THE CUMBERLAND GAP ARMY - GEN. SCHOEPF ORDERED TO SOMERSET - REBELS IN LARGE NUMBER; NEAR THE LATTER PLACE - CONDITION OF THIS WING OF THE ARMY - REBELS AFTER HOGS - JIM CHRISMAN, &c, &c.

[Special Correspondence of the Louisville Journal.]

THE CUMBERLAND GAP ARMY - GEN. SCHOEPF ORDERED TO SOMERSET - REBELS IN LARGE NUMBER; NEAR THE LATTER PLACE - CONDITION OF THIS WING OF THE ARMY - REBELS AFTER HOGS -
JIM CHRISMAN, &c, &c.

Stanford, Ky., Dec. 2, 1861

For several days past reports have reached here that [Felix K.] Zollicoffer or some other rebel General was on the other shore of the Cumberland River, just below Somerset, with a large force, and that they had hoisted a rebel flag in Wayne county. It is reported that some fo their cavalry have crossed the river in flatboats, but we cannot vouch for the truth of the report. The recent heavy rains have raised the Cumberland to flood height, which would greatly retard if not wholly obstruct their passage for a time.

Albin Francisco Schoepf in US Army uniform during the Civil War.

Public domain

Col. [William] Hoskins, with a small force of five or six hundred men, is near Somerset, at Camp Goggin, and we learn has sent orders to Gen. [George H.] Thomas for reinforcements, and that they have been sent on a forced march. Gen. [Albin] Schoepf, with two regiments, the 38th Ohio, Col. Bradley, and the 17th Ohio, Col. [John] Connell, of Wildcat fame, together with a portion of Col. [Frank] Wolford's 1st Kentucky Cavalry, passed through here on Saturday, the 30th November, in double quick time, bound for the scene of invasion. We learn that other regiments will soon pass through here to join, them, and with the force that will be collected there, led by the gallant Schoepf, we can promise Zollicoffer or any other arch-rebel the same hospitable reception that the invaders received at Wildcat. The same men and magnificent batteries of rifled cannon that sent terror and dismay and death to the invading horde at Wild Cat, wil be in readiness to do a similar work. The same dauntless officers will lead the same daring men to repel them from our homes. With a few exceptions, this wing of the army is in fine condition, especially when it is true that they have done more hard travelling over bad roads than nay other troops. These men are a portion of the Cumberland Gap division and after that expedition ended, they were ordered to Lebanon or Columbia. They passed through here a week or twn days since, presenting a magificent appearance, and had proceeded about twelve miles below Danville, and a few days since were ordered back to Somerset, which point they will reach tonight.

Confederate Congressman James Stone Chrisman.

Public doman.

Large numbers of hogs have been bought up for the Cumberland River region, but are evidently intended to be sold to men who will dispose of them to these rebels, unless a speedy stop can be put to the matter. We give this latter report as circulated in this locality, without vouching for its truth; yet it has the color of truth in it undoubtedly. Well informed person in the locality of the invasion assert that this flurry of rebels is designed to take these hogs by force if necessary and possible, and then make their exit. This is a plausible belief, and we are inclined to give it the fullest credence. We doubt their means to accompish the end, however, unless it is confine to Wayn county. Ex-Congressman little Jimmy Chrisman, the cocksparrow General of Wayne county, who is noted for having more gab than ideas, more impudence than brains, is said to have made a speech the other day to some citizens of his county, when the rebel thieves and cutthroats had invaded the county, and told them "not to be alarmed, that they would not be hurt; that these men only wanted to by hogs, for which they would pay them gold." Whew! what a glorious declaration! If it be true that Chrisman made such a speech, he ought to be shot down like the guilty rebel he is, and unless he keeps a close look out the well directed aim of Ferguson's Sharp's rifle will send him a solid message.

Be assured that any report of the doings of this division of the loyal army will give new glory and hope to our people. Gen. Shoepf [sic] is a man of fine personal appearance, and his features indicate the man of nerve and will, and in his hands the cause of our country will never suffer. More anon.

Respectfully,

LARA.