Ulysses S. Grant to W. M. S. Hillyer, August 15, 1861

No. 57. Washington, August 15, 1861.

I. The States of Kentucky* and Tennessee will in future constitute a separate military command, to be known as the Department of the Cumberland, under the command of Brig, Gen. Robert Anderson, U. S. EVE * * * * * * By order: capat -5 L. THOMAS, Ts Adjutant-General. * So much of this State as lay within 100 miles of the Ohio River had constituted — . the Department of Kentucky, under General Anderson’s command.—(General Orders A No. 27, A, G. O., Washington, May 98, 1961.) : p

Bo je, ir AS PRES Er. UTC EXECUTIVE MANSION, August 17, 1861.

My DEAR SIR: Unless there be reason to the contrary, not known to me, make out a commission for Simon [D.] Buckner, of Kentucky, as a brigadier-general of volunteers. It is to be put into the hands of General Anderson, and delivered to General Buckner or not, at the diseretion of General Anderson. Of course it is to remain a secret unless and until the commission is delivered.

Same day made.

INDIANAPOLIS, August 29, 1861. THOMAS A. SCOTT: ` I earnestly hope that the Government will not lose a moment in preparing for the crisis in Kentucky.

A large force should be concentrated at Evansville, and another at . such points that they can be thrown in Louisville in a few hours, that they may be used in interior of Kentucky.

Five thousand are needed for militia in the Indiana border counties. Send any of the altered muskets or whatever can be had. Can you not : send some artillery for the defense of our river towns? There is a large number of old-style guns in the arsenal at Pittsburg. The volunteering goes on with unabated vigor. With assurances of good arms we can run our regiments up to forty.

: O. P. MORTON, Governor.

INDIANAPOLIS, August 29, 1861. THOMAS A. SCOTT:

Civil war in Kentucky is inevitable. The advices from my secret scouts leave no doubt on this subject. .A force should be provided, ready to march to the support of Union men at a moment’s warning, All the State arms having been put into the hands of the State troops, it is of the first importance to provide arms for the Home Guard in the border counties. Too much importance cannot be attached to this

CINCINNATI, Ohio, September 1, 1861. Secretary CHASE:

Just arrived. Hardly time to form an intelligent opinion of the state of affairs in Kentucky. Met several gentlemen of Louisville, who seem to think an invasion from Tennessee immediately threatened.

We need everything, arms, accouterments, &c., but with the promises we had in Washington need an abundant supply of money. We will -do all that is possible. Will report further from day to day. Please have as many regiments as possible placed, subject to my orders and within cail, in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Do not let General Buell

bediverted. I must have him. : : ROBERT ANDERSON, . Brigadier-General.

INDIANAPOLIS, September 2, 1861.

At the risk of being considered troublesome I will say the conspiracy to precipitate Kentucky into revolution is complete. The blow may be struck at any moment, and the southern border is lined with Tennessee troops, ready to march at the instant the Government is ready to meet them. If we lose Kentucky now, God help us. ;

. O. P. MORTON, l . Governor of Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS, September 2, 1861. President LINCOLN:

. Kentucky desires that Governor Morton be authorized to send at

once to the Ohio River five regiments and two batteries, including

Colonel Wallace’s regiment. This is also the desire of General Anderson. We are here representing the views of the Union men of Kentucky . to the Governor of Indiana. Governor Morton is apprised of this dispatch and concurs. J. T. BOYLE, JOHN J. SPEED, Of Louisville.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST Missouri, Cairo, Ill., September 7, 1861. . Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE, Commanding Post, Paducah, Ky. :.

I have just received instructions from General Frémont, Saint Louis, that the detachment of Colonel Oglesby’s regiment shall remain at Paducah until re-enforcements arrive from Saint Louis, which will be in a few days. You will therefore consider the order from General Grant to return the detachment superseded, and the detachment will remain at your post until further orders. I am expecting Colonel Smith’s regiment from Cape Girardeau every hour, and they will immediately proceed to Paducah. General Grant has gone to Jackson to see what forces can be spared there. He will return to-day.

W. M. S. HILLYER, Captain and Aide-de.Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST Missouri, Cairo, Ill., September 7, 1861.

You will please detail a regiment of infantry and two pieces of light artillery to proceed without delay to Paducah, Ky., to be placed upon their arrival under the command of General E. A. Paine, commanding post. You will also furnish such steamboat transportation as may be necessary.

W. M. S. HILLYER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

, Cm. XIU] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. ^ 257

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST Missouri, Cairo, Ill., September 7, 1861.

In accordance with telegraphic instructions received from MajorGeneral Frémont, you will throw up earthworks and plant guns at Paducah, but make no advance. You will occupy Smithland with four companies if they can be spared. Heavy guns will be received here to-morrow and next day, and as many as you will require, not exceedng six, will be sent you. You will please report the number you esire.

By order of Brigadier-General Grant: