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which, I trust, will receive the sanction of the War Department.
Just, however, as this order was ready for publication, Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, Chief of Subsistence, received the following telegram from Colonel Northrop, dated April 29th, 1862:
‘By order of the Secretary of War, the ration is reduced to half pound of bacon or pork and one pound of beef, and not exceeding one and a half pound of flour or corn-meal.’
In the name of my men I most respectfully, but urgently, protest against such a reduction of the substantial part of the ration.
In the orders I have the honor to submit, the greatest reduction has been made that the meat ration will bear; and, as will be perceived, this retrenchment is partially made up to the soldier by an increase of the rice ration.
But for the disaster at New Orleans, I should have felt it my duty to add, likewise, to the sugar ration, as affording a cheap and healthy nutritious addition to the diet of the soldiers in this climate.
I shall carry out the orders enclosed until otherwise instructed by the War Department.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Headquarters Western Department, Corinth, Miss., May 11th, 1862.
Col. R. B. Lee, Chief of Subsistence, etc.:
Colonel,—The Commander-in-Chief wishes you to establish a sub-depot of subsistence at either Saltillo or Baldwin, on or near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, with the least delay practicable—say of one hundred thousand rations.
Please report execution of these instructions.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, Col. R. B. Lee, Chief of Subsistence, etc.:
Thomas Jordan, A. Adj.-Genl.
Headquarters Western Department, Corinth, Miss., May 11th, 1862.
Col. W. G. Gill, Chief of Ordnance:
Colonel,—The General wishes you to provide an ample supply of signal rockets.
There are some one hundred and eighty now on hand; possibly some of which, however, are not good.
He expects to use them frequently to disturb the enemy at night.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, Col. W. G. Gill, Chief of Ordnance:
Thomas Jordan, A. Adj.-Genl.
Position ‘B’ is more advantageous, provided enemy would attack; but I fear he is advancing with gradual approaches.
It would be well to have him closely reconnoitred from the direction of Hardee's pickets, if practicable; otherwise, from your own.
