OR, Series 1, Vol. 24, Part 3, Page 654A

First District, Dept. of Miss. and Eastern La.
Columbus, Miss.
March 6, 1863
 
Lieut. Col. J. R. Waddy
Assistant Adjutant-General
 
Sir,
   I have the honor to state, for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding, that much anxiety exists among planters throughout Northeastern Mississippi on the question of protection of the planting interest generally. At present the protection is inadequate, and they are apprehensive that the labor and expense incurred in sowing their crop will be lost, and that the undertaking will be attended with disaster. It is apparently well understood that the district embraced covers about the best grain-producing portion of the State, and would be capable, under careful, or even ordinary, management, of producing supplies for almost the entire force now employed in the department. This district has been much depended on for supplies since the great campaign opened at Corinth more than a year since.
   I have, in connection with the immediate demand for supplies, ordered Lieutenant-Colonel [J. R.] Barteau to advance to Verona, 16 miles above Okolona, although his troops are miserably armed, and deficient in number, with not even ammunition sufficient for a skirmish.
   I have also directed that the railroad track {of the Mobile & Ohio RR} be repaired to that point for the transit of supplies as rapidly as possible.
   ***** 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Daniel Ruggles

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