ex-
aggerated. Camp Dick Robinson is ,bont
so OF 20 miles from this place. fssTs
The health, Of the army here il excellent
st present. LIN. J.