Unknown to William S. Rosecrans, November 18, 1862

November 18, 1862.

November 18, 1862. Major-General ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn. :

I understand the obstructions placed in the Cumberland by the rebels some 50 miles above Smithland can be readily removed, owing to the low stage of water. Have you taken any steps toward it? If not, I will order Colonel Bruce to do it, as it is nearest his post.

H. G. WRIGHT, Major-General, Commanding.

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 18, 1862. Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:

Please order Bruce as you propose. I shall probably need all the troops I can get. I hope the rebels will fight us in Tennessee. There ought to be some reserve in your department at Bowling Green and Glasgow. There are points on the Cumberland to be fortified also. Will telegraph you soon. Advise me of all you learn eastward. Can’t you take the First Division of the Kanawha this way ?

W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

WASHINGTON, November 18, 1862, Maj. Gen. Horatio G. WRIGHT, Cincinnati :

GENERAL: A Kentucky gentleman has handed me the inclosed newspaper slip,* with the remark that ‘“‘ General Wright is pursuing just the reverse of this policy in Kentucky.” I ought also to inform you that a committee of gentlemen from the West visited the War Department some days ago to ask your removal, on the ground that you were pursuing “too milk and water a policy toward the rebelsin Kentucky.” One specification was that you had revoked General Buell’s Orders, No. 49.

I have always, whenever it was possible, avoided giving positive instructions to the commanding generals of departments, leaving them the exercise of their.own judgment, while giving them my opinion and advice. So in regard to this matter I think a vigorous and strong policy should be adopted. Domestic traitors, who seek the overthrow of uur Government, are not entitled to its protection, and should be made to feel its power. I adopted this policy in Saint Louis and Missouri, and found it most beneficial. The hands of Union men were strengthened, and secessionists became Union men from interest, which, after all, is the very strongest lever to apply to them. Those who have encouraged and stirred up rebellion require especial attention. Make them suffer in their persons and property for their crimes and for the sufferings they have caused to others. Great care, however, should be taken to distinguish between the innocent and the guilty, and between those who repent and those who persevere in offense. Let the guilty feel that you have an iron hand; that you know how to apply it when necessary. Don’t be influenced by those old political grannies, who are only half way Union men, and who are ever ready to shield and anologize for traitors. Their policy will soon ruin you and ruin Kentucky. Very truly, yours, H. W. HALLECK General-in-Chief.