Why not attack at once?
By all means avoid the contingency of a foot race to see which, you or Hood, can beat to the Ohio.

If you think necessary call on the governors of States to send a force into Louisville to meet the enemy if he should cross the river.

You clearly never should cross except in rear of the enemy.

Now is one of the finest opportunities ever presented of destroying one of the three armies of the enemy.

If destroyed he never can replace it.