"Columbus, Ohio,
April 24, 1861.
"Allan Pinkerton, Esq.,
"Dear Sir:—
"I wish to see you with the least possible delay, to make arrangements with you of an important nature. I will be either here or in Cincinnati for the next few days—here to-morrow—Cincinnati next day. In this city you will find me at the Capitol, at Cincinnati at my residence.
"If you telegraph me, better use your first name alone. Let no one know that you come to see me, and keep as quiet as possible.
"Very truly yours,
"Geo. B. McClellan,
"Maj. Gen'l Comd'g Ohio Vols.
This letter at once decided me. Anxious as I was to serve the country in this, the hour of her need, I sought the first opportunity for active duty that presented itself, and I left Philadelphia at once, in order to comply with the instructions contained in this message of Gen. McClellan.
STORMING A FORT.