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Adjutant and Inspector General's Office
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Richmond, July 31st 1861 |
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Brigd Genl Felix T. Zollicoffer |
| Commanding &c |
| Bristol Tenn |
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| Sir, |
| I am instructed by the President to make
you the following communication |
| The great importance of the East Tennessee
& western Virginia road, requires that it should be closely guarded
whenever there is reason to apprehend its destruction' The movements of
the enemy or the sending of arms into East Tennessee should be so
closely watched by an adequate force as to render success impracticable
you will know so well the state of things in East Tennessee that nothing
more can be said in that regard than to point to you the importance of
preventing organisation for resistance to the Government, and of
attracting by every possible means the people to support the Government,
both State and Confederate. |
| It may occur that civil process in case of
treason may be resorted, in which event, you will endeavour to be in
position to give all needful support to the Civil Authorities. The
President relies on you to give more accurate and exact information in
relation to public affairs, in East Tennessee than it has heretofore
been possible to obtain, and you are invited to the fullest
correspondence in all matters relating to your command. |
| I have the honor to be |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Obdt. Servt. |
| S. Cooper |
| Adjt & Inspector General |
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