Ulysses S. Grant to J. C. Kelton, December 3, 1861

Capt. J. C. KELTON, Saint Lowis, Mo. : By orders from the Governor of this State two-regiments of troops have been sent to Shawneetown. One of these has been mustered into the service of the United States, and the acting assistant commissary of subsistence, who is now here, represents to me that the State authorities decline rationing them longer. Under these circumstances I have caused to be turned over to the commissary ten days’ rations for his regiment. In a few days I understand that the other regiment will be : mustered in also, and will probably be calling here for subsistence. Troops are highly necessary at Shawneetown, not only to protect the citizens from marauding parties of secession troops, who are now eolleeting hogs and eattie and horses on the opposite side of the river, but will serve to keep open navigation of the Ohio, and to prevent much of the smuggling now going on. Under these circumstances I would respeetfully ask if it would not be well to extend the limits of this military district to the Wabash and give it limits north in this State. If this is not done, L would at least recommend that some command be required to take in these troops, where they can look for supplies and so that they may be properly retained. Constant complaints are coming here from citizens of Crittenden and Union Counties, Kentucky, of depredations that are being committed by troops from Hopkinsville, and as the troops at Shawneetown have a steamer at their command, they may make excursions across the river that might beimproper. There are large quantitics of stock of all kinds being driven from these counties to the Southern Army, and quite a trade ix being carried on in salt, powder, caps, and domestics. Ihave reported these facts, as far as could well be done in a limited telegraphic dispatch, to General Buell.

U. S. GRANT,