Brig Genl W. F. Smith to a Major Generalcy. Your former recommendation was submitted to the Secty of War and I think the appointment will be made as soon as there is a vacancy. Not only is there no vacancy now, but, by some error, more than the number authorised by law were made last summer, and some major Generals now in service must be dropt. Their names cannot be sent to the senate. I hope it may not be necessary to relieve Genl Foster, as he is a good officer and a live man. There are some doubts about Genl Schofie[ld's] confirmation. If ordered to your command, I think you will find him an able officer for any position. No change of commands will probably be made till the senate acts upon his case." ALS, DNA, RG 108, Letters Sent (Press). O. R., I, xxxii, part 2, 80.
Nashville January 13th 1864
GOVERNOR THOS E BRAMLETTE
FRANKFORT KY
I found your dispatch of January 6th at my Headquarters on my arrival here last night and in reply have the honor to inform you, that General Fosters orders to General Boyle do not contemplate the abandonment of Kentucky to the enemy, either in organized or guerrilla bands, but specially require a sufficient number of the troops now on duty in the State to be retained for the purpose of securing the safety of all important parts, as well as the security of our lines of communications. Kentucky is a portion of my command and shall receive hereafter as heretofore all the protection that my forces are capable of giving. In all the dispositions of troops that I may make, the importance of protecting her territory and securing her citizens from danger of internal disturbances will be kept steadily in view
But while busy with so many other matters of equal importance I am well aware that I may not be able to obtain a full understanding of all that concerns her interests, and have therefore to request that you will communicate frankly with me at all times upon any subject you may deem sufficiently important to demand my attention.
I regret exceedingly not having seen you as I passed thro. Frankfort, but I expect to be in Louisville next week and if pos
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