It will be more expeditious to send all
the troops by Selma, as same cars go through from here to the
Tombigbee.
J. C. Pemberton
{Pemberton is arguing that the
route from Jackson to the Tombigbee River to Selma to Blue Mountain
and Rome is more efficient than from Jackson to Meridian to Mobile
to Montgomery to Atlanta. Pemberton's route would require a march
from Blue Mountain to Rome -- some 50 miles. Johnston's route would
require use of the Montgomery & West Point RR's unique gauge and
shipment through busy Atlanta. Both routes would require the use of
the Western & Atlantic RR for part of the trip.}