Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 5 [Oct. 24, 1861-Dec. 12, 1862].

Annotation

[1]   ALS, RPB. General Boyle telegraphed on September 11, 9:15 P.M. that ``Genl Wrights withdrawing the troops from this place and sending to Cincinnati is creating a panic and will ruin the State.'' (DLC-RTL). Major General Charles C. Gilbert telegraphed Lincoln on September 12 at 10:30 A.M., ``The Enemy must destroy Buells army . . . before attempting the capture of Cincinnati. If we secure Buells line of communication with this place an attack on Cincinnati in force is an impossibility unless by the way of the Kanawha and Western Va . . .'' (DLC-RTL). Boyle replied to Lincoln's telegram at 10 P.M., ``I expect no Enemy here soon. If Bragg is in the State when [E.

Kirby] Smith and he unites they may move on Louisville. Genl Gilberts opinion may be inferred from dispatch he sent you. I believe he concurs with me. I have no idea there is any considerable force of the Enemy near Cincinnati. Bragg is reported already in the State with large force on the lines I indicated some days ago. I do not believe it. There is some force but it is not large Bragg may enter soon Buell is at Nashville. Part of his Army are at Bowling Green. [Alexander M.] McCooks Division which was no this side the Cumberland, now is reported to have recrossed to the Nashville side. I have heard nothing from Buell. My information is from Col Bruce at Bowling Green I concur with you that Genl Wrights military opinion is better than I ever thought mine to be but I can know facts as well as the ablest military man. There are many reports Deserters from Buckner report him with ten thousand 10000 men near Tompkinsville. Bragg reported at Burkesville and Columbia advancing into the centre of the State. I do not believe any of the reports of an early attack at any point. They can and I hope will be driven out before they attack.'' (DLC-RTL). See Lincoln to Wright, infra.