Remember the dispatches that Halleck sent for Buell and Thomas? The ones he later told McKibbin not to deliver? McKibbin delivered them, relieving Buell of command and transferring it to Thomas. But as we see here, Halleck quickly countermanded that order. It can’t have helped Buell’s image in the army, though.
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862.
(Received 12.45 p.m.)
Major-General HALLECK:The dispatches are delivered. I think that it is fortunate that I obeyed instructions. Much dissatisfaction with General Buell. There is no probability of a fight within a week. I shall await orders before leaving.
J. C. McKIBBIN.
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 29, 1862.Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Louisville:
You will return to Washington.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-2.30 p.m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:I have received your orders of the 24th instant, requiring me to turn over my command to Major General G. H. Thomas. I have accordingly turned over the command to him, and in further obedience to your instruction I shall repair to Indianapolis and await orders.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-11.45 a.m.
Major General HALLECK, General-in Chief:Colonel McKibbin handed me your dispatch, placing me in command of the Department of the Tennessee. General Buell’s preparations have been completed to move against the enemy, and I therefore respectfully ask that he may be retained in command. My position is very embarrassing, not being as well informed as I should be as the commander of this army and on the assumption of such a responsibility.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 29, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Louisville, Ky.:The order relieving General Buell was not made by me nor on my advice and I have no power to change it. It was made before General Buell arrived at Louisville, and Colonel McKibbin was twice telegraphed not to deliver the dispatches till further orders, but he received the telegrams too late. This statement is necessary to explain the telegrams sent by me to General Buell. Please show it to him. You may consider the order as suspended till I can lay your dispatch before the Government and get instructions.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.