| Hd Qrs Dept. Trans Mississippi |
| Shreveport La Nov 3rd 1863 |
| |
| Brig Genl P. O. Hebert |
| Comgd &c |
| |
| General, |
| I am directed by Lieut Genl
Smith to say that the complete and utter destruction of the Rail Road
leading from Monroe in the direction of Vicksburg
{Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas RR}, is of the first importance
and to that end you will forthwith put to work all the negroes that can
be obtained, and also such of your force as can be spared, in order that
it may be speedily and entirely destroyed. With the Rail Road from
Vicksburg to Monroe in the hands of the enemy, the latter place would
become to the Country West of the Washita, what Vicksburg is to that
West of the Mississippi. The Lieut Genl feels confident that you will at
once see the importance of this move, and that you will bend all your
energies to its accomplishment. |
| I m General very respectfully |
| Your obt servt |
| ?. ?. Anderson |
| Asst Adjt Genl |
|