CAIRO, ILL., February 12, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Six additional mortar beds arrived this morning. Work progressing rapidly. I will go to Paducah to-morrow; lively movements in this region. Shall I consolidate regiments in Illinois as was done in Indiana? Please answer to Cairo.

THOS. A. SCOTT,

Assistant Secretary of War.

[7.]

CAIRO, ILL., February 14, 1862.

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Returned to Cairo from Paducah. Two mortar-boats complete have been started to Cumberland River to-day; two more will leave this evening, and by Sunday evening four more will be ready. Fort Donelson will fall to-day and their whole force be captured.

THOS. A. SCOTT,

Assistant Secretary of War.

[7.]

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 14, 1862.

General BUELL,

Louisville, Ky.:

Telegraph me in cipher, and much detail, the position of your troops, also your intentions. Where is Thomas, and where is Carter? Where is your advance on the Bowling Green line? What forcedid you wish to take to the line of the Cumberland? Write fully.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 14, 1862.

General BUELL,

Louisville, Ky.:

How long will it take to obtain the light-draft gun-boats for the Cumberland, mentioned in yours of the 12th?* What draft of water is that river at present?#

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

[7.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Numbers 136.
Saint Louis, February 14, 1862.

* * * *

2. The Fourteenth Illinois, Twenty-fourth Indiana, and Captain Powell's company, First Missouri Artillery, will at once proceed toward the seat of war in Kentucky, touching at Cairo and Paducah for orders. Before leaving this city these regiments and battery must be in possession of a full supply of ammunition for the field.

* * * * *

By order of Major-General Halleck:

J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[7.]

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*See VOL. VII, p.607.

#For Buell's reply, see VOL. VII, p. 612.

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