Geo. H. Thomas to C. F. Smith, January 9, 1862
Cairo, January 9, 1862.
General C. F. SMITH, Commanding U. $. Forces, Paducah, Ky.: Owing to the density of the fog it will be impossible to make any movement here to-day. This will delay your movements also, it being
desirable to effect a junction at Mayfield. As the matter now stands, the column leaving Paducah need not start until Saturday. If there should be future delay, I will telegraph you. â M LE U: S. GRANT, Brigadier- General, Commanding.
HDQRs. First DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Camp near Columbia, January 9, 1562. Brig. Gen. ALBIN SCHOEPF, * Commanding at Somerset :
GENERAL: Your communication of the 7th instant, submitting a plan of the enemy’s intrenchments, has been received at the hands of Captain Hall Your views appear to me excellent, provided the bridge of boats can be secured from freshets. It is General Buellâs desire, however, that we should not eross the river unless absolutely necessary. His plan was that by marching from this place I should threaten his left flank whilst you attacked him in front.
Do you eonsider his position impregnable from attack in front? If S0, let me know by messenger as.soon as you can. We have had very bad weather since the 1st, and have another obstacle to-day in the rising of the creek near here. Iam in hopes, however, that we shall be able to march to-morrow.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers.