OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.
or Fort MacGavorck, or something else, usually called Fort Gavock [Fort Donelson]. He could not give me an idea of its armament.
I mention these things because it is a favorite idea announced on the other side that Paducah is to be attacked from three quarters at once, one quarter being by one or both rivers.
I inclose General Grant's telegram to me of his affair at Belmont yesterday.
Nothing yet heard from my commands sent in the direction of Columbus.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
CAIR [November 7].
General SMITH:
Attacked the rebels this morning at 9 o'clock; drove them out of Belmont and destroyed their encampment; loss heavy on both sides. They had eleven regiments against our 3,000 men. If you have an opportunity communicate with General Paine our arrival here this evening.
U. S. GRANT.
HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Paducah, Ky., November 8, 1861.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: My report of to-day has nothing of interest so far as this place is concerned. I have not heard from the force sent out by me on the 6th instant to aid in the demonstration on Columbus. I expect it in this evening. I inclose General Grant's telegram to me of his affair at Belmont with reference to this demonstration.
In answer to the general's request to enumerate my wants, I beg to say that my chief want is an efficient quartermaster. In this connection I beg the general will send for an extra-official letter I addressed to the Quartermaster-General of the Army on this subject. I have officially asked of the headquarters of the Department of the West to send me an efficient officer to replace Captain R. N. Lamb, the present incumbent.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
CAIRO, November 8, 1861.
General SMITH:
We drove the rebels completely from Belmont, burned their tents, and carried off their artillery. For want of horses to draw them we had to leave all but two pieces on the field. The victory was complete. Our loss is not far from 250 killed, wounded, and missing. The rebel loss must have been from 500 to 600, including 130 prisoners brought from the field.
U. S. GRANT.
