Friday, 18th.—After a march of about eight miles, our battalion bivouacked, still in rear of everything.
The cavalry in advance, some of Branner’s or Brazelton’s men, had a skirmish with the enemy’s picket about four miles beyond London on the road leading to Camp Wildcat, in which one of the enemy was killed and one captured.
The Federal commander at Wildcat sent the following dispatch to Thomas:
Camp Wildcat, October 18, 1861, 1 P. M.
General George H. Thomas:
I have information now beyond doubt that Zollicoffer is coming on with a large force and six pieces artillery. …..
I am now making arrangements to move my sick and commissary’s stores across the river, and intend, if I do not receive more troops, to abandon this place and retreat toward Camp (Dick) Robinson.
I have no idea of having my men butchered up here, where they have a force of six or seven to one, with artillery. I would like to hear from you immediately. Very respectfully,
T. T. Garrard,
Colonel Third Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers
The above dispatch shows very clearly what would have been the result if our General could have attacked the next day, the 19th, for Brigadier-General Alvin Schoepf did not reach Wildcat with reinforcements from Camp Dick Robinson until late in the afternoon of the 20th, and in fact some of the reinforcements did not arrive until the 21st.
