Unknown, September 6, 1861
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAS £ MISSOURI,
Cairo, Ill., September 6, 1861.
I left Cairo at 10.30 o’elock last night, taking two gunboats and three steamboats, with the Ninth Illinois, under Gen. E. A. Paine; the Twelfth Illinois, under Col. J. McArthur, and Smiths battery, four pieces light artillery, under Lieutenant Willard. I met with some detention at Mound City, owing to an accident to one of the Steamers, creating a necessity for a transfer of troops. During the detention I was joined by Captain Foote, U. S. Navy, who accompanied the expedition.
Arrived at Paducah at 8.30 this mornin g. Found numerous secession flags flying over the city, and the citizens in anticipation of the approach of the rebel army, which was reliably reported 3,800 strong 16 miles distant. As we neared the city Brigadier-General Tilghman and staff, of
_the rebel army, and a recruiting major with a company raised in Paducah, left the city by the railroad, taking with them all the rolling stock. I landed the troops and took possession of the city without firing a gun. . Before I landed the secession flags had disappeared, and I ordered our flags to replace them. I found at the railroad depot a large number
. 0f complete rations and about two tons of leather, marked for the Confederate Army. Took possession of these and ordered the rations to be distributed to the troops. I also took possession of the telegraph office, and seized some letters and dispatches, which I herewith transmit. I further took possession of the railroad. The enemy was reported as coming down the Tennessee River in large force, but this I do not credit. I distributed the troops so as best to command the city and least annoy peaceable citizens, and published a proclamation to the citizens, a copy of which will be handed you by Captain Foote.
I left two gunboats and one of the steamboats at Paducah, placed the – post under command of General E. A. Paine, and left Paducah at 12 o’clock, arriving at this post at 4 this afternoon.
Last night I ordered the Eighth Missouri Volunteers, Col. M. L. Smith, stationed at Cape Girardeau, to report here immediately. I will send them to re-enforce General Paine at Paducah to-night. I would respectfully recommend that two additional pieces be added to the excellent battery of Captain Smith, commanded by Lieutenant Willard, making it a complete battery of six pieces. He has men sufficient for six pieces, but will require horses and harness.
Colonel Waagner accompanied me, and manifested great zeal and precaution.
l must acknowledge my obligations to General MeClernand, commanding this force, for the active and efficient co-operation exhibited by him in fitting out the expedition.
U. S. GRANT, Brigadier-General.