[The special instructions which Grant came from Jefferson City to
receive, assigned him to the command of southeastern Missouri and
southern Illinois. He was to have temporary headquarters at Cape
Girardeau during an expedition ordered for the capture of Colonel Jeff
Thompson, who was disputing with them the possession of southeastern
Missouri. This expedition was broken up on account of General Prentiss
leaving his command at Jackson and returning to St. Louis, offended at
being placed under a brigadier-general whom he believed to be his
junior. Grant says Prentiss' action was a great mistake. "He was a
very brave and earnest soldier," he writes long after. "No man in the
service was more sincere in his devotion to the cause for which we
were battling, none more ready to make sacrifices or risk life in
it."]
Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
August 31st, 1861.