Rumors had it that John Cabell Breckinridge was coming to his home state as part of Bragg’s invasion. Such a visit might spark enlistments to the Confederate cause, as Breckinridge was a favorite son.
BOWLING GREEN, [September] 23, 1862.
J. B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant-General:Dr. Walter, a reliable man from Scottsville, reports that Breckinridge and his force were expected in Tompkinsville last night. This information is derived by scouts from Tompkinsville direct and from a family escaped from that place, and that men purporting to be quartermasters wanted to press wagons to haul corn, as they alleged, for Breckinridge’s an Van Dorn’s army, which would be along in a day or two. Everything which can be discovered tends to confirm this news. The secessionist of this part of the State are expecting a force form some source. I am scouting the country well and hope to know their movements before they are upon me.
S. D. BRUCE,
Colonel, Commanding Post.