| Demopolis |
| February 17, 1864
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| |
| His Excellency President Davis |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| The enemy entered Meridian
the 14th, day after my last dispatch. His forward movement was
retarded by my cavalry, who assailed him in front and flank. His
movement was so compact as to make it difficult to do more than
annoy him. Since he has been in Meridian
he has been breaking up the Mobile & Ohio and the Meridian
and Demopolis {Northeast & Southwest} Railroads. I am informed by General Lee he has moved
also on Enterprise. What his intentions are has not yet been determined. He may still
go to Mobile
or return to Jackson. Ordered Lee and Forrest to harass him, and to intercept a column
of cavalry coming down to join him from West Tennessee, reported 10,000 strong. Am holding my small force in hand at
Demopolis to take advantage of events. All stores from the Mobile
& Ohio Railroad of special value removed, and rolling-stock
placed beyond his reach. Am increasing stores of garrison at Mobile. |
| L. Polk |
| Lieutenant-General |
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