Robert Anderson to O. P. Morton, September 17, 1861

A messenger from General Anderson came up this evening, bearing a communication to you, saying a crisis in Kentucky’s position will probably occur in the next five days, and asking whether he can depend on you for any assistance. I have informed Captain Prime that we have not any regiments fully organized, and if we had, have no arms to

give them. It seems to be a matter of the greatest importance. Gen- _

eral Anderson thinks Polk and Zollicoffer will both soon invade Keni

tucky. Cannot General Frémont send afewregiments? Two batteries Sent promptly to Kentucky might save the State. Press the matter. I

have informed Lieut. Col. T. J. Wood, First Cavalry. Have seen messenger from Anderson and had Colonel Wood informed of the above.

; : – LOUISVILLE, KY., September 18, 1861. Hon. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. :

SIR: It has become necessary to make an advance into the interior of this State by all the disposable force at my command. Many of the men of Rousseau’s brigade and some of the regiments coming in to our / assistance are too sick to go forward. Our general hospitals are not yet established ; immediate accommodation is required fór the sick. Under these cireumstances I would respectfully request permission to put the sick of the Army in the U. S. Marine Hospital in this city. The accommodations as far as space are ample, and the medical purveyor of the Army will furnish bedding and bedsteads for the soldiers sent there. An arrangement can be entered into between the War and Treasury Departments in regard to the expenses incurred by keeping these men. A The surveyor of this port has very kindly offered to receive these sick

soldiers, but requires your sanction, which 1 beg you will grant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,