This was a great help, but of course it naturally raised a howl.

Some of the poor Union people of East Tennessee appealed to President Lincoln, whose kind heart responded promptly to their request.

He telegraphed me to know if I could not modify or repeal my orders; but I answered him that a great campaign was impending, on which the fate of the nation hung; that our railroads had but a limited capacity, and could not provide for the necessities of the army and of the people too; that one or the other must quit, and we could not until the army of Jos.

Johnston was conquered, etc., etc.

Mr.Lincoln seemed to acquiesce, and I advised the people to obtain and drive out cattle from Kentucky, and to haul out their supplies by the wagon-road from the same quarter, by way of Cumberland Gap.