| Hd. Qrs. Dept. Miss & E La |
| Jackson Feb 7 1863 |
| |
| Messrs N. R. Jennings |
| Geo. Fearn
Committee |
| |
| Gentlemen, |
| In reply to your letter of the
2d Feby embodying a resolution of the Board of Directors of the N. O. J.
& G. N. RR {New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern
RR} in relation to the defence of the Eastern District of La., I
regret to say that I have no troops at present available for that
purpose. You are aware I presume that the enemy in much superior force
to that I am able to bring against him, has been for some time past and
is now threatening the two most important and military positions in this
Department. In the present juncture of affairs the possession of the
district of country to which you refer would in my opinion be of little
value to the enemy, as it has no advantages as a base of operations,
which are not exceeded by points within his control on the Miss River.
It must be evident to you that any force sent to protect the Lake shore
of La or Gulf Counties of Miss, must by so much weaken the more
important positions of Port Hudson and Vicksburg. To protect local and
private interests is always a duty incumbent, when it can be done
without prejudice to more general or vital interests, but the forces
must not in any manner interfere to the prejudice of the latter. In my
opinion the disposition of a sufficient force to ensure protection to
the Lake shore is at this time incompatible with the safety of more
serious interests. |
| Very Resp &c |
| J. C. Pemberton |
| Lt Genl Comdg |
|