General-in-chief: I received your telegram of the 16th on the 18th, and forwarded it immediately to
Sherman.
I have sent twelve boats, and more will be sent to bring up his corps.
The water is so low in the
Ohio and
Tennessee rivers that I think they must march from
Corinth.
I have ordered one million rations, and plenty of spare wagons to
Corinth ready as they come up. * * * * I hold the cavalry of my corps to cover
Sherman's movements. * * * * I have an abundance of rolling stock to
Corinth, and from thence to
Chattanooga should not take more than eight days of hard marching; * * * * with the best possible speed it will not be possible for
Sherman to get into communication with
General Rosecrans in less than fourteen days from this date at the best, and probably twenty days. * * * *
Grant's forces were ordered to move by
Memphis,
Corinth, and
Tuscumbia to
Decatur, and thence as might be found necessary to cooperate with you. * * * * The order was received on the 18th, and steamers sent to
Vicksburg to bring up the troops.
They calculated to be able to communicate with you in fourteen days from that time.
Since then nothing has been heard of them, there being no telegraph line.
The troops from here will probably reach you first.
The enemy seems to have concentrated upon
General Rosecrans all his available forces from every direction.
To meet him it is necessary that all the forces that can be spared in your department be sent to
General Rosecrans' assistance.
He wishes them sent by
Tuscumbia,
Decatur, and
Athens.
As this requires the opening and running of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad east of
Corinth, an able commander like
Sherman or
McPherson should be selected.
