HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, March 16, 1862.
General GRANT, Fort
Henry,
As the enemy is evidently in strong
force, my instructions not to advance so as to bring on an engagement must be
strictly obeyed. General Smith must hold his position without exposing himself
by detachments until we can strongly re-enforce him. General Buell is moving in
his direction, and I hope in a few days to send 10,000 or 15,000 more from
Missouri. We must strike no blow until we are strong enough to admit no doubt
of the result. If you deem Fort Heiman best for defense, occupy it instead of
Fort Henry. You must decide upon all details from your better local
information. What captured field pieces have you?
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 41
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