President inquires of Gen. Curtis at St. Louis: "Would the completion of the railroad some distance further in the direction of Springfield, Mo, be of any military advantage to you? Please answer." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis, 12 October 1862, CW, 5:459-60.

Prods Gen. Boyle: "We are very anxious to hear from Gen. Buell's Army. We have had nothing since day-before yesterday. Have you anything?" Abraham Lincoln to Jeremiah T. Boyle, 12 October 1862, CW, 5:458-59.