[510]
— was believed to be peculiarly acceptable to his brigade.
What is the objection?
Do you advise more reenforcements from General Bragg?
You, as commandant of the department, have the power so to order, if you, in view of the whole case, so determine.
We cannot send from Virginia or elsewhere, for we stand already not one to two.
(Signed) J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
Your dispatch of June 8th, in cipher, received.
You do not give orders in regard to the recently-appointed general officers.
I have not at my command half the number of troops necessary.
It is for the Government to determine what department, if any, can furnish the troops required.
I cannot know here General Bragg's wants compared with mine.
The Government can make such comparisons.
Your dispatch is imperfectly deciphered.
J. E. Johnston.
Your dispatch of the 8th imperfectly deciphered and partially answered on the 10th.
I have not considered myself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here; and should not have felt authorized to take troops from that department after having been informed by the Executive that no more could be spared.
To take from Bragg a force that would make this army fit to oppose Grant's would involve yielding Tennessee.
It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee.
(Signed) J. E. Johnston.
