O. P. Morton to A. H. Foote, September 22, 1861

Capt. A. H. FOOTE, : Commanding Naval Forces Western Waters, Cairo, TU. : In pursuance of telegraphic instructions received from headquarters Western Department, you will proceed with the gunboat Lexington from here and Conestoga from Paducah to Owensborough, Ky., where the Confederates are said to have taken possession, and dislodge them. General – Frémont’s instructions are that the Ohio River is to be kept open. : ` U. S. GRANT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. o INDIANAPOLIS, September 22, 1861. I much regret that subsequent events have prevented me from send- ; ing you the troops. Reliable adviees on Friday show an advance on ‘ Louisville by a force of not less than 10,000 men, and Anderson had not more than 3,000. Anderson begged for troops. Our own safety required that they should be furnished. We have sent him four regiments, and one to Evansville. We are out of arms. Can you not lend us 5,000 for the time? Louisville is considered in great danger this – morning, and many doubt whether it can be saved. Please send us arms by special train. ie

O. P. MORTON,