connoissances frequently to within sight of the rebel camps, but my
force has to be so reduced that it would be imprudent to make an
attack now until I am reinforced.

I hope some day, if I am allowed to retain this command, to give a
good account of ourselves. Simpson's death, though looked for for the
last two years, causes me a great deal of sadness. The day I heard of
it, I received a number of letters from Galena. In two or three of
them his arrival at St. Paul was noted, and it was stated that he was
no better. Our family has been peculiarly blessed up to this time. But
few families of the same number have gone so many years without the
loss of a single member.

I expect Father here as soon as Orvil returns to Galena.

BROTHER ULYS.

[Grant felt sure that Columbus could easily have been taken soon after
the occupation of Paducah, and had asked more than once to be allowed
to move against it. As time went on it was so strongly fortified that
it would have required a large force and a long siege to capture it.
General Fremont was in charge of the Department of Missouri.]

Cairo,
October 25th, 1861.

DEAR SISTER:

Have gone longer this time without writing to you than I intended and
have no good excuse for it. I have received two letters, at least,
from you and father since my last, one of which wanted special answer.
As I have not that letter before me I may fail to answer some points.

As to my not taking Columbus there are several reasons for it which I
understand perfectly and could make plain to any one else, but do not
feel disposed to commit the reasons to paper. As to the needlessness
of the movements of troops I am a better judge than the newspaper
reporters who write about it. My whole administration of affairs seems
to have given entire satisfaction to those who have the right to
judge, and who should have the ability to judge correctly. I find by a
little absence for the few last days (under orders) that my whole
course has received marked approbation from citizens and soldiers, so
much so that many who are comparative strangers to me are already
claiming for me promotion. This is highly gratifying but I do not
think any promotions should be made for the present. Let service tell
who are the deserving ones and give them the promotion. Father also
wrote about a Mr. Reed. He is now here and will probably be able to
secure a position. I do not want to be importuned for places. I have
none to