Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Major-General Don Carlos Buell, March 14, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSPPI,        
Saint Louis, March 14, 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Nashville:

A diving-boat will be sent up the Cumberland as soon as possible. The enemy has a large force at Island No. 10, and holds on with great tenacity. The position is turned, and will soon be attacked.

I am satisfied that the enemy's present line of defense extends from Decatur to Island No. 10. We must attack it in the center, say at Corinth or Jackson. General Smith has established himself at Savannah. I think all your available force not required to defend Nashville should be sent up the Tennessee. This seems to be the best line of operations, as it leads directly to the enemy's center, and is easily supplied. Give me your views.

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. 38

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