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with the least possible delay.
Leaving sixty days provision for the garrison, and an ample supply of ammunition for a prolonged, desperate defence, including about three hundred rounds of small-arms ammunition for each infantry soldier, you will remove the remainder of your supplies, if practicable; otherwise destroy what cannot be removed, in the most effective way practicable.
Transports, at all times, will be left at Tiptonville for the removal of the garrison just prescribed, should General Walker, or officer in command at any subsequent time, determine further defence of his position fruitless, or without possible beneficial issue.
Should this final evacuation become plainly proper and necessary, before the troops retire all the gulls must be either burst or thrown into the river, if practicable; if not, they must be spiked.
Should it be deemed of service, you are authorized to leave with General Walker one company of cavalry; the other companies, including the squadron of Logwood's battalion, will be sent to Fort Pillow.
A copy of this letter will be left with General Walker.
Captain Harris will be sent to Fort Pillow forthwith; and if you deem the services of the other engineers not required, you will detach them also.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Thomas Jordan, A. Adj.-Genl.
Headquarters army of the Mississippi, Jackson, Tenn., March 15th, 1862.
Maj.-Genl. Braxton Bragg, Comdg. forces A. M., Bethel, Tenn.:
General,—Your despatch of this date, 11 A. M., duly received.
Was laid before the General, who directs me to say, that he entirely accords with your views as to the movements of the enemy, and approves your arrangements in the premises, as he would have written you personally but for his continued indisposition, especially since a prolonged interview to-day with Major-General Polk.
The movement of General Polk's command will be hastened as much as may be practicable with troops of that character.
As his brigades come under your command, of course you will be able to give them such directions as you may find best.
The General confidently relies on your judgment, sagacity, and skill; and your presence in the field is a great comfort to him at this time.
Should his health debar him from being with you, he will take care that the command shall effectually rest in your hands, as was agreed upon with General Polk.
New Madrid has been evacuated.
This was done under the belief that an overwhelming force had been collected, which, aided by heavy guns, must make the early fall of the place inevitable.
Most of the ammunition is said to have been saved, but all guns in position were lost.
The General awaits the official report of the affair.
This step, of course, made another a military consequence —that is, the immediate reduction of the force at Island No.10 and Madrid Bend to the artillery to serve the guns in position, and enough infantry to support them with a reserve.
Hence, the General, to-day, directed all the forces in that quarter to be withdrawn, save the foot artillery, three regiments of infantry, a Maj.-Genl. Braxton Bragg, Comdg. forces A. M., Bethel, Tenn.:
