I have the Nashville Railroad guarded by three regiments, yet it is far from being safe; and, the moment actual hostilities commence, these roads will be interrupted, and we will be in a dilemma.

To meet this in part I have put a cargo of provisions at the mouth of Salt River, guarded by two regiments.

All these detachments weaken the main force, and endanger the whole.

Do not conclude, as before, that I exaggerate the facts.

They are as stated, and the future looks as dark as possible.