Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to John C. Fremont
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02706 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: Cairo, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Brigadier General Grant discusses enemy troop movement with Fremont, Commander of the Western Department. States that he has not received news of enemy movement in the past few days, but that the Confederates seem to be retreating from Mayfield to Columbus, Kentucky. Reports that he has not received information regarding the command of General A. S. Johnson (possibly Albert Sidney Johnston, Confederate commander of the Western Department in 1861). Relates that the 10th and 11th Illinois Regiments have seven and nine respective companies, stating "These two regiments are commanded by Colonels of experience, and who have proffited by their experience, [struck: and] I would therefore urgently recommend that the Governor of Illinois be requested to assign Companies to these regiments to fill them up as soon as possible." Relates that he recently returned from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where property owned by Mr. Bitlinger was taken for the construction of fortifications. States that he "wanted to make an argument myself for the monthly rent to be paid whilst held for the use of the Government." Comments that the fortifications are progressing well despite the large sick report at his post.
Head Quarters, Dist. S.E. Mo.
Cairo, Sept. 20th 1861
Maj. Gen. J. C. Fremont
Comd.g Western Dept.
St. Louis Mo.
Sir:
There has been nothing in the movements of the enemy for the last few days, that I could learn, worthy of note. They now seem to be falling back from Mayfield upon Columbus Ky. I have received no confirmation of the rumor that Gen. A.S. Johnson was to take command.
I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that: the 10th Ill. regiment, Col. Morgan commanding has but seven companies in it, and the 11th has but nine companies.
These two regiments are commanded by Colonels of experience, and who have proffited by their experience, [struck: and] I would therefore urgently recommend that the Governor of Illinois be requested to assign companies to these regiments to fill them up as soon as possible.
I left here after 1 o'clock this morning for [2] Cape Girardeau and returned arriving at 2 o'clock P.M. My visit was in reference to the Bitlinger property which has been taken possession of for purposes of fortification. I appointed a board of three officers to assess the damages done the property and wanted to make an agreement myself for the monthly rent to be paid whilst held for the use of the Government. Mr. Bitlinger was absent however and I left this part of the contract to be agreed upon hereafter.
I find the fortifications progressing fairly considering the large sick report at the post.
I am Sir, Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
U.S. Grant
Brig. Gen. Com.
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