OR, Series 1, Vol. 45, Part 2, Page 748

West Point
December 30, 1864
 
[General Frank Gardner]
 
   The enemy's cavalry reported near Collierville on the 22d instant; artillery and infantry near there. Notice of above received on the 23d. I at once telegraphed Commander Mabry's brigade, at Macon , to move up at once, via Okolona and Ellistown. Same dispatch sent to Wade's regiment. Telegraphed Brigadier-General Gholson and Lieut. Col. W. G. Henderson to move up with all their cavalry and King's battery, and send up all dismounted men on railroad to Corinth ; also dispatched for all men to be sent up from Lauderdale Springs, Macon, and Okolona. On 24th instant I received notice that the enemy's cavalry had crossed Mississippi Central Railroad, and were marching rapidly through Lamar on road to Salem. I at once dispatched Henderson at Verona, Gholson at Okolona, Wade at Columbus, Colonel Lipscomb at Macon, to concentrate in front of Tupelo or Okolona to resist raid from Memphis; made known to them the approach of the enemy. The enemy moved without halting but once to the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, striking it at Booneville and between Baldwyn and Guntown, doing but little damage to the track at Booneville and partially destroying one bridge below Baldwyn. The two columns above named went west, and joined main forces near Ellistown. The whole force then moved down and struck the road at Tupelo and Verona, destroying most of the bridges and burning depots, but doing but little damage to the track elsewhere.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. P. Mabry
Colonel, &c.

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