Series 1, vol 32, Part 1 (Forrest's Expedition)Page 393-394
FEBRUARY 14, 1864. - Affair near Larkinsville, Ala.
Report of Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
LARKINSVILLE, ALA.,
February 15, 1864
SIR: Two privates of Eleventh Texas Cavalry were captured on Sand Mountain about midnight, night before last, by 2 of Captain Latham's men with inclosed dispatch.
I saw General Grant in Nashville. He said he had just sent you authority to muster the Alabamians, and that he was at great loss to get at the designs of the rebels in your front.
The inclosed dispatch came in just before the cars arrived from the west, so I sent the original to General Grant by the conductor, to be handed to the conductor on the other road.
About 10 a.m. yesterday 2 of Captain Latham's company were attacked by about 15 bushrangers about 8 miles northwest from here, and 1 of them captured. I immediately sent 440 mule-cavalry to arrest 5 of the best "secesh" in the vicinity of the attack, and 5 more from the vicinity of the robbery of a Union man's house, 2 miles farther on. This is probably some or all of the same party that stole General Wood's mules. I am expecting the party back, when I will report and await orders.
I inclose proceedings of military commission in case of Smith and others for orders or suggestions in the case.
Your obedient servant,
M. L. SMITH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Major R. R. TOWNES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.