"In view of the facts thus submitted, I can not but think the
world at large will find it difficult to appreciate the
'profound astonishment' with which you say the people of
Kentucky received the intelligence of the occupation of this
place.
"I have the honor to be, respectfully,
"Your obedient servant, etc.,
"Leonidas Polk,
"_Major-General commanding_."
_Letter from General Polk to Governor Magoffin._
"Columbus, Kentucky, _September 3, 1861_.
"Governor Magoffin, _Frankfort, Kentucky_.
"I should have dispatched to you immediately, as the troops
under my command took possession of this position, the very few
words I addressed to the people here; but my duties since that
time have so preoccupied me, that I have but now the first
leisure moment to communicate with you. It will be sufficient
for me to inform you (as my short address herewith will do) that
I had information, on which I could rely, that the Federal
forces intended, and were preparing to seize Columbus. I need
not describe to you the danger resulting to western Tennessee
from such occupation.
"My responsibility could not permit me quietly to lose to the
command intrusted to me so important a position. In evidence of
the accuracy of the information I possessed, I will state that,
as the Confederate force approached this place, the Federal
troops were found in formidable numbers in position upon the
opposite bank, with their cannon turned upon Columbus.
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