| Hd Qrs Dept Miss & E. La |
| Jackson April 17/63 |
| |
| Genl. J. E. Johnston |
| Tullahoma Tenn |
| |
| General, |
| I address your directly not
knowing whether Col Ewell is with your or not. I informed you by
telegraph on 13th inst. that I was establishing depots of corn &
subsistence on M&O RR at Macon, Meridian & Enterprise, also at Columbus.
The road can be run four miles above Okolana, but without a much larger
cavalry force than I can control I do not think it safe to locate depots
above Macon on the road. I have long regarded it as highly probable that
the army of Middle Tenne might be forced to take such position as to
require supplies to be drawn from N. E. Missi. You will however remember
that the large force within this Dept particularly at Vicksburg &
eastward has by reason of the frequent closing of the Missi navigation
to us been fed from the same districts. The want of transportation to R.
R. has much impeded collection of supplies and the indisposition of RR
authorities to give zealous aid has been a great drawback. Corn can be
had in large quantity if transportation can be provided, but meat is
difficult to be got at any price. I have authorized 50c pr pound; and
have directed impressment when parties refused to sell at that, always
leaving sufficient for family use. Every effort will be made to
accomplish the object. There is no doubt a considerable part of Grant's
army did go up the river as high as Memphis and perhaps into the
Cumberland, but there seems now to be no doubt that reinforcements are
being sent done again. The arrival of Adjt & Inspt. Genl Lorenzo Thomas
of the U. S. Army, who is now at Memphis, has I think made a great
change in enemy's plan of campaign. Under the circumstances, I think
that not only should no more troops be sent from here, but that those
who have just gone should be at once returned. ***** |
| Very respy |
| Yr obt Sevt |
| J. C. Pemberton |
| Lt Genl Comdg |
|