Depending, however, on the railroads to their rear for transportation, they have not thus far advanced this side of Green River, except in marauding parties.

This is the proper line of advance, but will require a very large force, certainly fifty thousand men, as their railroad facilities south enable them to concentrate at Munfordsville the entire strength of the South.

General McCook's command is divided into four brigades, under Generals Wood, R.W.
Johnson, Rousseau, and Negley.
General Thomas's line of operations is from Lexington, toward Cumberland Gap and Ford, which are occupied by a force of rebel Tennesseeans, under the command of Zollicoffer.

Thomas occupies the position at London, in front of two roads which lead to the fertile part of Kentucky, the one by Richmond, and the other by Crab Orchard, with his reserve at Camp Dick Robinson, eight miles south of the Kentucky River.

His provisions and stores go by railroad from Cincinnati to Nicholasville, and thence in wagons to his several regiments.