Geo. B. McOlellan to Don Carlos Buell, November 25, 1861

Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Commanding Department of the Ohio: GENERAL: Your telegram received.* I have not seen the letter you allude to from the Adjutant-General.t Iinstrueted him to write to you that I was still firmly impressed with the great necessity of making the movement on Eastern Tennessee with the least possible delay. Hight regiments have been ordered to report to you from Western Virginia, three from Ohio, and whatever was available from Indiana. I hope to plaee at your disposal early next week two divisions from Missouri, as well as other troops from Illinois. I do not credit the statement that Buckner is in very large force, and I am still convinced that political and strategical considerations render a prompt movement in force on Eastern Tennessee imperative. The object to be gained is to cut the communication between the Mississippi Valley and Eastern Virginia; to protect our Union friends in Tennessee, and re-establish the Government of the Union in the eastern portion of that State. Of course Louisville must be defended, but I think you will be able to do that while you move into Eastern Tennessee. If there are causes which render this course impossible, we must submit to the necessity; but I still feel sure that a movement on Knoxville is absolutely necessary, if it is possible to effect it. Please write to me very fully. Very truly, yours,

GEO. B. McOLELLAN,