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.]

Cairo,
Jan. 23d, 1862.

DEAR SISTER: 

You have seen through the papers notice of my return from the great expedition into Kentucky.  My orders were such and the force with me also so small that no attack was allowable.  I made good use of the time however, making a splendid reconnoissance of the country over which an army may have to move.  I have now a larger force than General Scott ever commanded prior to our present difficulties.  I do hope it will be my good fortune to retain so important a command for at least one battle.  I believe there is no portion of our whole army better prepared to contest a battle than there is within my district, and I am very much mistaken if I have not got the confidence of officers and men.  This is all important, especially so with new troops.  I go tonight to St. Louis to see General Halleck; will be back on Sunday morning.  I expect but little quiet from this on and if you receive but short, unsatisfactory letters hereafter you need not be surprised.

Your letter asking me to intercede in behalf of Lieut.  Jones was received.  I have no one of equal rank now to offer in exchange, unless it should be some one of Jeff Thompson’s command, but if it should fall in my power to effect Lieutenant Jones’ release, I shall be most happy to do so.  Write to me giving the first name, where he now is, when taken and under what circumstances.

I think you may look for Julia and the children about the 1st of
February.

As I said before the three oldest will be left to go to school.  Jess is too small.  You will like him the best of any of the children, although he is the worst.  I expect he will whip his Aunt Mary the first day.  Buck, though never really sick, is very delicate.  He is the best child I ever saw and is smart.