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push to the wall, all the forces in
Mississippi, and capture the rolling stock of tile railroads west of the
Alabama &
Mobile.
Bragg's army alone could repair the damage we have it in our power to do them.
But I beseech you to bend every thing to push them while they are broken, weary, hungry, and ill supplied.
Draw every thing from
Memphis to help move on
Holly Springs.
Let us concentrate, and appeal to the governors of the States to rush down some twenty or thirty new regiments to hold in our rear, and we can make a triumph of our start.
Respectfully and truly,
In reply to this he received an order from the general commanding, directing him to desist from pursuit, and return with his command cautiously, but promptly, to
Corinth.
Why order a return of your troops?
Why not reenforce
Rosecrans, and pursue the enemy into
Mississippi, supporting your army on the country?
An army can not subsist itself on the country except in forage.
They did not start out to follow but a few days, and are much worn out; and I have information, not only that the enemy have reserves that are on their way to join the retreating column, but that they have fortifications to retreat to in case of need.
The
Mobile road is also open to the enemy to near
Rienzi, and
Corinth would be exposed by the advance.
Although partial success might result from further pursuit, disaster would follow in the end. If you say so, however, it is not too late yet to go on, and I will join the moving column and go to the farthest extent possible.
Rosecrans has been reenforced with every thing on hand, even at the risk of this road against raids.
It was decided, however, to order
General Rosecrans back, on the ground that he was not strong enough, or sufficiently prepared, for such a pursuit as he designed to make.
The following extract from orders issued by
General Grant at
Jackson, October 7th, shows that he then thought
General Rosecrans had accomplished all possible for him to do in the place assigned him.
