CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, August 17, 1861.

HonorableSECRETARY OF WAR:

MY DEAR SIR: Unless there be reason to the contrary, not known to me, make out a commission for Simon [B.] Buckner, of Kentucky, as a brigadier-general of volunteers. It is to be put into the hands of General Anderson, and delivered to General Buckner or not, at the discretion of General Anderson. Of course it is to remain a secret unless and until the commission is delivered.

Yours, truly,

A. LINCOLN.

[Indorsement.]

Same day made.

INDIANAPOLIS, August 29, 1861.

THOMAS A. SCOTT:

I earnestly hope that the Government will not lose a moment in preparing for the crisis in Kentucky.

A large force should be concentrated at Evansville, and another at such points that they can be thrown in Louisville in a few hours, that they may ne used in interior of Kentucky.

Five thousand are needed for militia in the Indiana border counties. Send any of the altered muskets or whether can be had. Can you not send some artillery for the defense of our river towns? There is a large number of old-style guns in the arsenal at Pittsburg. The volunteering goes on with unabated vigor. With assurances of good arms we can run our regiments up to forty.

O. P. MORTON, Governor.

INDIANAPOLIS, August 29, 1861.

THOMAS A. SCOTT:

Civil war in Kentucky is inevitable. The advices from my secret scouts leave no doubt on this subject. A force should be provided, ready to march to the support of Union men at a moment's warning. All the State arms having been put into the hands of the State troops, it is of the first importance to provide arms for the Home Guard in the border counties. Too much importance cannot be attacked to this subject.

O. P. MORTON.

CINCINNATI, OHIO, September 1, 1861.

Secretary CHASE:

Just arrived. Hardly time to form an intelligence opinion of the state of affairs in Kentucky. Met several gentleman of Louisville, who seem to think an invasion from Tennessee immediately threatened.

We need everything, arms, accouterments, &c., but with the promises we had in Washington need an abundant supply of money. We will do all that is possible. Will report further from day to day. Please have as many regiments as possible placed, subject to my orders and