Fort Donelson had surrendered to General Grant on the 16th of February, and there must have been a good deal of confusion resulting from the necessary care of the wounded, and disposition of prisoners, common to all such occasions, and there was a real difficulty in communicating between St. Louis and Fort Donelson.

General Buell had also followed up the rebel army, which had retreated hastily from Bowling Green to and through Nashville, a city of so much importance to the South, that it was at one time proposed as its capital.  Both Generals Grant and Buell looked to its capture as an event of great importance.  On the 21st General Grant sent General Smith with his division to Clarksville, fifty miles above Donelson, toward Nashville, and on the 27th went himself to Nashville to meet and confer with General Buell, but returned to Donelson the next day.

Meantime, General Halleck at St. Louis must have felt that his armies were getting away from him, and began to send dispatches to me at Paducah, to be forwarded by boat, or by a rickety telegraph-line up to Fort Henry, which lay entirely in a hostile country, and was consequently always out of repair.  On the 1st of March I received the following dispatch, and forwarded it to General Grant, both by the telegraph and boat: 

To General grant, Fort Henry

Transports will be sent you as soon as possible, to move your column up the Tennessee River.  The main object of this expedition will be to destroy the railroad-bridge over Bear Creek, near Eastport, Mississippi; and also the railroad connections at Corinth, Jackson, and Humboldt.  It is thought best that these objects be attempted in the order named.  Strong detachments of cavalry and light artillery, supported by infantry, may by rapid movements reach these points from the river, without any serious opposition.

Avoid any general engagements with strong forces.  It will be better to retreat than to risk a general battle.  This should be strongly impressed on the officers sent with expeditions from the river.  General C. F. Smith or some very discreet officer should be selected for such commands.  Having accomplished these objects, or such of them as may be practicable, you will return to Danville, and move on Paris.

Perhaps the troops sent to Jackson and Humbolt can reach Paris by land as easily as to return to the transports.  This must depend on the character of the roads and the position of the enemy.  All telegraphic lines which can be reached must be cut.  The gunboats will accompany the transports for their protection.  Any loyal Tennesseeans who desire it, may be enlisted and supplied with arms.  Competent officers should be left to command Forts Henry and Donelson in your absence.  I have indicated in general terms the object of this.

H. W. Halleck, Major-General.

Again on the 2d: 

Cairo, March 1, 1862