Unknown to Don Carlos Buell, January 13, 1862

Washington, January 13, 1862.

Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Commanding Department of the Ohio:

My DEAR GENERAL: Your telegram asking for six more batteries is received. I have taken measures to have them ordered to you at once, and will endeavor to order two more to you to-morrow. I hope you will ere long receive the two regular companies from Fort Randall.

You have no idea of the pressure brought to bear here upon the Government for a forward movement. It is so strong that it seems absolutely necessary to make the advance on Eastern Tennessee at once. I incline to this as a first step for many reasons. Your possession of the railroad there will surely prevent the main army in my front from being re-enforced and may force Johnston to detach. Its political effect will be very great. Halleck is not yet in condition to afford you the support you need when you undertake the movement on Bowling Green. Meigs has sent to you the 400 wagons for which requisition was made. Should the supply of Government wagons be insufficient, I would recommend hiring private teams. If the people will not freely give them, why, then, seize them. It is no time now to stand on trifles. I think Ohio can now give you five or six new regiments, that can at least guard your communications, and are probably about as good as the mass of the troops opposed to you.

I am now quite well again, only somewhat weak. Hope to bein the saddle in a very few days.

In haste, truly, yours; – GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.