Lincoln's letter to Indiana's Republican Gov. Oliver P. Morton is quite telling.
Morton is a stalwart Lincoln supporter and has apparently asked for more weapons for both Indiana and Kentucky.
Lincoln responds that he's doing the best he can, but that he is currently, if not in range of Confederate guns, then still within hearing of their cannon shots.
Lincoln says there appear to be no immediate Confederate efforts to attack Washington, DC, but Confederates certainly would take the city if Lincoln were to send the troops requested from Washington in support of Louisville, Kentucky.
Lincoln does mention William T. Sherman, who is "now" just south of Louisville, KY, but does not mention U.S. Grant, who is near Paducah, Kentucky.
I wonder if those two ever join forces? ;-)
Lincoln has been personally introduced to W.T. Sherman. I bet he couldn’t pick Grant out of a lineup.