Whilst I am writing several Galena gentlemen are in talking. They will remain until the office closes so you must excuse a disconnected letter.
I do not now see that the probabilities are so strong that I will likely be removed. A full disposition seems to have been made of all my seniors.
Father seems to be very much inclined to criticise all our generals. It may have been a little inexcusable in General Buell not to allow troops to stop for a few hours when near their homes. But he should recollect that General Buell was not on the spot to see the circumstances fully, and he does not know what necessity may have existed to have got the troops through by a certain time.
At your request I send a small batch from my cranium. I doubt whether it is big enough for the purpose you want it.
If you will come out here you might spend a few weeks pleasantly and I hope you will not lose such an opportunity as has just occurred.
I will close this. My love to all at home.
ULYS.
[The great expedition into Kentucky:—Early in January, Grant had been directed to make a reconnoissance in favor of Brigadier-General Buell who was confronting the Confederate General Buckner at Bowling Green. One force under General Smith went up the west bank of the Tennessee to threaten Forts Heiman and Henry. McClernand went into west Kentucky, one column threatening Columbus, and another the Tennessee River. Grant went with the latter. The object of the expedition was attained; troops were not sent to reinforce Buckner. Grant was now eager to move against the forts on the Tennessee. This is his errand to St. Louis, to ask permission of General Halleck to move against them. He had long been convinced that the true line of operations was up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Once these rivers were held by the Union troops, the Confederates would be forced to evacuate Kentucky altogether. But General Halleck opposed the plan.
To his sister Mary.]