| Headquarters Fifth Military District |
| Grenada, July 25, 1863 |
| |
| Col.
B. S. Ewell
|
| Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the West,
Brandon, Miss.
|
| |
| Colonel, |
| My last information from
below is that the enemy have evacuated Jackson, and returned toward
Vicksburg. It is reported that a part of their force has been sent
to Memphis, and it is supposed that the greater part of the
remainder will be sent either up or down the river, leaving only a
garrison at that place. If this is true, will it not be possible to
repair the railroad bridges over Big Black and Pearl Rivers, and the
other injuries to the roads, so as to allow the trains now collected
near this place to be removed to the Mobile and Ohio Railroad? |
| It is impossible, with the
information I now have, to estimate correctly the amount of damage
done the roads, but it is confidently thought by the railroad
authorities here that with the aid of the Government in impressing
hands, &c., the road between this place and Jackson can be put
in working order within two weeks. Of the condition of the road
beyond Jackson, and especially of the bridge over Pearl River,
nothing is known. I have, however, sent Messrs. Frost and Williams,
the superintendents of the Mississippi Central and New Orleans,
Jackson and Great Northern Railroads, both of whom have much
experience in such matters, to pass over the road to the other side
of Pearl River, and estimate the length of time requisite to put it
in such condition as to allow the passage of trains. One of these
gentlemen will report the result of their examination directly to
you, and you may rely entirely upon any statements they may make. |
| If the enemy have left
Jackson, and the road at that place can be protected against them,
the greatest difficulty will be in repairing the bridge over Pearl
River. I am satisfied that the road between this and Jackson can be
repaired in the time specified by impressing negroes, and if the
report is favorable as to the Pearl River Bridge, I will commence
the work at once. |
| The value of the
rolling-stock of the different roads now near here is not less than
$4,000,000, and its usefulness to the Confederacy, if it can be
saved, will be incalculable. At present they are exposed to danger
both from the north and south, and it will require a large part of
my small command to guard them, if I am able to do so at all. |
| I am, colonel, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| James R. Chalmers |
|