McClernand's Expedition Page 14

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
November 9, 1862 - 12 m.
[General GRANT:]
GENERAL: I have sent out parties to find Quinby. He camped at
Davis' Mill last night. He had a map such as I have; was
instructed to join McPherson at Lamar and to pick up a guide
on the way. I cannot think he is out of the way, but if it
shall prove so, he will speedily be brought back and set
right. McPherson probably thought him nearer than Davis' Mill
last night. I have little doubt the story brought by our man
who escaped is entirely the correct one; it agrees with what
McPherson said last night, as coming from the prisoners he had
captured.
If the enemy have concluded to stay at Coldwater would it not
be well to let them remain there until we can bag them. A big
haul now will be of the greatest importance at this juncture
of affairs. An officer who came in this morning from Jackson
says France and England have formally recognized the
Confederacy. If such be the case battles, to have any
importance, must be of the most decisive character, and we
ought to run no risk, but make sure of great things. Have you
heard from Sherman?
A letter from Wisconsin to-day advises me that the Wisconsin
regiments in the State, as also those of Pope's command, are
ordered to McClernand. Is that so? If I am unable to ride I
will come over this p. m.
Yours, respectfully,
C. S. HAMILTON,
Brigadier-General.