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196 Series I Volume IV- Serial 4 - Operations in the South and West

Page 196(Official Records Volume 4)  


OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

SEPTEMBER 6, 1861. - Occupation of Paducah, Ky., by United States troops.

REPORTS, ETC.

Numbers 1. - Brigadier General John A. McClernand, U.S. Army of departure of expedition from Cairo, Ill., September 5.

Numbers 2. - Brigadier General U.S. Grant, U.S. Army, commanding District of Southeast Missouri, with instructions relative to occupation of the town.

Numbers 1. Report of Brigadier General John A. McClernand, U.S. Army, of departure of the expedition from Cairo, Ill., September 5.

BRIGADE HDQRS., Cairo, September 5-12 p.m.

SIR: I have the honor to report the military operations of the day. This morning an engineering party, covered by a company from Colonel Paine's regiment, repaired to the Kentucky shore, and made a survey and reconnaissance, with a view to occupation preparatory to more decisive movements south. The party returned at sunset without accident. This afternoon vigorous measures were adopted for an expedition for the seizure of the city of Paducah, 50 miles above, on the Ohio River. To prevent opposing measures, all passing on the rivers and roads was suspended, egress from the city forbidden, and the telegraph restrained.

The expedition sailed at 11.30 to-night, comprising the gunboats Tyler and Conestoga, the steamers Graham and Terry, conveying Colonel Paine's regiment from Cairo, Colonel McArthur's regiment from Bird's Point, also Colonel Waagner's artillery, consisting of six pieces, under Captain Smith. The force comprised about 1,800 men of all grades, six 64-pounders, four 32-pounders, and six 6-pounders, with an adequate supply of provisions and munitions for all expected emergencies. Brigadier-General Grant commands the expedition in person. The officers and men chosen for this duty are among the most carefully chosen and drilled of the Illinois volunteers. I anticipate the pleasure of being able to announce to you the entire success of this important movement.

Order prevails in this city and camp; the organization and drill of the forces are progressing satisfactorily, and when supplied with the arms now on the way, it is hoped that the post may be not only well defended, but the scene of efficient operations.

Having only entered upon the command of this post at noon to-day, and being pressed by active duties, growing out of the movements above referred to, I will defer details until better advised of the condition and strength of my command.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major General JOHN C. FREMONT, Saint Louis, Mo.

Numbers 2. Reports of Brigadier General U.S. Grant, U.S. Army, commanding District of Southeast Missouri, with instructions relative to occupation of the town.

CAIRO, September 6, 1861.

Have just returned from Paducah. Found secession flags in different parts of the city, in expectation of greeting the arrival of Southern