F. Smith from Fort
Donelson, fifty miles up the river to Clarksville, to take possession of
the place and the railway bridge over the river there. General Grant
wrote to General Cullum, advising him of this movement and proposing the
capture of Nashville, but adding he was ready for any move the General
Commanding might direct. On the 24th he wrote to General Cullum, General
Halleck's chief of staff, that he had sent four regiments to
Clarksville, and would send no more till he heard from General Halleck.
Next day he wrote that the head of Buell's column had reached Nashville,
and he would go there on the receipt of the next mail, unless it should
contain some orders preventing him. He went to Nashville on the 27th,
and returned to Fort Donelson next day. In his absence there was, among
some of the troops about Fort Donelson, fresh from civil life and
restive under the inactivity and restraint of a winter camp, some
disorder and insubordination. There was, moreover, some marauding in
which officers participated. General Grant, on his return, published
orders repressing such practices, arrested the guilty parties and sent
the arrested officers to St. Louis to report to General Halleck.

On March 1st General Halleck sent to General Grant, from St. Louis, an
order directing the course of immediate operations: "Transports will be
sent to 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, Miss., and also the
connections at Corinth, Jackson, and Humboldt. It is thought best that
these objects should 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 very serious
opposition. Avoid any general engagement with strong forces. It will be
better to retreat than to risk a general battle. This should be strongly
impressed upon the officers sent with the expedition 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....
Competent officers should be left to command the garrisons of Forts
Henry and Donelson in your absence...." General Grant received the order
on March 2d, and repaired at once to Fort Henry. On the 4th the for