Ulysses S. Grant to J. C. FRÃMONT, Comdg. Western Dep't, Saint Louis, Mo, September 22, 1861
Cairo, September 22, 1861.
” GENERAL: Yesterday I directed a reconnaissance in force to discover the position of the enemy. The main part of the troops from Norfolk
and Fort Jefferson were landed below Island No. 1, and marched from there down the beach road, supported by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington. The result proved the Confederates to be in and around Columbus. No outposts are occupied by them nearer tous. Mayfield has been deserted by the rebels. : i
Colonel Waagner, chief of ordnance, left here this evening, in pursuance of orders telegraphed to him. His energy and ability have been of great service to me, particularly in directing reconnaissances, and his loss from this post will be felt. ~
To-day the advanced sentinels of one of our, pickets fired into a scouting party of about 100 rebels, killing 1 horse and unhorsing 5 or 6 men. This took place about 1 mile from Elliott/s Mills, on the Columbus road.
The general health of this command is improving, but the number of siek is still very large.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
No. 2. >
Report of Col. Jacob G. Lauman, Seventh Iowa Infantry, of skirmish on
Mayfield Creek, Ky. `
>
Fort JEFFERSON, September 22, 1861.