There is no doubt but the valiant Pillow has been planning an attack on Cairo; but as he will learn that that point is well garrisoned and that they have their ditch on the outside, filled with water, he will probably desist.  As, however, he would find it necessary to receive a wound, on the first discharge of firearms, he would not be a formidable enemy.  I do not say he would shoot himself, ah no!  I am not so uncharitable as many who served under him in Mexico.  I think, however, he might report himself wounded on the receipt of a very slight scratch, received hastily in any way, and might irritate the sore until he convinced himself that he had been wounded by the enemy.

Tell Simpson that I hope he will be able to visit us this summer.  I should like very much to have him stay with us and I want him to make my house his home.

Remember me to all.

Ulysses.

[Grant has just finished mustering into State service the ten additional regiments authorized by the Legislature.  He then returned to Galena whence he wrote to Washington, May 24, 1861, to the adjutant-general, tendering “his services until the close of the war in such capacity as may be offered.”  He adds, “I would say in view of my present age and length of service, I feel myself competent to command a regiment, if the President in his judgment should see fit to intrust one to me.”  He never received an answer to this letter; long after, it was found not properly filed.  Grant’s own comment is, that it was probably barely read by the adjutant-general and certainly could not have been submitted to higher authority.

The day he wrote this letter he returned to Springfield to find that Governor Yates had already appointed him colonel of one of the regiments that he himself had recently mustered into the State service, the 22d Illinois infantry.]

Galena,
May 30th, 1861.

Dear father: 

I have now been home nearly a week, but return to Springfield to-day.  I have tendered my services to the Government and go to-day to make myself useful, if possible, from this until all our National difficulties are ended.  During the six days I have been at home I have felt all the time as if a duty were being neglected that was paramount to any other duty I ever owed.  I have every reason to be well satisfied with myself for the services already rendered, but to stop now would not do.

All here are well.  Orvil or Lank will write to you in a day or two and tell you how business matters stand.  Write to me at Springfield.

Yours truly,

U.S.  Grant.