Letter

Unknown to Ulysses S. Grant, November 9, 1862

November 9, 1862.

November 9, 1862—12 m. [General GRANT :]

GENERAL: I have sent out parties to find Quinby. He camped at Davis’ Mill last night. He had a map such as I have; was instructed to join McPherson at Lamar and to pick up a guide on the way. I cannot think he is out of the way, but if it shall prove so, he will speedily be brought back and set right. McPherson probably thought him nearer than Davis’ Mill last night. Ihave little doubt the story brought by our man who escaped is entirely the correct one; it agrees with what McPherson said last night, as coming from the prisoners he had captured.

If the enemy have concluded to stay at Coldwater would it not be well to let them remain there until we can bag them. A big haul now will be of the greatest importance at this juncture of affairs. An officer who came in this morning from Jackson says France and England have formally recognized the Confederacy. Ifsuch be the case battles, to have any importance, must be of the most decisive character, and we ought to run no risk, but make sure of great things. Have you heard from Sherman ?

A letter from Wisconsin to-day advises me that the Wisconsin regiments in the State, as also those of Pope’s command, are ordered to McClernand. Isthatso? IfIam able toride I will come over this p. m.

Yours, respectfully, 0. S. HAMILTON, Brigadier-General.

LA GRANGE, TENN., November 9, 1862. Major-General HURLBUT, Jackson, Tenn. : Refuse all permits to come south of Jackson for the present. The Israelites especially should be kept out. What troops have you now, exclusive of Stevenson’s brigade ? U. 8S. GRANT, Major-General.

Cnar. XXIX.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. 331

JACKSON, November 9, 1862. Major-General GRANT:

My force-at Jackson now consists of the following: Eighteenth Illinois Infantry; Twenty-ninth [linois Infantry; Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry; One hundred and nineteenth Illinois Infantry ; Fourteenth Ohio Battery; Company D, First Illinois Artillery; Fourteenth Indiana Battery; Third Battalion, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry; Twelfth (Company H) Illinois Cavalry; Company A, Second Illinois Cavalry; Foster’s In. dependent Cavalry.

Colonel Stevenson, Fourth Brigade, will move on Monday morning

S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in West Tennessee and Mississippi, Pt. 1. Summary: A Union officer reports on the search for Quinby, discusses enemy movements near Coldwater, and expresses concern over France and England's recognition of the Confederacy, urging decisive military action.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 17, Part 1 View original source ↗