General Buell sat in his headquarters at Louisville. General Nelson, accompanied by Fred, had dropped in to see his general, and at the same time to give vent to some of his pent-up feelings.
"It's a shame, a shame!" he fumed, "for us to sit here and let the Rebels fortify Bowling Green and Dover and Columbus, and build forts to blockade the Tennessee, and we not raise a finger to prevent it."
Buell smiled at his irate general, and asked: "And what would you do, Nelson?"
"Do!" roared Nelson, "do! I would strike, and strike hard. I would give them precious little time to build forts."
Before General Buell could answer, an orderly entered with a telegram. He read it, and turning to Nelson, said:
"Well, General, you can cease your fuming. This telegram is from General Halleck. He tells me he has ordered General Grant up the Tennessee to reduce Fort Henry, and he wants me to co-operate as much as possible in the movement."
Nelson was on his feet in an instant.
"General," he exclaimed, "I have a favor, a great favor to ask of you."
Buell smilingly answered: "I think I know what it is without your asking. You want me to send your division."
Nelson bowed.