Abraham Lincoln papers

From Leslie Combs to Abraham Lincoln, March 18, 1862

Frankfort March 18/62

Dear Sir

I have just returned from a visit to Genl Buels grand army at Nashville — by far the best I have yet seen — and all eager for an advance movement— His regulations are so strictly enforced that I did not see a drunken officer or soldier in the city & no place where spirits were sold or given away—

1 While there I had a conversation with Col. Willick, whose regiment, you may remember, whipt the Texan Rangers on Green River; & he would like to have another chance at them— Allow me to make one suggestion on this subject— There are large German colonies & very few slaves west of the Colorado— The country is perfectly healthy. A few regiments — including Willicks — landed at Matagorda bay — could easily penetrate the State to Austin — and San Antonio & cut Texas in two parts— The whole country abounds in stock & includes the great Salt Lakes— This operation would checkmate all military movements against New Mexico & cut off the whole Rio Grande frontier from British intrigue— A fleet could be fitted out, of light draught vessels, at Annapolis or New York & sail directly to the point named— I know the Country well and you may rely on what I say—

1 ID: August Willich was a native of Prussia and veteran of the Prussian Army. Willich became an admirer of and after his participation in the failed 1848 revolution, he came to the . When the Civil War started Willich was editor of a communist German language newspaper in . Willich became of the 32nd Indiana and distinguished himself at Shiloh and Perryville. In July 1862 Willich was promoted to brigadier general and after being wounded in the campaign he spent the remainder of the war on administrative duty.

This could be done sooner — cheaper — & more certainly than any movement by land— Think of it — This will complete the Anaconda circle around the rebels—

Respy

Y. M. O. S.

Leslie Combs

Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.1512500