Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[656] much that you cannot move in this direction at once.

I feel that General Bragg's instructions and the situation of affairs within my district, alike compel me to keep near the line of the road. If I move towards Holly Springs, as you suggest, I not only endanger the safety of the road, which is essential to the supply of my army, but I expose my supplies of every kind, and the valuable workshops and public property at Columbus and Gainesville, to destruction by the enemy. I learn that a cavalry force of thieves, seventeen thousand strong, is even now within forty-eight hours march of Columbus.

General Bragg's orders also compel me to keep close watch upon Rosecrans, and I hear that he is now at Iuka, and crossing his army at Eastport. I am, therefore, pushing my army slowly forward, and shall remove my own headquarters to Guntown on Sunday; I shall then determine by what route to advance. I shall keep you fully advised of my movements, so that we may co-operate or unite our forces, as may be most advisable.

I am, General, very sincerely,

Your friend and obedient servant,

Rosecrans has gone westward with about ten thousand men. I am ready to co-operate with you in an attack upon Corinth. My courier awaits your answer.

General: I entered this town with my army on last Sunday morning. The rear guard of Rosecrans' army evacuated it at my approach, and are retreating westward. I telegraphed you immediately, proposing a combined movement upon Corinth, and sent the despatch by special messenger to Guntown, with instructions to forward it to you immediately, and to await your reply. This has not been received yet. I hope that you will answer me at once, for General Bragg has just sent me another despatch, in these words:

en route to Kentucky, September 12, 1862.

By the proceedings of a council of war in Nashville, captured by us, it seems Rosecrans, with part of his army, is there. I have anxiously expected your advance, and trust it will not longer be delayed.

Braxton Bragg.

I cannot remain inactive any longer, and must move, either with you against Rosecrans, or towards Kentucky. The courier who takes this to you will bring your reply.

I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

I will make the movement proposed in your despatch of the sixteenth instant. Enemy concentrating against me. Please make demonstration towards Rienzi. Have written by courier. Send your telegrams to Tupelo.

I will leave here on Friday morning, twentieth. Wrote you this morning stating that I would meet you at Ripley. As you know more of the country, if any point be better state it, and I will meet you there.

A few days ago the enemy's strength was thirty-five thousand. I learn that they are leaving in the direction of Jackson, and whether we attack them or not before receiving our exchanged prisoners, it is important that we should unite.

General: We have driven and drawn the enemy clear back to the Ohio. Push your columns to our support and arouse the people to reinforce us. We have thousands of arms without men to handle them.

Nashville is defended by only a weak division, Bowling Green by only a regiment. Sweep them off and push up to the Ohio. Secure the heavy guns at these places and we will secure the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. All depends on rapid movements. Trusting to your energy and zeal, we shall confidently expect a diversion in our favor against the overwhelming force now concentrating in our front.

Respectfully and truly yours,