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town of Eastport, and this was the only battery we had. This identical battery had the contest with the gunboats.
Very respectfully,
Dear Sir,—Yours of 10th instant received, and I answer your questions as put by you.
1st.
I was ordered to Iuka by General Sidney Johnston about the 1st of February, 1862.
2d.
I went there with eight companies of the 9th Mississippi, was reinforced by Colonel R. F. Looney, 28th Tennessee, and Colonel (afterwards General) Maxey, of 9th Texas, and Baskewith's battalion of cavalry.
My infantry was located at Iuka, except two companies with two 24-pounders located at old Chickasaw on Tennessee, under Captain S. S. Calhoun.
These companies had been trained in heavy artillery at Pensacola, and drove back the gunboats that came up to burn Bear Creek bridge—as stated by General Sherman.
The cavalry was watching the Tennessee River, and one company, under Captain (afterwards General) Rodney, went across the Tennessee River to watch the movements of the enemy.
* * * * * *
Yours truly,
I consider shot-guns, with bayonet attachment of Memphis, superior to ordinary muskets.
This telegram was repeated to the Governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Please send me immediately B. Johnson and Mackall, if possible.
Do not collect more cars and engines from western part of road than absolutely necessary, lest they be cut off at Tuscumbia.
Jackson, Tenn., March 11th, 1862.
General,—Knowing the importance of having all our orders faithfully and promptly executed at this critical juncture, I have to request that you will mark on my ‘notes of reference’ of the 3d and 4th instants, and my instructions 