Ulysses S. Grant to Captain, December 18, 1861

CAPTAIN: A man sent by me to Columbus, Ky., and who spent sev- ‘eral days there, and also a man who deserted this morning from the steamer Grampus, have been in—one this afternoon, the other this evening. They both confirm the report that three of the gunboats have left for the south, and that a great many of the troops are gone. Three regiments, however, have gone but 8 miles to Camp Burnett, on the Clinton road. three more have gone to re-enforce Bowen at Feliciana, One reports that he heard that the Federals had taken Fort Jackson. I am not aware that any of our naval expeditions have been out long enough to make this story probable, but give it for what it is worth. It confirms news reported by me a few days since. ,

The army is reported to be composed of boys, badly disciplined and drilled and badly off for shoes. Clothing is coming in from the country, particularly from Arkansas. Many articles of a soldier’s rations are becoming scarce, but corn meal and beef are yet abundant. If salt . ean be kept out, however, they will have some difficulty in saving their bacon.

There are seven companies of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers at Camp Douglas, with improved arms for 1,000 men and clothing for the same, who are anxious to come here. If they could consistently be sent before being mustered into the service of the United States I would be much pleased. “This application is made because the desire to come has been expressed by the senior officers of this regiment.

respectfully, your obedient servant, __