Gov. Thomas E. Bramlette to Brig. Gen. Stephen Burbridge

                     Commonwealth of Kentucky,

                          EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

                    Frankfort, Ky., Sept 15th, 1864.

  Maj Genl Burbridge

     Lexington Ky

    Genl.

Having at all times been ready to cooperate with all the powers I possess in and of the federal authorities in crushing the rebellion; and having notified General Ewing through the Adjt Genl of our [illegible] to call out men where [illegible] [illegible] his action, without notice to me, impinging directly upon the civil authorities, who appealed to me as to what they should do demanded that as I was not consulted, I should also act promptly in response to the County Judges and direct them what to do.–– I am and have been working? to raise a force when ever the Military Authorities deemed it expedient to be employed for suppression of guerrillas. The reason I have not extended the raising of men is that I understand it was not desired (by the Military authorities and I did not wish in the event to invade their domain only to cooperate when desired.

Your suggestion will be very cordially accepted by me. It has ever been my opinion that your purposes were laudable Although in some measures I thought you erred, yet I have ever so far as you are concerned have attributed your actions to good motives. And for this very reason when I was apprised of the fact that persons were machinating against you I have flanked them and defeated their movements against you I think I can always distinguish between an error and vice and have not been ready to accuse you of any intentional wrong; On the contrary have habitually defended you against such accusations.

I have believed that your views and my own harmonized more nearly than yours and those who are constantly urging extreme action. I have but little doubt that were we together more frequently and interchange views freely, that there would never be occasion for any substantial difference.

As for Genl Ewing—I only know that his action was so palpably wrong and unnecessary (as all the and? he might have desired would have been given if asked) that—I have no concessions? whatever to him until he apologises for his invasion of my prerogatives.

Yours truly

Tho E Bramlette

P.S.

Since I telegraphed you I learn that the negroes taken from here were carried to Lexington and not run off to Cincinnati as we were led to believe from information. I want all the recruiting brokers caught and the men they recruit appropriated to the credit of the State. My two negroes could have had my permission at any time as they well knew without running off if they had but signified their wish to go.

The pressing of negroes by Capt Goin’s order, was unknown to myself or Genl Sudsy? and against our consent. We wished to hire such as men had to spare and were willing to hire but not to press. I have been having the matter investigated and will have those concerned in the matter punished. The steps have already been taken to do so.

Respectfully,

Tho E Bramlette