HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT
OF CAIRO,
Cairo, January 29,
1862.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
In view of the large force now concentrating in this
district and the present feasibility of the plan I would respectfully suggest
the propriety of subduing Fort Henry, near the Kentucky and Tennessee line, and
holding the position. If this is not done soon there is but little doubt but
that the defenses on both the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers will be
materially strengthened. From Fort Henry it will be easy to operate either on
the Cumberland, only 12 miles distant, Memphis, or Columbus. It will, besides,
have a moral effect upon our troops to advance them toward the rebel States.
The advantages of this move are as perceptible to the general commanding as to
myself, therefore further statements are unnecessary.
U.S. GRANT,
Brigadier-General.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
7 (Serial No. 7), p. 121
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