I was not ready to move, but deemed best to anticipate the arrival of Beauregard's forces.

H. W. HALLECK.

WASHINGTON, February 6, 1862.

General BUELL:

Halleck telegraphs that Fort Henry is largely re-enforced from Columbus and Bowling Creek. If road so bad in your front, had we not better thrown all available force on Forts Henry and Donelson? What think you of making that the main line of operations? Answer quick.

McCLELLAN.

WASHINGTON, February 6, 1862.

General BUELL:

If it becomes necessary to detach largely from your command to support Grant, ought you not to go in person? Reply, and, if yes, I will inform Halleck. Your last dispatch received. What heavy artillery will you eventually need?

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

SAINT LOUIS, February 6, 1862.

(Received 10 p.m.)

General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN:

If you can give me, in addition to what I have in this department, 10,000 men, I will take Fort Henry, cut the enemy's line, and paralyze Columbus. Give me 25,000, and I will threaten Nashville and cut off railroad communication, so as to force the enemy to abandon Bowling Green without a battle.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, February 6, 1862-7 p.m.

General HALLECK:

Buell telegraphs roads are impassable to Bowling Green. Has sent you a brigade. I have placed nine additional regiments at his disposal to send to the Tennessee River or use himself if he can advance on Bowling Green. Buell will assist you. Is a sudden dash on Columbus practicable if Buell can send the troops? I will push Hitchcock's case. Yours of to-day received.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

LOUISVILLE, February 6-12 p.m.

(Received February 7, 1862-11.30 a.m.)

Major General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN:

This whole move, right in its strategical bearing, but commenced by General Halleck without appreciation-preparative or concert-has