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you the great importance, not to say necessity, of reclaiming the provision country of
Tennessee and
Kentucky; and, from my knowledge of the country and people, I believe that other great advantages may accrue, especially in obtaining men to fill your ranks.
The following forces, it is believed, will be available, if nothing shall occur to divert them, viz.:
| Infantry. | Artillery. | Cavalry. | Total. |
| Your own command | 33,000 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 41,000 |
| General Martin's cavalry, now en route to you | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| From Lieut.-Gen. Polk | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| From Gen. Beauregard | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| From Gen. Longstreet's command | 12,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 16,000 |
| 60,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 75,000 |
It is proposed to hold the reenforcements ready, and to put them in motion just as soon as you may be able to use them.
To throw them to the front now, would only impede the accumulation of supplies necessary for your march.
Measures have been taken to aid in supplying you with artillery-horses.
Additional means of transportation will be furnished as soon as practicable.
The efficient organization of engineer troops in your command will supply every want in that department.
Ammunition in abundance is on hand, subject to your call; and it is believed that the means of subsistence are ample in your immediate rear, if efficient measures are inaugurated to get them forward.
On this point you are desired to act at once,
