From Tennessee and Kentucky.
rumors of movements — the Confederates inferior in numbers, but prepared for the enemy — the disaffection in Kentucky. &c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch,]
Nashville, Dec., 16, 1861.
For the last day or two, rumors of movements in the neighborhood of Green River, has led us to expect a battle between General Hindman's brigade and the forces under General McCook.
The enemy is on the right bank of the river five or six thousand strong, while our troops are on the left bank, numbering not over two thousand.
They are about five miles apart.
Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers no apprehension is felt for Hindman, as he has a good position, is skillful and brave as a lion, and has troops that are equal to anything that is possible.
Although the enemy has assumed a threatening attitude, I question whether he will venture to attack Hindman.
I suppose, rather, that both commands occupy only a position of watchfulness, or as guards, on the important line between Bowling Green and Lexington, and Louisville.
The contest, if there be any fighting of consequence, will be, probably, to the east of that line.
The movements of the forces of the enemy and of Marshall's and Zollicoffer's divisions in that direction indicate this.
The Federals have much greater advantages than we have for transporting troops and provisions and munitions of war, having railroad communication a great part of the way and a rich and populous country to pass through, while our troops have to pass through a broken and comparatively sparsely settled country by common roads.
In spite of these disadvantages, if the campaign be prosecuted with vigor, our army will soon advance to a more favorable locality and drive the enemy before it. The number, character, and moral of our forces justify such a prediction.
There is but one thing that can prevent a successful campaign, and that is delay.
Our hopes, therefore, are based upon rapid movements and sharp, vigorous action.
This has been promised.
We shall see very soon whether we have been deceived or not.
There never has been such a favorable time for an active campaign as the present.
The season is fine, and the weather clear and bracing.
Kentucky is in a condition just now — in consequence of the abolition programme laid down by Lincoln in his message, and by his Secretary of War, Cameron, in his report to Congress — to revolt against Federal domination.
Those who have been, heretofore, the strongest Union men, are disgusted and alarmed, and are ready to come over to our side.
Kentuckians in the Federal service have asked permission of Confederate officers to return to their families.
There is one instance of a prominent Federal officer having made such an application to our Commanding General.
It is reported also, that one of Bully Nelson's regiments revolted after having read Lincoln's message and Cameron's report, and are now under arrest in Louisville.
The Louisville Journal, the pliant instrument of Yankee despotism up to this time, has turned round, and denounces fiercely the expressed purposes of the Government at Washington.
Notwithstanding the truculent tergiversation of Prentice, its chief edition, to the Federal authorities, that paper continues to follow up its attack.
The last number received here, that of the 9th of December, has a severe though cautiously worded editorial.
The writer declares emphatically that if the Federal Government is going to carry out its abolition programme, the Union cause will be lost in Kentucky.
Thus it will be seen what a favorable time the present is to push forward our forces into the heart of the State--Thousands upon thousands of those who have been supporting the Lincoln Government, or as they call it, the Union cause, will either disband upon the approach of the Confederate troops, or will join them.
From all parts of the State information arrives of the same state of hostile feeling being excited by the conduct of the Yankee Government at Washington.
I trust, then, that our own Government and the General in command may fully appreciate existing circumstances, and not let such a golden opportunity pass without taking advantage of it. Veritas. 