"Yes," was the reply. "Kirby Smith will first go to Frankfort. He must have that place, if possible, for the political effect it will have. If he gets it, he will surely come to Cincinnati. He is an idiot, if he does not. Here is the material of war,—goods, groceries, salt, supplies, machinery, etc.,—enough to restock the whole bogus Confederacy."
"What are you going to do? You have nothing to defend the city with."
"I will show you," was the reply.
Within the first half-hour after his arrival in Cincinnati, General Wallace wrote and sent to the daily papers the following proclamation, which fully and clearly develops his whole plan.
"PROCLAMATION.
"The undersigned, by order of Major-General Wright, assumes command of
Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport.
"It is but fair to inform the citizens, that an active, daring, and powerful enemy threatens them with every consequence of war; yet the cities must be defended, and their inhabitants must assist in the preparation.
"Patriotism, duty, honor, self-preservation, call them to the labor, and it must be performed equally by all classes.
"First. All business must be suspended at nine o'clock to-day. Every business-house must be closed.
"Second. Under the direction of the Mayor, the citizens must, within an hour after the suspension of business, (ten o'clock, A.M.,) assemble in convenient public places ready for orders. As soon as possible they will then be assigned to their work.