| Headquarters |
| Meridian, Miss.
|
| January 12, 1864 |
| |
| Major-General Loring |
| |
| General, |
| Your recent communications
have been received by the lieutenant-general commanding, and in
reply I am directed to say: |
| First. Mr. Grider was here a
few days ago and reported that he had 15,000 cross-ties cut, and
wanted twenty-five wagons to haul them in. The order was given, and
authority was also sent you for impressing as many additional
ox-teams as necessary. |
| Second. This department has
been divided into two cavalry departments. Major-General Lee
commanding southern and Major-General Forrest the northern
department. General Lee's instructions are to post Ross' brigade in
between the Yazoo
and Big Black. This brigade will be charged with the protection of
your front and the railroad. Colonel Ross will communicate with you
and keep you advised of any demonstration of the enemy. As this
brigade will be near you in a short time there is probably no
necessity for sending you another cavalry asked for. |
| ***** |
| Respectfully, general, your obedient
servant, |
| T. M. Jack |
| Assistant Adjutant-General |
|