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CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 BETWEEN 
 
 THE PKESIDENT 
 
 AND 
 
 GENERAL JOSEPH. E, JOHNSTON, 
 
 TOGETHER WITH THAT OF 
 
 THE SECRETARY OF AVAR AND THE ADJUTANT AND 
 INSPECTOR GENERAL, 
 
 DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY, JUNE AND JULY, 1863. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 
 
 RICHMOND: 
 B. M. SMITH, PTJBUO PRINTER. 
 
 1864. 
 
*: 
 
 MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 Richmond, Va., January 29, 1864. 
 To the House of Representatives : 
 
 In response to your resolution of the 1 1th ultimo, I herewith trans- 
 mit for your information a copy of my correspondence, together with 
 that of the Secretary of War and of the Adjutant and Inspector 
 General, with General Joseph E. Johnston, during the months of 
 May, June, and July, 1863, concerning his command and the opera- 
 tions in his department." 
 
 As the resolution fixes definitely the dates within which the corres- 
 pondence is desired, I have not deemed it proper to add anything 
 which was prior or subsequent to those dates. 
 
 JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 THE PRESIDENT AND GEN. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., May 6, 1863. 
 Gen. J. E. Johnston, Tullahoma, Tenn. : 
 
 How and why was Brigadier General Martin withdrawn from Mis- 
 sissippi, for service with the cavalry of which he was appointed ? 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Tullahoma, Tenn., May 7, 1863. 
 His Excellency, the President : 
 
 Brigadier General Martin was assigned to Van Dorn's cavalry, 
 which was ordered to this department in January. He is not now 
 with Van Dorn, who is in front of Columbia. He commands tho cav- 
 alry directly between this army and Murfreosboro.' 
 
 (Signed.) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN OYPHBE. 
 
 Richmond, May 18, 1863. 
 General Joseph B. Johnston, 
 
 Headquarters, via Jackson, Miss.: 
 Have seen your despatch of this date. The cavalry mentioned 
 cannot reach you before weeks. Other larger and more practised 
 cavalry I had hoped could be drawn to you from another part of your 
 department, as suggested in telegram some time since. Several of 
 tho be^t infantry regiments, if wanted, might serve as substitute for 
 
6 
 
 the cavalry so much and immediately required. I hope you will have 
 larger accessions to your army, when advancing to attack, by the 
 junction of militia and less organized bodies of citizens. Your pres- 
 ence will effect much to inspire confidence and activity. 
 
 The enemy will probably seek to jr.in his fleet at Warrenton, draw 
 the remaining forces from the camp above Young's Point, and prepare 
 for land and water attack on the defences of Vicksburg. If you could 
 unite with Pembertcn, and attack the enemy in his retrograde move- 
 ment towards the river, the chances would be much better. Every 
 effort will be made to aid you, and I desire to know fully your wishes, 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Canton, May 21, 18G3. 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 There is a divison without a Major General, the only officer compe- 
 tent to command it being General VV. II. T. Walker;* (he) is the junior 
 Brigadier. Please appoint immediately. Another will be wanted for 
 coming troops. I recommend Brig. Gen. Wilcox.* These officers are 
 indispensable. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Camp near Canton, via Jackson, May 21, 1863. 
 To the President : 
 
 Your dispatch of the 18th received, but cannot be decyphered. On 
 account of heavy loss of artillery, we want field-pieces, with harness 
 itnd ammunition. Troops coming from the east are generally without 
 irtillery. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 COPY OF TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va*, May 22, 1863, 
 General Jos. E. Johnston, via Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Brigadier General John S. Bowen is appointed Major General to 
 meet the want specified in your dispatch. General Loring becomes 
 Available for assignment to the division you designate. Field batte- 
 
 * These names, in the original dispatch received, appeared a9 " General W. H. 
 Taliaferro," and " Brigadier General Wilson." 
 
ries and small arras are on the way to your command. Signal cypher 
 was employed. If you have the book formerly used by us, will resort 
 to that. 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVlS. 
 
 COPY OF TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, May 22, 1863. 
 General Bragg, Tullahoma, Ihtn. : 
 
 The vital issue of holding the Mississippi at Vicksburg is dependent 
 on the success of General Johnston in an attack on the investing 
 force. The intelligence from there is discouraging. Can you aid 
 him ? If so, and you are without orders from General Johnston, act 
 on your judgment. 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, May 22, 1863. 
 General Jos. E. Johnston, via Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 I do not understand recommendation for promotion of Brigadier 
 General Wilson, in your despatch of 21st. 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, Miss., May 23, 1863. 
 His Excellency, the President. : 
 
 It was Brigadier General Cadmus Wilcox that I recommended. 
 Major General Loring is commanding his own division. Brigadier 
 General Bowen commands a division of the troops invested in Vicks- 
 burg. The division I mentioned has no officer in it competent to com- 
 mand but Brigadier General W. II. T. Walker. It must be without 
 a commander until a Major General is appointed for or assigned to it. 
 
 We have tremendous odds against us. I respectfully urge, there- 
 fore, thorough organization. 
 
 I ceased to carry the book referred to upon being informed that the 
 :opy was not retained in your office. 
 
 The enemy's gunboats have possession of the Yazoo. 
 
 (Signed) J. B. JOHNSTON. 
 
TELEGRAM, 
 
 Shelbyville, Tenn., May 23, 1863. 
 Jefferson Davis, President : 
 
 Sent thirty-five hundred (3,500) with the General, three (3) batte- 
 ries of artillery and two thousand (2,000) cavalry since; will despatch 
 six thousand (6,000) more immediately. Have no orders. The Gen- 
 eral did not consider it safe to weaken this point. 
 
 (Signed) BRAXTON BRAGG. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., May 23, 1863. 
 General B. Bragg, commanding, fyc, Shelbyville, Tenn. : 
 
 Your answer is in the spirit of patriotism heretofore manifested by 
 you. The need is sore, but you must not forget your own necessities.. 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., May 23, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, via Canton, Miss. : 
 
 Your first dispatch was so changed as to present the names of W» 
 H. Taliaferro and Wilson — both supposed to be errors. Bowen was 
 appointed supposing him to be with Loring. Since your dispatch re- 
 ceived to-day, gave order to appoint Walker Major General. Am 
 making every effort to aid you. and hopeful of junction of your forces 
 and defeat of the enemy. 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, Miss., May 23, 1863. 
 lb his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Troops are coming very slowly. The last of Bragg's arrived on 
 Tuesday ; since then but three hundred have arrived, and thirteen 
 hundred are reported this side of Meridian. An officer who left Vicks- 
 burg on Tuesday reports that an assault near the Yazoo road had been 
 repelled this time. ' It is said here to-day that another was made near 
 
the Jack-con road, and also repulsed. This gis'es me confidence in 
 Pemberton's tenacity. If army can be organized, and well com- 
 manded, we shall win. 
 
 Major Generals in proportion to the number of brigades are neces- 
 sary. IsMaj.r General Ewell afsigned? I have great confidence 
 in him, and should be glad to have him. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, May 23, 1863. 
 To the President : 
 
 The number of troops I expect to concentrate now in Mississippi ia 
 nineteen (19) thousand, exclusive of the garrison of Vicksburg and 
 Port Hudson. The latter I have ordered to join me. Vicksburg is 
 invested. Number sixteen (16) thousand or eighteen (18) thousand. 
 Grant's force is estimated at sixty thousand (60,000.) 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Canton, May 24th, 1863. 
 To His Excellency the President .' 
 
 Tho following, received by courier, at Jackson, yesterday, from 
 General Pembcrton, telegraphed to me by Colonel Ewell: 
 
 "Vicksburg, May 20th. — Enemy assaulted entrenchments yes- 
 terday on centre and left. Were repulsed with heavy loss. Our lo-:- 
 8mall. Enemy's force at least sixty (61)) thousand. 
 
 " May 21st — Enemy kept up heavy artillery lire yesterday. Two 
 
 (2) guns dismounted in centre, and works uninjured. Their .sharp- 
 shooters picked off officers and men all day. Works repaired tad 
 guns replaced last night. The vital (U S R R A) question hi 
 ammunition. 
 
 *' The men are encouraged by a report that you are near with a 
 large army, and are in good spirits. 
 
 " Two, P. M. — Brisk artillery and musketry fire to-day. Three 
 
 (3) guns dismounted in centre; will replace them if possible. Heavy 
 mortar firing from gunboats. The fire of the sbarpshoot< . 
 severe. 
 
 Three o'clock, P. ML — During past two days enemy has gone op 
 river in transports in large force. Where going, not known." 
 (Signed,) JOS. J^JOIC 
 
10 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, May 24th, 1863. 
 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Canton, Miss. : 
 
 I concur in your reliance on the tenacity with which General Pern- 
 berton will defend his position, but the desparity of numbers renders 
 prolonged defence dangerous. I hope you will soon be able to break 
 the investment, make a juncture, and carry in munitions. General 
 l!ains, who has made valuable inventions, is ordered to you for spe- 
 cial service, and will, I think, be useful both on land and river. Gen'l 
 Bragg has probably communicated with you. If my strength per- 
 mitted, I would go to you. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IK CIPHER. 
 
 Jackson, May 27th, 1863. 
 To His Excellency, the President : 
 
 A young man, sent out by Major General Stevenson, reports that 
 hard fighting has been going on since Tuesday of last Week, with 
 continued success to us. Our men confident and in fine spirits ; but 
 we cannot break the investment without an army. General Cooper 
 tells me that but thirteen (13) thousand have been ordered. General 
 Pemberton estimates Grant's force at not less than sixty (60) thou- 
 sand. When all the reinforcements arrive, shall have but twenty - 
 three (23) thousand. Tell me if additional troops can be furnished. 
 
 The two cases of cypher are independent of each other. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Richmond, May 28th, 1863, 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Canton, Miss. : 
 
 The reinforcements sent to you exceed by, say, seven thousand, 
 the estimate of your dispatch of 2?th instant. We have withheld 
 nothing which it was practicable to give. We cannot hopo for 
 numerical equalitj^nd time will probably increase the disparity. 
 (Signed,) W JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
11 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, May 28th, 1863. 
 To His Excellency, the President : 
 
 It is reported that the last infantry coming, leave Montgomery 
 to-night. When they arrive I shall .have about twenty-three thou- 
 sand (23,000.) Pemberton can be saved only by beating Grant. 
 Unless you can promise more troops we must try with that number. 
 The odds against us will be very great. Can, you not add seven 
 thousand ? Asked for another major general, W ilcox or whoever you 
 may prefer. We want good general officers quickly. I have to 
 organize an army and collect ammunition, provisions, and transporta- 
 tion, 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Richmond, May $0tii y 1863. 
 
 To General Jos. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Your dispatch, of 28th, received. The Secretary of War reports 
 the reinforcement ordered to you as greater than the number you 
 request. Added to the forces you have from Pemberton's army, he 
 states your whole force to be thirty-four (34) thousand, exclusive of 
 militia. Rowen and Walker promoted. French and Rreckinridge, 
 ordered* to you, will, I hope, meet your want of major generals. If 
 another be required, S. D. Lee is, I think, equal to that grade. Offi- 
 cers in the field here cannot be sent to you without too great delay 
 The troops sent to you were so fully organized that I suppose you 
 will have little trouble as to organization, unless it be of militia 
 Colonel Stockton can probably answer your requisitions for ammuni- 
 tion. You, no doubt, will be embarrassed by deficiency of fiold trans- 
 portation. The recent robberies have diminished the amount in the 
 country, 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHKK. 
 
 Canton, June 1, J3C3, via Montgomery, \ 
 Po his Excellency, the PrmdmU : 
 The Secretary of War is greatly mistaken in his number*. By 
 
12 
 
 their own returns, the troops at my disposal available against Grant 
 
 are: 
 
 Of Pemberton's »,700 
 
 Of Bragg's 8,400 
 
 Of Beauregard's 6,000 
 
 24,100 
 
 • 
 
 Not including a few hundred irregular cavalry nor Jackson's com- 
 mand, the strength of which I do not know. Bowen and Lee are in 
 Vicksburg beyond my reach. In the estimate, that garrison is not 
 included. 
 
 The total of the above, twenty-four thousand one hundred (24,100.) 
 
 These are numbers of ..effectives. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Canton, via Montgomery, June 10, 1863, 
 To His Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 It has been suggested to me that the troops in this department are 
 very hostile to officers of northern birth, and that, en that account, 
 Major General French's arrival will weaken instead of strengthen us. 
 I beg you to consider that all the general officers of northern birth 
 are on duty in this department. There is now a want of major gene- 
 rals. 
 
 Tt is important to avoid any cause of further discontent. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., June 11, 1863. 
 
 To General Joseph E. Johnston: 
 
 Your dispatch received. Those who suggest that the arrival of 
 'General French will produce discontent among the troop?, because ot 
 liis northern birth are not, probably, aware that he is a citizen of 
 Mississippi, was a wealthy planter until the Yankees robbed Lim, and, 
 before the Confederate States had an army, was the chief of ordnance 
 and artilletry in the force Mississippi raised to maintain her right of 
 Recession. As soon as Mississippi could spare him, he was appointed 
 a brigadier general in the provisional army of the Confederate States, 
 and has frequently been before the enemy, where he was the senior 
 officer. If malignity should undermine him, as it has another, you 
 
13 
 
 are authorized to notify him of the fact and to relieve him, communi- 
 cating it to me by telegram. Surprised by your remark as to the 
 general officers of northern birth, I turned to the register and find 
 that a large majority of the number are elsewhere than in the Depart- 
 ment of Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, June 12, 1863. 
 To Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Your dispatch of the 8th, imperfectly deciphered and partially 
 answered on the tenth. I have not considered myself commanding in 
 Tennessee since assignment here, and should have not felt authorized 
 to take troops from that department after having been informed by the 
 Executive that no more could be spared. To take from Bragg a force 
 which would make this army fit to oppose Grant would involve yielding 
 Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and 
 Tennessee. 
 
 (Signed..) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, June 13, 1863. 
 To General Bragg, Tullahoma, Tenn. : 
 
 General Johnston communicates report of reinforcements to Grant 
 going down the Mississippi. The estimated number, thirty thousand. 
 Have you knowledge whence they were drawn. If from Rosecranz, 
 can you lurther aid the defence of Vicksburg, indirectly or directly, 
 by advance or detachment? 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, June 15, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Your dispntch, of 12th instant, to Secretary of War, noted. The 
 order to go to Mississippi did not diminish your authority in Tennes- 
 see, both being in the country placed under your command in original 
 
14 
 
 assignment To what do you refer as information from me restricting 
 your authority to transfer troops, because no more could be spared? 
 Officers ordered to you for duty generally are, of course, subject to 
 assignment by you. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. . 
 
 Jackson, June 15th, 1863. 
 To Hon. J. A. Seodon, Secretory of War : 
 
 Your repeated dispatch of the 8th, is deciphered. I cannot advise 
 in regard to the points from which troops can best be taken, having 
 no means of knowing; nor is it for me to judge which it is best to 
 yield, (or hold) Mississippi or Tennessee; that is for the Government 
 to determine. Without some great blunder of the enemy, we cannot 
 hold both. The odds against me are much greater than those you 
 express. I consider saving Vicskburg hopeless. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackon, June 16, 1863. 
 
 To His Excellency the President : 
 
 Your dispatch of loth received. I meant to tell the Secretary of 
 War that 1 considered the order directing me to command here as 
 limiting (my) authority to this department, especially when that order 
 was accompaned by War Department orders transferring troops from 
 Tennessee to Mississippi ; and, whether commanding there or not, 
 that your reply to my application for more troops, that none could be 
 spared, would have made it improper for me to order more from Ten- 
 nessee. Permit me to repeat that an officer having a task like mine, 
 far above his ability, cannot, in addition, command other remote de- 
 partments. No general can command separate armies. 
 
 I have not yet been able to procure the means of moving these troops. 
 They are too weak to accomplish much. The reinforcements you 
 mention have joined Grant. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
15 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, Juno 16, 1863. 
 To Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 General Bragg informs me that a telegram from Louisville, of the 
 10th, says that part of the ninth and third corps have been sent to 
 reinforce Grant. Will not this enable us to invade Kentucky ? For 
 this General Bragg's command should extend over east Tennessee. 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond. June 17, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 I do not find in my letter book any communication to you contain- 
 ing the expression which you again attribute to me, and cite as a re- 
 striction on you against withdrawing troops from Tennessee ; and 
 have to repeat my inquiry, to what do you refer ! Give date of dis- 
 patch or letter. ' 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 Richmond, June 17, 1863. 
 To Gen. B. Bragg, commanding, §c., Shelbyville, Ttnn. : 
 
 General: Gen. Johnston, in telegrams of the 15th and 16th, re- 
 peats the expression of his opinion that he cannot, under existing 
 circumstances, advantageously command both in Mississippi an 1 Ten- 
 nessee ; and, in referring to the reported movement of Burnside's 
 corps to reinforce Grant, sa} T s : " Will not this enable us to invade 
 Kentucky? For this General Bragg's command should extend over 
 east Tennessee. 
 
 The arrangement made of several departments, in a geographir;il 
 district, to the command of which General Johnston was assigned, 
 was intended to secure the fullest co-operation of the troops in those 
 departments, and, at the same time, to avoid delay by putting the 
 commander of each department in direct correspondence with the «F«f 
 office 
 
 Under this view of the case, the department of cast Tennessee, 
 was created because of the delay which would attend the transmission 
 of reports and orders if they must need pass from southwestern 
 ginia to middle Tcnnesse, and thence to Richmond, Virginia. Your 
 telegram of the 15th, suggesting orders for co-operative movement 
 by General Buckner, manifests the defect of the existing arrangement. 
 
16 
 
 i 
 
 while General Johnston's attention is absorbed by operations in Mis- 
 sissippi. 
 
 I would be glad to have from you such suggestions as you may 
 nlease to make in relation to the proper remedy for the existing 
 evil. 
 
 Your command could be extended to embrace that of Gen. Buck- 
 ner, ly extending the limits of the department of Tennessee. You 
 will know better than myself how far the means of communication 
 and your own leisure would permit you to direct the operations, espe- 
 cially in the eastern portion of Gen. Buckners' department. 
 
 You can also judge better than myself how far co-operation can be 
 relied upon, without the exercise of other command than that which 
 arises after the junction of forces in camp, marches, &c. 
 
 There are, no doubt, many conditions which do not now occur to me, 
 but which experience has brought to your attention, and I will be glad 
 to have a full expression of your views, being happily fully aware 
 thai your wish can in no wise differ from my own, the success of our 
 cause in the unequal struggle in which we are engaged. 
 Very respectfully and truly yours, 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, June 20, 1863. 
 ilon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 On arriving here I informed General Kirby Smith of the condition 
 * f Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and requested his aid and co-operation, 
 which he has given. 
 
 General Taylor, with eight thousand men, is opposite Vicksburg, 
 and temporarily occupies Milliken's Bend and other points on the 
 river. The presence of this force is encouraging. Nothing can be 
 done by us to relieve Port Hudson, which is in imminent peril. Gen- 
 eral Taylor will make such demonstrations opposite Port Hudson as 
 he can. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, June 20, 1863. 
 To His Excellency, the President : 
 
 I much regret the carelessness of my reply of the 16th, to your 
 telegram of the 15th. In my dispatch of the 1 2th, to the Secretary of 
 War, I referred to words " we have withheld nothing which it was 
 practicable to give," in your telegram of May 28th, and (to the tele- 
 
17 
 
 gram) of June 5th*, except the last sentence. I considered n Execu- 
 tive " as including Secretary of War. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Richmond, June 25, 1863. 
 To Gen. J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Telegram from Governor Pettus informs me of conference with you. 
 Com. Barron will transfer the funds to you, to be applied by you for 
 the purpose indicated, in the defence of western rivers. You will 
 exercise discretionary power as to manner and objects. 
 
 (Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, via Montgomciy , June 28, 1863 
 His Excellency, the President : 
 
 I have received what you directed Commodore Barron to give me ; 
 but, since learning particulars of the^jcheme with which he was con- 
 nectel, have no hope now of * * * * 
 
 The third object seems to me foasible, and agents have been 
 patched * ** ****** 
 
 I shall probably not require a tenth part of the monev. 
 
 (Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, June SO, |0| 
 
 To Gen. J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 After full examination of all correspondence between you and 
 pelf ;ind the war office, including the dispatches referred to in 
 •tin of the 20th instant, I am still at a loss to account f-<r 
 Strange error in Btating to the Secretary of War that 
 draw reinforcements from Bragg's army had b 
 Executive ,,r that your command over the army of T 
 been Withdrawn. 
 
 [n c mplianee with your request, I am ei 
 with (ieneral Bragg on the subject of making such new arr.r 
 
 cretary of Wfir 
 
18 
 
 as shall relieve you hereafter of the command of his department. 
 Your suggestion to extend Bragg's command over east Tennessee, is 
 likewise a subject of correspondence ; and your recommendation to 
 attempt a movement in Kentucky has been approved, and every effort 
 will be made to carry into effect that as well as any other practicable 
 movement to aid you. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, July 2, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston : 
 
 I have this day sent a dispatch to General E. K. Smith, and to your 
 care. Please send copies of„ the dispatch to General Smith by several 
 reliable couriers, going at different times, so as to ensure its speedy 
 delivery. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON. DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Headquarters, Caney -Creek, Madison Co., 
 "July 4, 1863, via Jackson. 
 
 To His Excellency, President Davis .' 
 
 Your dispatch of the 2d instant, received, but none of it can bo 
 deciphered. Please repeat. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Caney Creek Camp, July 5, 1863. 
 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Your dispatch of June 30th, received. I considered my assignment 
 to the immediate command in Mississippi as giving me a new position 
 and limiting my authority to this department. The orders of the 
 War Department transferring three separate bodies of troops from 
 General Bragg's army to this, two of them without my knowledge, 
 and all of them, without consulting me, would have convinced me, 
 had I doubted. These orders of the War Department expressed ita 
 judgment of the number of troops to be transferred from Tennessee ; 
 I could no more control this judgement by increasing the number than 
 
19 
 
 by forbidding the transfer. I regret very much that an impression 
 which seemed to me to bo natural, should be regarded by you as a 
 strange error. I thank your Excellency for \our approval of tho 
 several recommendations you mention. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, July 7, 186ft, 
 
 To Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Vicksburg capitulated on the 4th instant. Garrison was paroled, 
 and are to be returned to our lines; the officers retaining their side 
 arms and personal baggage. This intelligence was brought by an 
 officer who left the place on Sunday the 5th. In consequence, I am 
 falling back from the Big Block river to Jackson. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, July 8, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Mississippi : 
 
 Your dispatch of 5th instant, received. The mistakes it contains 
 will be noticed by letter. Your dispatch of 7th instant, to Secretary 
 of War, announcing the disastrous termination of the siege of Vicks- 
 burg received same day. 
 
 Painfully anxious as to the result, I have remained without informa- 
 tion from you as to any plans proposed or attempted to raise the siege. 
 Equally uninformed, as to your plans in relation to Port Hudson. I 
 have to request such information, in relation thereto, as the Govern- 
 ment has a right to expect from one of its commanding generals in 
 the field. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TBLBGB \M 
 
 .1 \< v. ■ i Julj 9, 1863. 
 To his Excellency, ihe Presid 
 
 Your dispatch of to-day* received. I bare never Beaut to fail in the 
 fluty of reporting to the Executive, whatever might interest it in my 
 
 •Dated Richmond, July 8, 18 
 
20 
 
 command. I informed the Secretary of War that my force was much 
 too weak to attempt to raise the siege of Vicksburg. and that to at- 
 tempt to relieve Port Hudson would be to give up Mississippi, as it 
 would involve the loss of this point, and that the want of adequate 
 means of transportation kept me inactive until the end of June. I 
 then moved towards Vicksburg to attempt to extrica ! e the garrison, 
 but could not devise a pi n until after reconnoitering, for which, I 
 was too late. Without General Pemberton's co-opperation, any at r 
 tempt must have resulted In disaster. 
 
 The slowness and difficulty of communication rendered co-operation 
 next to impossible. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, July 9, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Mississippi : 
 
 If it be true that General Taylor has joined General Gardner and 
 routed Banks, you will endeavor to draw heavy reinforcements from 
 that army, and delay a general engagement, until your junction is 
 effected. Thus, it is to b.: hoped, the enemy may yet be crushed and 
 the late disaster be repaired. 
 
 Send by telegraph a list of the general and staff officers who have 
 come out on parole from Vicksburg, so that they may be exchanged 
 immediately. As soon as practicable, let the lists of regiments and 
 other organizations be forwarded, for same purpose. General Rains 
 .should now fully apply his invention. 
 
 (Signed,) " ' JEFFERSON DAVIS, 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 • Jackson, July 9, 1863. 
 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 The enemy is advancing in two columns Gn Jackson, now about four 
 miles distant. I shall endeavor to hold the place as the possession of 
 Mississippi depends on it. His force is about double ours. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
21 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, July 10, ISfiS. 
 To his Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday received. No report of Taylor's junc- 
 tion with Gardner has reached me, as it must have done, if true, as 
 we have twelve hundred (12(H)) cavalry in that vicinity. I have 
 nothing official from Vicksburg. Major Jacob Thompson, of General 
 Pembcrton's staff, gives me the following list : Lieutenant General 
 Pemberton, Major Generals Stevenson, Forney, M. L. Smith and 
 Bowen. Brigadier Generals Barton, Lee, Curaming, Moore, Ilebert, 
 Baldwin, Vaughan, Shoup. Colonels Reynolds. Waul and Cockcrill, 
 commanders brigades, also Brigadier General Harris, of Mississippi 
 militia. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, July II, 1863. 
 
 To tlie President : 
 
 Under General Pembcrton's orders, a line of rifle-pits was con- 
 structed from the Canton road at Colonel Withers' house, passing a 
 few hundred yards from the railroad depot, and going to the New Or- 
 leans railroad, one thousand (I ,IM)U) yards south. It is very defective, 
 cannot stand 6eige, but improves a bad position against assault. I 
 thought want of water would compel this, but the enemy has made no 
 attempt, but skirmished all day yesterday. Should he not assault, we 
 must attack him or leave the place. Prisoners say these are Ord's 
 and Sherman's corps, and three other divisions. Their right is near 
 Raymond road, their left on Pearl river opposite insane asylum. Our 
 men are deserting in lar^e numbers by the fords on Pearl rii 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 R|< UMOMD, duly 11,1 
 To General Jo " 
 
 Dispatch of this day received, and remarks On defects of entrench 
 line noted. Though late to attempt improw t should 
 
 be made to strengthen the line of defence, and compel the enei 
 assault. 'Am deeply distressed at report of desertions. I tho 
 
22 
 
 Governor aid you to check them by employing citizens as guards at 
 the fords ? 
 
 Beauregard and Bragg are both threatened — the former now engaged 
 with enemy. We are entitled to discharge of the paroled prisoners, 
 and the War Department will spare no effort to promptly secure it. 
 
 The importance of your position is apparent, and you will not fail 
 to employ all available means to ensure success. 
 
 I have too little knowledge of your circumstances to be more defi- 
 nite, and have exhausted my power to aid you. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, July 12, 1863. 
 
 To his Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 Your dispatch of 1 1th received. A heavy cannonade this morning 
 for two hours from batteries east of the Canton and south of the Clin- 
 ton road. The enemy's rifles (?) reached all parts of the town, show- 
 ing the weakness of the position and untenableness (?) against a pow- 
 erful artillery. 
 
 Breckinridge's front, south of the town, was assaulted this morning, 
 but not vigorously. A party of skirmishers of the first, third, fourth 
 Florida, forty-seventh Georgia and Cobb's battery took the enemy's 
 flank and captured two hundred (200) prisoners, and colors of the 
 twenth-eighth, forty first and fifty-third Illinois regiments. Heavy 
 akirmishing all day yesterday. 
 
 (Signed,.) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAPH IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, July 12, 1863. 
 To /us Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 I have just learned from Colonel Logan that Port Hudson capitu- 
 lated, at G A. M., on the 9th instant. Terms not given. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Received in Richmond^ July 13, 1863. 
 
23 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., July 13, 1863. 
 To General Joseph E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Nothing from you since Saturday. What is the state of affairs ! 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, July 13, 1863. 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Your dispatch of the 1 1th received. The Governor cannot help us. 
 Under our joint call, bat one hundred and seventy-six mon have been 
 obtained. I think Grant will keep the Vicksburg prisoners until 
 operations here are ended. lie may be strongly reinforced from Port 
 Hudson. If the position and works were not bad, want of stores 
 which coul 1 not be collected, would make it impossible to ata.id - 
 If the enemy will not attack we must; or, at the last moment, with- 
 draw. We cannot attack seriously without risking the army ; but it 
 is diffiult to yield this vital point without a struggle. On afternoon 
 of 11th, the enemy extended his right to Pearl river. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON". 
 
 Received in Richmond, July 13, 1S63. 
 
 TELEGRAM 
 
 Jackson, July 13, ^63. 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Colonel Fuller has just arrived fivun Vicksburg. The Ft"! 
 sued (ol.iiuo) thirty-one thousand rations to the garrison after the 
 siege. There were (18,000) eighteen thousand men lit for duty in the* 
 trenches the day of the surrender ; about (6,00 thousand sick 
 
 and wounded in hospitals. 
 
 Loses, killed and wounded, during th<' bi< nty- 
 
 five hundred (25i)t'). General Green the only general officer 1 
 The garrison left Vieh i the 11th, and will reaofa i point ten 
 
 miles east of Brand< n. on Wednesd ij the 1 5th. I talonel Puller thinks 
 the troops are much dem irahzed, and s large proportion men 
 
 will straggle; the cause is their objection t amp. 
 
24 
 
 They ask a furlough of thirty day?, which General Pemberton recom- 
 mends. Subsisting these men will be attended with serious difficulty. 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, Va., July 14, 1863. 
 
 To General Joseph E. Johnston, Jackson, Mississippi : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday, received. If lists of paroled prisoners, 
 as heretofore directed, be promptly furnished, there will be no need 
 to detain the men in a paroled camp, as we shall insist on immediate 
 discharge, and give to them an opportunity again to serve their 
 country. 
 
 '(Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, Miss., July 14, 1863. 
 
 To Iiis Excellency, President Davis .' 
 
 We learn from Vicksburg, that a large force lately left that place 
 to turn us on the north. This will compel us to abandon Jackson. 
 The troops before us have been entrenching and erecting batteries 
 Fince their arrival, 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 R . eived at Richmond, July 15th, 1863. 
 
 Richmond, July 15, 1863. 
 
 To General Joseph E. Johnston : 
 
 General : Your dispatch of the 5th instant, stating that you "con- 
 sidered" your "assignment to the immediate command in Missis- 
 sippi," as giving you a " new position," and as "limiting your au- 
 thority," being a " repetition of a statement which you Avere informed 
 was a grave error, and being pe r sisted in after your failure to point 
 out, when requested, the letter or dispatch justifying you in such a 
 
conclusion, rendered it necessary, as you were informed in my dis- 
 patch of the 8th instant, that I should make a more extended repMy 
 than could be given in a telegram That tjiero may be no possible room 
 for further mistake in this matter, I am compelled to recapitulate the 
 substance of all orders and instructions given to you, so far as they 
 bear on this question. 
 
 On the 24th November, last, you were assigned, by special oider, 
 No. 275, to a defined geographical command. The deseript ; on in- 
 cluded a portion of western North Carolina and northern Georgia, the 
 States of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, and that portion of 
 the State of Louisiana, east of the Mississippi river. The order con- 
 cluded in the following language : 
 
 " General Johnston will for the purpose " of correspondence and 
 reports, establish his headquarters at Chattanooga, or such other pi ice 
 ;is in his judgment, will best secure communication with the troops 
 within the li.;:its of his command, and will repair in person to any 
 part of said command, wherever his presence may for the time be 
 necessary or desirable." 
 
 This command, by its terms, embraced the armies under command 
 of General Bragg, in Tennessee, of General Pemberton, at Vicksburg, 
 as well as those at Port Hudson, Mobile and the forces in cast Ten- 
 nessee. 
 
 This general order has never been changed nor modified, so as to 
 effect your command in a single particular, nor has your control over 
 it been interfered with. I have, as commander-in-chief, given you 
 some orders, which will be hereafter noticed, not one of them, how- 
 ever, indicating in any manner that the general control confided to 
 you, was restricted or impaired. % 
 
 You exercise this command, by visiting in person, the armies at 
 Murfreesboro,' Vieksburg, Mobile and elsewhere ; and on the 22d Janu- 
 ary, 1 wrote to you directing that you should repair in person to the 
 army at Tullahoma, on account of a reported want of harmony and con- 
 fidence between General Bragg and his officers and troops ; this letter 
 closed with the following passage : "As that army is part of your i 
 
 I, no order will be necessary to give you authority there, u 
 whether present or absent, you have a right to direct its o orations, 
 and to do whatever belongs to the general commanding."' 
 
 Language cannot be plainer than this, and although the different 
 armies in tout geographical district, were ordered to report directly 
 to Richmond as well as to yourself; this was done solely to avoid tho 
 evil that would rest It from reporting through you, when your head- 
 quarters might be, and it was expected frequently would I ated 
 a injurious to the j uMic intei • 
 
 "While at Tullahoma, you did not bi si let troops fn 
 
 ernl Member top's army, and. learnii u had ordered the div 
 
 t .liy from north 
 that this order left Mississippi expt fairy raids, without means 
 
 them. You did not change your order-. 
 :ht them injudicious, 1 refrained i. kg my authority in 
 
 defiei 
 
26 
 
 When I learned that prejudice and malignity had 80 undermined 
 the confidence of the. troops at Vicksburg in their commander, as to 
 threaten disaster, I deeme^ the circumstances such as to present the 
 case foreseen in special order No. 275, that you should "repair, in 
 person, to any part of said command, whenever your presence might 
 be, for the time, necessary or desirable." 
 
 You were, therefore, ordered, on the 9th May, to "proceed at once 
 to Mississippi, and take chief command of the forces, giving to those 
 in the field, as far as practicable, the encouragement and benefit of 
 your personal direction." 
 
 Some details were added about reinforcements, but not a word affect- 
 ing, in the remotest degree, your authority to command your geo- 
 graphical district. 
 
 On the 4th June, you telegraphed to the Secretary of War in re- 
 sponse to his inquiry, saying " my only plan is to relieve Vicksburg. 
 My force is far too small for the purpose. Tell me if you can in- 
 crease it, and how much." To which he answered, on the 5th, " I 
 regret inability to promise more troops, as we have drained resources 
 even to the danger of several points. You know best concerning 
 Gen. Bragg's army ; but I fear to withdraw more. We are too far 
 outnumbered in Virginia to spare any," &c, &c. 
 
 On the 8th June, the Secretary was more explicit, if possible. He 
 said : " Do you advise more reinforcements from Gen. Bragg ? You, 
 as commandant of the department, have power so to order if you, in 
 view of the whole case, so determine." 
 
 On the 10th June, you answered that it was for the Government to 
 determine what department could furnish the reinforcements ; that you 
 could nofknow how General Bragg's wants compared with yours ; 
 and that the Government could make the comparison. Your state- 
 ments, that the Government in Richmond was better able to judge of 
 the relative necessities of the armies under your command, than you 
 were, and the further statement, that you could not know how Gen. 
 Bragg's wants compared with yours, were considered extraordinary ; 
 but, as they were accompanied by the remark that the Secretary's 
 dispatch had been imperfectly deciphered, no observation was made 
 on them till the receipt of your telegram to the Secretary of the 12th 
 instant, stating "I have not considered myself commanding in Ten- 
 nessee since assignment here, and should not have felt authorized to 
 take troops from that department, after having been informed by the 
 Executive that no more could be spared." 
 
 My susprise at these two statements was extreme. You had never 
 been " assigned" to the Mississippi command. You went there un 1 
 der the circumstances and orders already quoted, and no justification 
 whatever is percived for your abandonment of your duties as com- 
 manding general of the geographical district to which you were as- 
 signed. 
 
 Orders as explicit as those under which you were sent to the west, 
 and under which you continued to act up to the 9th May, when you 
 were directed to repair, in person, to Mississippi, can only be impaired 
 or set aside by subsequent orders equally explicit ; and your announce- 
 
27 
 
 ment that you had ceased to consider yourself charged with the control 
 of affairs in Tennessee, because ordered to repair in person to Mississippi 
 both places being within the command to which you were assigned, 
 was too grave to be overlooked ; and when to this was added the as- 
 sertion that you sheuld not have felt authorized to draw troops ftom 
 that department (Tennesse,) " after being informed by the Executive 
 that no more could be spared," I was unable to account for your lan- 
 guage, being entirely confident that I had never given you any such 
 information. 
 
 I shall no>v proceed to separate your two statements, and begin with 
 that which relates to your " not considering " yourself commanding 
 in Tennessee, since assignment "here," i. e., in Mississippi. 
 
 When you received my telegram of the 15th June, informing you 
 that " the orders to go to Mississippi did not 'diminish your authority 
 in Tennessee, both being in the country placed under your command 
 in original assignment," accompanied by an enquiry about the infor- 
 mation, said to have been derived from me. restricting your authority 
 to transfer troops, your answer on the ICth June, was, " I meant 
 to tell the Secretary of War that I considered the order directing me 
 to command here, as limiting my authority to this department, espe- 
 cially when that order was accompanied by War Department orders 
 transferring troops from Tennessee to Mississippi." 
 
 This is, in substance, a repetition of the previous statement, with- 
 out any reason being given for it. The fact of orders being sent to 
 you to transfer some of the troops in your department from one point 
 to another to which you were proceeding in person, could give no 
 possible ground for your " considering" that special order No. 215, 
 was recinded or modified. 
 
 Your command of your geographical district did not make you in- 
 dependent of my orders as your superior offi:er, and when you were 
 directed by me to take troops with you to Mississippi, your control 
 over the district to which you were assigned was in no way involved. 
 But the statement that troops were transferred from Tennessee to 
 Mississippi, by orders of the War Department, when you were di- 
 rected to repair to the latter State, gives but half the fact ; for, al- 
 though you were ordered to take with you three thousand good troops, 
 you were told to replace them by a greater number, then on their way 
 to Mississippi, and whom you were requested to divert to Tennessee. 
 The purpose being to hasten reinforcements to Pemberton, without 
 weakening Bragg. This was in deference to jour own opinion that 
 Bragg could not be safely weakened — n3y, that he ought even to be re- 
 inforced at Peinberton's expense, for you had just ordered troop? from 
 Peinberton's command to reinforce Bragg. I differed in opinion from 
 you, and thought Vicksbur^ far more exposed to danger than Bi 
 and was urging forward reinforcements to tli it point both from Caro- 
 lina and Virginia, before you were directed to assume command in 
 person in Mississippi. 
 
 I find nothing then, either in you dispatch of the 16th June, nor 
 in any subsequent communication from yon. giving a j I n for 
 
 your saying that you "had not considered yourself commanding in 
 
28 
 
 Tennessee since assignment here," (i. e., in Mississippi.) Your dis- 
 patch of the 5th instant, is again a substantial repetition of the s;ime 
 statement, without a word of rea-on to justify it. You say, '; I con- 
 sidered ray assignment to the immediate command in Mississippi as 
 giving me a new position, and limiting my authority to this depart- 
 ment." I have characterised this as a grave error, and, in view of 
 all the facts, cannot otherwise regard it. I must add that a review of 
 your rorrespondence shows a constant desire on your part, beginning 
 early in January, that I should change the order, placing Tennessee 
 and Mississippi in one command, under your direction, and a canst. mt 
 indication, on my part, whenever I wrote on the subject, that, in my 
 judgement, the public service required that the two armie3 should be 
 subject to your control. 
 
 I now proceed to your second statement in your telegram of the 
 12th June*, that " you should not have felt authorized to take troops 
 from that department, (Tennessee,) after .having been informed by 
 the Executive that no more could be spared." 
 
 To my inquiry for the basis of this statement, you answered, on the 
 16th, by what was, in substance, a reiteration of it. 
 
 I again requested on the 17th, that you should refer by date to any 
 such communication as that alleged by you. 
 
 You answered on the 20th June, apologized for carelessness in 
 your first reply, and referred me to a passage fr >in my telegram to 
 you of the 28th May, and to one from the Secretary of War of 5th 
 June, and then informed me that you considered " Executive " as in- 
 cluding Secretary of War. 
 
 Your telegram of 12th June, was ^addressed to the Secretary of 
 War, in the second person; it begins, ">our dispatch," and then 
 speaks of the Executive in the third person, and, on reading it. it 
 was not supposed that the word-" Executive " referred to any one but 
 myself; but, of course, in a matter like this, your own explanation of 
 your meaning is conclusive. 
 
 The telegram of the Secretary of War, of 5th June, followed by 
 that of Sth of June, conveyed unmistakably, the very reverse of the 
 meaning you attributed to them, and your reference to the:n as sup- 
 porting your position .is unintelligible. I revert, therefore, to my 
 telegram of 28th May. That telegram was in answer to one from 
 you in which you stated that on the arrival of certain reinforcements, 
 then on the way, you would have about .wenty-three thousand. That 
 Pemberton could be saved only by beating Grant; and, you added: 
 " Unless you can promise more troops we must try with that number. 
 The odds against us will be very great. Can you add seven thousand ?" 
 
 My reply wag "the reinforcements sent to you exceed by, say, 
 seven thousand, the estimate of your dispatch of 27th instant. We 
 have withheld nothing which it was practicable to give you. We 
 cannot hope for numerical equality, and time will probably increase 
 the disparity." 
 
 It is on this language that you rely to support a statement that I 
 
 *To Secretary of War. 
 
29 
 
 informed you no more troops could be spared from Tennessee, and as 
 re>tricting your right to withdraw troops from that department. It 
 bears no such construction. The reinforcements sent to you, with an 
 exception presently to be noticed, were from points outside of your 
 department. You had, in telegrams of 1st, 'Jd* and Teh May, and 
 Others, made repeated applications to have troops withdrawn from 
 other departments to your aid. You were informed that we would 
 give all the aid we possibly could. Of your right to order any chi 
 made in the distribution of troops in your own district, no doubt had 
 ever been suggested by yourself nor could occur to your superiors 
 here, for they had given you the authority. 
 
 The reinforcements which went with you from Tennessee were (as 
 already explained, and, as was communicated to you at the time.) a 
 mere exchange for other troops sent'from Virginia. 
 
 The troops subsequently sent to you from Bragg were forwarded 
 by him under the following dispatch from me, of 22d May: "The 
 vital issue of holding the Mississipp at Vicksburg, is dependent on 
 the success of General Johnston in an attack on the investing force. 
 The intelligence from there is discouraging. Can you aid him I" If 
 so. and you are without orders from General Johnoton, act on your judg- 
 ment." 
 
 The words that I now underscore suffice to show how thoroughly 
 your right of command of the troops in Tennessee was recognized. I 
 know from your own orders that you thought it more advisable to 
 draw troops from Mississippi to reinforce Bragg than to send troops 
 from the latter to Pcmborton ; and one of the reasons which induced 
 the instruction to you to proceed to Mississippi, was the conviction 
 that your views on this point would be changed on arrival in Missis- 
 sippi. Still, although convinced myself that troops might be spared 
 from Bragg's army without very great danger, and that Vicksburg 
 was. on fchff contrary, in immediate peril, 1 was unwilling to over- 
 mi" your judgment of the distribution of your troops whil.- you were 
 on the spot, and, therefore, simply left to General Bragg the power 
 to aid you, if he could, ttnd if you had not given contrary ordirs. 
 
 The cavalry sent to you fr >m T< nnessee was sent on a similar dis- 
 patch from the Secretary of War to General Bragg, informing him of 
 your earnest appeal for cavalry, and, asking, him if he could spare an \ 
 You request was for a regiment of cavalry to be sent to you from 
 My di-patch of 18th of May, pointed out to you the delay 
 Whil h a Compliance would involve, and suggested that cavalry could 
 be drawn from "another part of your department," as had I 
 vi"ii-ly indicated. 
 
 In no manner, by no act. by no language, either of myself or of 
 
 / of War, has your ai • draw troops from one portion 
 
 of your department to enol i withdrawn, i ified. 
 
 w that Vicksburg hn< lisly fallen, this subject would ; 
 
 no pressing demand for attention, and its examination would 
 been postponed to a future pi I not your dispatch Ol 
 
 •I) 
 
so 
 
 5th instant, "with its persistent repetition of statements which I had 
 informed you were erroneous, and without adducing a single fact to 
 sustain them, induced me to terminate the matter at once by a review 
 of all the facts. The original mistakes in your telegram of the 12th 
 June, would gladly have been overlooked as accidental, if acknowl- 
 edged when pointed out. 
 
 The perseverance with which they have been insisted on, has not 
 permitted me to pass them by as a mere oversight, or by refraining 
 from an answer to seem to admit the justice of the statement. 
 Respectfully, &c, 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, July 15, 1863. 
 To President Davis : 
 
 The enemy will not attack, but has entrenched. Is evidently 
 making a siege which we cannot resist. It would be madness to attack 
 him. In the beginning it might have been done; but I thought then 
 that want of water would compel him to attack us. It is reported by 
 Borne of its officers, who were here yesterday, and by some gentlemen 
 of Brandon, that the Vickshurg garrison is diminishing rapidly. 
 Incessant but slight cannonading kept up. Our loss in killed and 
 wounded about three hundred and fifty, (350.) The remainder of tho 
 army under Grant, at Vicksburg, is, beyond doubt, on its way to this 
 place. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Jackson, July 16, 186$. 
 To His Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 The enemy being strongly reinforced and able, when he pleases, to 
 cut us off, I shall abandon this place, which it is impossible for us to 
 hold. 
 
 (Signed,) • J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
31 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, July 16, 1863. 
 
 To His Excellency, President Davis : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday* received. Lieutenant General Pem- 
 berton has been instructed to send an officer to Richmond with lists of 
 paroled prisoners. Reports indicate that few of them will re-enter 
 the service very soon as they are rapidly dispersing. Little firing 
 yesterday. None this morning. I sent a body of cavalry to tho 
 enemy's rear afternoon of 1 1th, but have not heard from it. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Brandon, Julv 17, 1863. 
 To his Excellency, Ike President : 
 
 Jackson was abandoned last night. The troops are now moving 
 through this place to encamp three miles to the east. Those officers 
 who have seen the Vicksburg troops, think that they cannot be kept 
 together. General Pemberton. thinks the best policy to furlough them 
 by regiments. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CYPHER. 
 
 Richmond, Va., July 18, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Brandon, Miss. : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday received, informing me of your retreat 
 from Jackson towards the east. I desire to know your ulterior pur- 
 pose. The enemy may not pursue, but move up the Central road, 
 lay waste the rich country towards Tennessee, and co-operate after- 
 wards with Rosccranz. Another column, eastern Louisiana being 
 abandoned, may be sent from New Orleans to attack Mobile on the 
 land side. 
 
 The recommendation to furlough the paired troops frcm Vicksburg 
 offers a hard alternative under the pressure of our present condition. 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 ♦Dated Richmond, July 14, 
 
32 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 July 19, 1863. 
 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday cannot be deciphered. My purpose is 
 to hold as much of the country as I can, and to retire further only 
 ■when compelled to do so. Should the enemy cross Pearl river, I will 
 oppose his advance; and, unless you forbid it, order General Bragg 
 to join me to give battle. Prisoners all say that Mobile is to be 
 attacked. I will reinforce the garrison, if necessary, not expecting 
 Sherman to move through Mississippi at present. He must repair 
 railroads first, and our cavalry can break them behind him. In the 
 meantime, I will try to restore discipline. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, July 21, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, near Morton, Miss. : 
 
 Return to me the cypher dispatch of 18th to enable me to learn 
 why my cypher dispatches to you are illegible. 
 
 (Signed,) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 Camp near Morton, July 22, 1863. 
 To his Excellency, the President ': 
 
 As it is of the highest importance that you should have the best 
 intelligence of the condition of military affairs in Mississippi, I have 
 desired Brigadier General Featherstone to go to Richmond to give 
 you information which he, an eminent Mississippian and distinguished 
 soldier, can communicate better than- any other officer of this array. 
 
 In selecting General Fdfcther3tone for this service, I have been 
 influenced as much by my belief of your high opinion of him as by 
 my own. 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
33 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Morton, July 23, 1863. 
 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Two divisions of the enemy drove our cavalry through Brandon, 
 and returned to Jackson next day. Scouts report railroad bridges 
 destroyed by them. Prisoners say that they will attack Mobile next. 
 A paroled prisoner reports to Colonel Wirt Adams that a garrison of 
 one corps was left in Jackson, the rest going to Vicksburg. Large 
 quantities of artillery ammunition are being sent from Vicksburg. 
 Said in the army that they are to move via Memphis and Mobile and 
 Ohio road. 
 
 Desertions continue, especially of Mississippians. I shall visit 
 Mobile in a day or two, Lieutenent General Hardee being here. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON 
 
 TELEGRAM IN CIPHER. 
 
 Near Morton, July 24, 1863". 
 To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 Brigadier General Cosby reports that the enemy's rear-guard left 
 Jackson yesterday towards Vicksburg, and that Colonel Tom Taylor 
 met General Sherman at Edward's depot and was told by him that his 
 troops would not stay a day in Vicksburg, but instantly move up the 
 river. 
 
 Does this indicate reinforcing Meade? A deserter said yesterday- 
 that these troops expect to go to Richmond. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 3 
 
CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 1UTWKEN THE 
 
 W.1R DEPARTMENT, ADJT & L\SPECI0R GENERAL 
 
 GENERAL J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, 
 Richmond, Va. January 8, 1863. 
 
 To the President of the Confederate States : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to transmit copies of " the orders given U 
 and correspondence with, General Joseph E. Johnston, during th 
 months of May, June and July, 18C3, concerning his command, ami 
 the operations in his department," by this Department, as called fo. 
 by a resolution of the House of Representative?, adopted on the lit' 
 December last. 
 
 Copies of the order assigning General Johnston to command, 
 of those constituting General Bragg's a separate department, with th 
 accompanying correspondence, are also sent, in further elucidation of 
 the subject. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMBS A. 8EDD( 
 
 r r, . . , Aojutant am> Inspector 
 
 [Extract. \ Richmond, N 
 
 SPECIAL ORDERS, ) 
 No. 275. { 
 
 • ••»••• 
 
 111 J. ] JohnstoT 
 
 following geographical command, to-wi 
 
 Uidge range of mountains running through th< I of Nort 
 
 Carolina, and following the line of paid mountains throup 
 
36 
 
 ; art of Georgia to the railroad south from Chattanooga ; thence by 
 that road to West Point, and down the west or right bank of the Chat- 
 tahoochie river, to the boundary of Alabama and Florida; following 
 that boundary west to the Choctahatchie river, and down that river to 
 Choctahatchie bay, (including the waters of that bay,) to the Gulf of 
 Mexico. All that portion of country west of said line to the Mississippi 
 river, is included in the above command. General Johnston will, for 
 the purpose of correspondence and reports, establish his headquarters 
 at Chattanooga, or such other place as, in his judgment, will best 
 secure facilities for ready communication with the troops within the 
 limits of his command, and will repair, in person, to any part of said 
 command whenever his presence may for the time be necessary or 
 
 desirable. 
 
 # ' * # * * * # 
 
 By command of the Secretary of War. 
 
 JOHN WITHERS, 
 Assistant Adjutant General. 
 
 Tullahoma, May I, 1863. 
 
 General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General: 
 
 General Pemberton reports from Vicksburg to-day a furious battle 
 Las been going on since daylight. General Bowen, commanding, says 
 Le is outnumbered terribly. He has about eight thousand. Enemy's 
 army can cross Bruinsburg, below Bayou Pierre. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Barteau at Attolona, telegraphs to him three thousand (3,000) enemy 
 crossed Tallahatchie at New Albany yesterday. Generel Pemberton 
 calls for heavy reinforcements. They cannot be sent without giving 
 up Tennessee; can one or two brigades be sent from the east. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General 
 
 Tullahoma, Tenn., May 1, 1863. 
 
 General S. Cooper : 
 
 Reports of our scouts in Kentucky indicate invasion of east Ten- 
 nessee by a strong force under Burnside. Cannot our troops there 
 I e reinforced from western Virginia or elsewhere. 
 
 (Signed.) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 (Official,) 
 John Withers, Lt. Col. and A. A. G. 
 Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Endorsed, Viz : 
 Adjuant General: Telegraph this to General Sam Jones. Add, 
 that if in his power to render the aid he will do so. He must exercise 
 
 
37 
 
 his judgment in view of the circumstances of the situation and his 
 .own forces. 
 
 J. A. B . 
 May 2, 1863. fo ■! ry of War. 
 
 Tullihoma, Tekn., May 7, 18G3. 
 
 To General S. Cooper: 
 
 Both General Peinberton and General Maun asfe for reinforce- 
 ments, and need them greatly. It is reported that General Foster's 
 troops have left South Carolina. Cannot General Beauregard as I 
 Major General Jones spare troops to reinforce Mississippi and 
 Tennessee 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Tullahoma, May 7, 18G3. 
 
 To General S. Cooper: 
 
 I have just received the painful intelligence of the death <>f the 
 distinguished Major General \ r an Dora, which occurred this morning 
 at Spring Hill. 
 
 (Signed,) .1. E. JOHS STOE 
 
 9, 1863. 
 
 General S. Cooper : 
 
 I earnestly recommend to the War Department that General IV 
 
 «<nnmand he extended over east Tennessee. It is of great impi rtanc< . 
 (Signed,) I E. JOHNS !' ! >N. Gen 
 
 C. S. A.. W •. I Dl PAftTMENT, / 
 
 J 
 
 General J. E. Johnston, TvUahtma, Tenn. : 
 
 I'r.ceed at once to Mississippi and tai 
 forces, giving to those in the field, as far as practicable, the 
 agement and benefit of your personal direction, 
 for temporary service with you, orto bel 
 
 I good tro »pa who will 
 by a large Dumber of pi 
 
 ire and reorganised, rton. 
 
 JStop them at the p- > i n t mi lien I to 
 
38 
 
 You will find reinforcements from General Beauregard to General 
 . 'emberton, and more may be expected. Acknowledge receipt. 
 (Signed.) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Tullahoma, May 9, 1863. 
 Hon. James A. Seddon: 
 
 Your dispatch of this morning received. I shall go immediately, 
 although unfit for field service. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Confederate States of America, } 
 
 War Department, > 
 
 Richmond, May 13, 1863. ) 
 
 General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Mississsppi : 
 
 In addition to the five thousand men originally ordered from 
 Charleston, about four thousand more will follow. I fear more cannot 
 be spared to you. 
 
 (Signed,) . JAMES A. SEDDON. 
 
 Secretary of War, 
 
 Jackson, Miss., May 13, 1863. 
 '- o James A. Seddon : 
 
 I arrived this evening finding the enemy* (in?) force between this 
 /'ace and General Pemberton, cutting off the communication. I am 
 too late. ' 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Calhoun Station, seven miles south of Canton, ^ 
 May 16, 1863, 1\ A. M. 3 
 
 ' on. J. A. Seddon, Richmond: 
 
 . Sir : I reported to you by telegraph, that I learned on arriving in 
 Jackson, on the evening of the 13th, that a Federal army had just 
 [laced itself at Clinton, on the railroad to Vicksburg, ten miles from 
 
 (*So in Original.) 
 
39 
 
 Jackson. The brigades of Gregg and Walker had engaged this force 
 the day before, near Raymond, and arrived in Jackson as I did 
 Brigadier General Gregg estimates the force which he met, and a part 
 of which he encountered, at twenty-five thousand. 
 
 On the following morning, it was reported that a large body of Fed- 
 eral troops had encamped at Raymond, the night before; and about 
 9 o'clock, the pickets on the roads from Clinton and Raymond, re- 
 ported the enemy approaching, and about four miles distant. The oppo- 
 sition of our troops delayed the enemy sufficiently to enable the baggage 
 to be withdrawn, and about half past one o'clock, the troops followed, 
 encamping that night, six and a half miles from Jackson, and yester- 
 day here, ten and a half miles further. 
 
 A dispatch from Lieutenant General Pemberton, received yesterday, 
 informed me that he would march on the 15th, from Edwards' station 
 to a point seven and a half miles west of Raymond. 
 
 On leaving Jackson, I was compelled to send orders to the troops 
 coming from the east, to halt., I have given orders.to provide them 
 with field transportation, that they may join me, to unite with General 
 Pemberton, but wagons and horses must be brought from a distance. 
 
 The force with me, is about six thousand. General Gist command- 
 ing the halted eastern troops, reported them yesterday morning, at 
 fifteen hundred. 
 
 I have no information from General Pemberton, except of his move 
 to Dillon with seventeen thousand men. 
 
 I learned at Jackson, that a brigade holds Port Hudson. I have no 
 information of the enemy's force except that written above. 
 
 My object is to unite all the troops. 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON 
 
 Endorsed as follows, to wit : 
 
 " Respectfully referred to the President for information. 
 
 J. A. SEDDON. 
 27th May, 1863. Secretary. 1 
 
 " Read and returned to the Secretary of War. Do not perceivp 
 why a junction was not attempted, which would have made our force 
 nearly equal in number to the estimated strength of the enemy ; and 
 might have resulted in his total defeat, under circumstances which 
 rendered retreat or reinforcement to him, scarcely : Me. 
 
 .1 D 
 
 »'u LTlOtf, Maj 17, 1C 
 
 To General S. Cooper : 
 
 I am just moving west, to endeavour to join J Fembi I 
 
40 
 
 Biigadier General Adams has reason to think that his appointment 
 was not confirmed. I hope the apprehension is groundless — he is 
 very valuable — please inform me. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Camp between Livingston and Brownsville, May 18, 1863. 
 General S. Cooper, Richmond : 
 
 I enclose herewith, a copy of a letter received last night from 
 Lieutenant General Pemberton. I have just telegraphed to you the 
 information it contains, and added that a Mr. Shelton, of this neigh- 
 borhood, who says that he left General Pemberton's headquarters 
 yesterday, wrote to me last night, that our troops had fallen back to 
 Vicksburg. A gentleman who said that he was just from Bovina, 
 was ,here at half past ten last night, and made the same statement. 
 
 I was preparing to join General Pemberton, personally, when this 
 information came>. It is now impracticable, and would be useless. 
 
 I shall endeavor, after collecting all available troops, to hold as 
 much of the country as possible. 
 
 Besides the garrison of Port Hudson, the strength of which I do 
 not know, there are now about eleven thousand infantry in the depart- 
 ment, six or seven thousand more may soon be expected ; therefore, 
 that to make it possible to relieve Vicksburg, very large reinforce- 
 ments will be necessary. 1 hope that the Government will send, with- 
 out delay, all that can possibly be spared from other points. 
 
 I suppose that General Pemberton's force before the battle, includ- 
 ing that in Vicksburg, was near twenty-eight thousand. He has 
 provision for sixty days. If, as he says, Haines' Bluff is untenable, 
 the enemy using navigation of the Yazoo, can soon reduce him by 
 siege. Whatever efforts the Government may propose to make, must 
 therefore, be Carried into immediate effect. 
 Most respectfully, &c, 
 
 J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 LETTER ENCLOSED IN FOREGOING. 
 
 Headquarters Dep't. of Mississippi and East Louisiana, ) 
 
 Bovina, Miss., May 17, 1863. } 
 
 'Gen. Jos. E. Johnston, Calhoun, Mississippi : 
 
 General: I notified you, on the morning of the 14th, of the re- 
 ceipt of your instructions, to move and attack the enemy towards Clin- 
 ton. I deemed the movement very hazardous, preferring to remain 
 in position behind the Big Black, and near to Vicksburg. I called a 
 council of war, composed of all the general officers who were then 
 with my moveable army, and placing the subject before them, (includ- 
 in your instructions,) in every view in which it appeared to me, asked 
 their opinions respectively. 
 
41 
 
 A majority of the officers expressed themselves favorable to the 
 movement indicated by you. The others, including Major Generals 
 Loring and Stevenson, preferred a movement by which this army 
 might endeavor to cut off the enemy's supplies from the Missis- 
 sippi. 
 
 My own views were expressed as unfavorable to any movement 
 which would remove me from my base which was and is Vicks- 
 burg. 
 
 I did not see fit, however, to place my own judgments and opinions 
 so far in opposition as to prevent the movement altogether ; but, be- 
 lieving the only possibility of success to be in the plan proposed, by 
 cutting off the enemy's supplies, I directed all my disposable force, 
 (say 17,501),) towards Raymond or Dillons, encamping the night of 
 the 15th at Mrs Ellison's, on the main Raymond and Edward's Depot 
 road, at a fork from which I could advance either to Raymond or Dil- 
 lons. 
 
 About 7, A. M., on the 16th, the enemy advanced his skirmishers 
 at several points. Our line of battle was quickly formed, and the 
 position a strong one. Heavy demonstrations were made on our 
 right, left and centre. Gradually, however, the enemy developed 
 himself in great force against our left, under Gen. Stevenson, rein- 
 forced, after some time, by Bowen's division, and subsequently by two 
 brigades of Loring's. 
 
 The enemy wa| repeatedly driven back, but, constantly throwing 
 iu fresh troops from his heavy reinforcements, we were, about 5 P. M., 
 compelled to withdraw. This was dune by the ford over Baker's 
 Creek, (at which a temporary bridge had been laid,) crossing the mid- 
 dle Raymond road. Our loss was heavy. We have lost eleven pieces 
 of artillery, and although every arrangement was made to secure the 
 retreat of our troops, General Loring's division, which was compara- 
 tively fresh, and which covered the approach to the ford, has not yet 
 crossed the Big Black. I am unable to account for his absence, as I 
 know of no cause sufficient to have prevented his following the di- 
 visions of Bowen and Stevenson, neither of whom lost a man on the 
 retreat. 
 
 I am unable to give further particulars at present. I commanded 
 in person. I am, for the present, holding the Big Black briil^e, 
 where a heavy cannonading is now going on. There are 60 many 
 points by which I can be flanked that I fear I shall be compelled to 
 withdraw. If so, the position at Snyder's Mill will also be un" 
 ble. 
 
 General Tilghman was killed yesterday. I have about sixty days 
 rations in Vicksburg and Snyder's. I respectfully await your in- 
 structions. 
 
 Very respectfully, &c, 
 
 J. c. PEMBERTON, 
 
 Luulmant Cnxcral Commanding. 
 
 P. S. — I regret to say thit some of Stevenson's troops bob ive 1 
 *ery badly. 
 
42 
 
 Camp between Livingston and Brownsville, ) 
 via Jackson and Montgomery, May 18. \ 
 
 General S. Cooper . 
 
 Lieutenant General Peinberton was attacked by the enemy on the 
 morning of the 5th, near Edward's Depot, and after nine hours' fight- 
 ing, was compelled to fall back behind Big Black. 
 
 Mr. Shelton, of this neighborhood, wrote last night that he was 
 just from Lieut. Gen. Pemberton's headquarters, and that the army 
 was falling back to Vicksburg. Mr. Robinson, just from Bovina last 
 night, made the same report 
 
 There are two months provisions in Vicksburg. It must ultimately 
 fall, unless we can assemble an army to relieve. I can gather, in a 
 few days, eleven thousand, besides a garrison at Port Hudson. Send 
 us Anderson's cavalry regiment from the Isle of Hope, Georgia ; we 
 need it greatly. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, ) 
 Richmond, May 19th, 1862. j 
 
 General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 The following dispatch just received from General Bragg : 
 
 " Shelbyville, May 18. 
 " A brigade of cavalry from north Alabama moved to Mississippi 
 several days ago. Another division is ordered to-day. 
 
 " (Signed,) Braxton Bragg." 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON. 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Jackson, Miss., May 25, 1863. 
 General S. Cooper : 
 
 It is important that I should know what troops to expect. Please 
 inform me and have them urged on ; they come too slowly. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, Va., May 25, 1863. 
 General Jos. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 General Bragg telegraphs the President, the 23d, that he sent with 
 you three thousand five hundred, three battalions of artillery and 
 two thousand cavalry, and will dispatch six thousand more immediately. 
 No troops have been ordered from this quarter, except about seven 
 
4S 
 
 thousand from General Beauregard's command, which it is presumed 
 have already joined you. 
 
 (Signed,) S. COOPER, 
 
 Adft. and Inpcctor General. 
 
 Canton, May 26, 1863. 
 
 To General S. Cooper : 
 
 Please remind the President that, in my dispatch of the 21st, 1 
 stated that two (2) major generals would be required in Mississippi. 
 Let me urge immediate action. Could not Brig. Gen. Davis' brigade 
 be sent ? 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, 
 
 LETTER. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, 
 Richmond, May 87th, 1863. 
 
 General Jos. E. Johnston, commanding, §"c. : 
 
 General : Brigadier General J. G. Rains, having been detailed for 
 duty in connection with torpedoes and sub-terra shells, has been or- 
 dered to report to you. 
 
 The President has confidence in his inventions, and is desirous that 
 they should be employed both on land and river, if opportunity offers, 
 atYicksburg and its vicinity. Should communications allow, you 
 are desired to send him there ; but, if otherwise, to employ him in his 
 devices against the enemy, where most as'sailable in that way, else- 
 where. All reasonable facilities and aid in the supply of men or 
 material for the fair trial of his torpedoes and shells, are requested on 
 your part. Such means of offence against the enemy are approve*! 
 and recognized by the department as legitimate weapons of warfare. 
 With high esteem, very truly yours, 
 Bgmed,) JAMES A. SEDDON. 
 
 'ary of War 
 
 Jackson, May 17, 1863. 
 To the Hon. J. A. Seddon. Secretary of War, Richmond: 
 
 Sik : Satnrdav night, May 9, I received, at TaHahoma, yout order, 
 by telegraphic deepatcfa^to proceed to Mississippi and take immediate 
 
 command of the army. I started the next morning. 
 
 At Like Station I received a dispatch from Li leral 
 
 Pemberton, directed to Tullahoma, for reinforcements, as tho 
 
44 
 
 enemy in large force was unving easterly from tha Mississippi, south 
 of the Big Black, and stating that El ward's depot, their probable 
 ■destination, would be the battle-field. 
 
 I arrived in Jackson on Wednesday evening. May 13, and learned 
 from Brigadier General Gregg, who had ju3t arrived, that he had about 
 5,000 men; also that Sherman's corps, four divisions, occupied Clin- 
 ton. 
 
 Immediately I dispatched written messages by couriers to Lieuten- 
 ant General Pemberton, informing him of my arrival and of the occu- 
 pation of Clinton by Sherman's corps, four divisions, as I had been 
 informed. I urged the importance of re-establishing communication, 
 that he might be reinforced; ordered that he should-, if practicable, 
 come upon the enemy's rear at once, with all the strength he could 
 quickly assemble ; informing him that we could co-operate in such an 
 attack. 
 
 On Tuesday, May 14, after all preparation had been completed, and 
 orders to Brigadier Generals Gist and Maxey for the security of their 
 commands had been given, I evacuated Jackson about noon, being 
 obliged to take the Canton road at right angles to that upon which 
 the enemy approached. 
 
 That evening, from our camp about six miles from Jackson, I sent 
 dispatch toLieutenant General Pemberton, informing him that General 
 Gregg and his command had been compelled to evacuate Jackson, and 
 of the direction taken ; that Brigadier General Gist had been ordered 
 to assemble the approaching troops at a point forty or fifty miles from 
 Jackson, and Brigadier General Maxey to return to his wagons, and 
 advised to join Brigadier General Gist; expressed the hope that this 
 force would be able to prevent the enemy in Jackson from drawing 
 provision from the east, and that Brigadier General Gregg's force 
 would be able to keep him from the country towards Panola ; in- 
 quired if the enemy could not be cut off from his supplies from the 
 Mississippi ; and, above all, should the enemy, from want of supplies, 
 be compelled to fall back, could he (General Pemberton) not beat him ? 
 I strongly urged concentration of troops. 
 
 On Friday morning, May 15, I received dispatch from Lieutenant 
 General Pemberton, dated 5.40 P. M., Edward's depot, May 14, stating 
 that he would move early next morning with a column of seventeen 
 thousand men, to Dillons, situated on the main road leading from Ray- 
 mond to Port Gibson, seven and a half miles below Raymond, and 
 nine and a h;;lf miles from Edward's depot, to cut the enemy's com- 
 munication, and force the enemy to attack him, as he did not consider 
 his force sufficient to justify hi3 attacking the enemy in position, or 
 cutting ihis way to Jackson. This dispatch was brought by Captain 
 Yerger, who bore the dispatch of the 13th instant to General Pem- 
 berton. m 
 
 I immediately acknowledged receipt of the above dispatch, and an- 
 sered General Pemberton that our movement $o the north rendered his 
 plan of junction by Raymond impracticable, and ordered him to move 
 so as to effect a junction, and to communicate with me so that I might 
 unite to his force about six thousand men. The copy of this dispatch 
 
45 
 
 (sent from a point on the Jackson and Canton road, about ten miles 
 from Jackson,) was mislaid, and cannot at present be found. 
 
 On Saturday, May 16, at Calhoun station, I received a dispatch 
 from Lieutenant General Pemberton, dated 9.10, A. M., Bovina, May 
 14, stating that he moves at once from Edward's depot, with his whole 
 available force; explaining disposition of his troops, and closing dis- 
 patch by stating that he at once complies with my order. This dis- 
 patch I received in the afternoon, having waited here all day to be 
 advised by General Pemberton of the direction of his movemerts. 
 In the evening of the same day I received a dispatch from General 
 Pemberton, dated 8, A. M., four miles south of Edward's, May 16, 
 acknowledging receipt of my letter written from the Canton road — 
 stating that he received it at half-past six o'clock that morning; that 
 it found the army in the middle road to Raymond ; that he had issued 
 the order of countermarch ; that owing to destruction of bridge on 
 Baker's Creek his march would be on the road from Edward's depot in 
 the direction of Brownsville ; that in going to Clinton he would leave 
 Bolton's Depot to the right. In a postscript he reported heavy skir- 
 mishing then going on his front. 
 
 On Sunday, May 17th, I marched fifteen miles in the direction 
 indicated in General Pcmberton's note, and, on that evening, Captain 
 Henderson brought me a letter from General Pemberton, dated Bovina, 
 May 17th, giving me intelligence of his being compelled, on the 16th 
 instant, after engaging the enemy, to withdraw, with heavy loss, to 
 Big Black Bridge. A copy of this letter I forwarded thiit night to 
 General Cooper. 
 
 General Pemberton expressed fears that he would be compelled to 
 fall back from Big Black Bridge, and, if so, he represented that the 
 position at Snyder's Mill would also be untenable. 
 
 During the night I received information that General Pemberton 
 had fallen back to Vicksburg. I then determined, by easy marches, 
 to establish my line between Jackson and Canton, as the junction of 
 the two commands had become impossible. During that night, after 
 having received the above information, I sent a dispatch to General 
 Pemberton, that if Ilaynes' Bluff be untenable Vicksburg is of no 
 value, and cannot be held. Evacuate the place, if not rendered too 
 late by investment, to save the troops. 
 
 On Monday, the 18th instant, near Vernon, I received a letter from 
 General Pemberton, dnted Vicksburg, May 17th, informing me that 
 he had fallen back to the line of entrenchments around Vicksburg, 
 having been attacked and forced back from Big Black Bridge. Also, 
 that he had ordered the abandonment of Snyder's Mill 
 
 On the 1 9th instant, 1 received a letter from General Pemberton 
 acknowledging the receipt of my communication in reply to his 
 brought by Captain Henderson, and stating that he assembled a 
 council of war of the general officers of his command, who unnni 
 raously expressed the opinion upon my instructions, that it was im- 
 possible to withdraw the army from Vicksburg with such morale and 
 materiel as to be of further service to the Confederacy. 
 
46 
 
 On the 19th instaut, I sent orders, by telegraphic dispatches and 
 by couriers, to Major General Gardner to evacuate Port Hudson. 
 
 On the 20th and 2 1st instant, the brigades of Generals Gist, Ector 
 and McNair, joined my command. The last troops of Brigadier 
 General Evans' brigade, arrived on the day before yesterday. 
 
 Major General Loring, with his command, arrived here about the 
 19th instant, and Brigadier General Maxey's brigade on the 23d 
 instant. 
 
 The troops above mentioned, with General Breckinridge's division 
 of General Bragg's army, will make a force of about twenty-three 
 thousand effective men. Grant's army is estimated at sixty thousand 
 or eighty thousand men, and his troops are worth double the number 
 of north-eastern troops. We cannot relieve General Pemberton, 
 except by defeating Grant, who is believed to be fortifying. We must 
 make the attempt with such a force as the Government can furnish 
 for the object. Unless more may be expected, the attempt must be 
 made with the force now here and that coming. If possible, however, 
 additional troops should be sent to make up an army of at least thirty 
 thousand men — infantry. Even that force would be small for the 
 object. 
 
 An army of twenty-three thousand men, for offensive operations 
 against Grant, seems to me too small, considering his large force. We 
 need, very much, good general officers. 
 
 I find it necessary to organize an army, and to provide for it sub- 
 eistance, ammunition and means of transportation. 
 
 Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 (Signed.) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 " Respectfully referred to the President for his information. 
 
 "J. A. SEDDON, 
 " Secretary of War." 
 
 June 13th, 1863. 
 
 Jackson, May 23, 1863. 
 To Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 I respectfully ask that surgeon D. W. Yandell, Medical Director, 
 Hardee's corps, be assigned as medical director of my command. He 
 is now on duty with me. Be pleased to answer by telegraph. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Confederate States of America, War Department, ) 
 
 Richmond, May 30, 1863. \ 
 
 General Jos. E. Johnston ■, Jackson, Miss. ; 
 
 Surgeon D. W. Yandell will be assigned as you desire. 
 
 (Signed, J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. 
 
47 
 
 Jackson, June 2, 1863 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Your letter of the 25th, and a telegram from the President, show 
 that you are misinformed as to the force at my disposal. The effective 
 force, infantry and artillery, is, from Lieutenant General Pemberton, 
 nine thousand eight hundred and thirty-one ;* from General Bragg, seven 
 thousand nine hundred and thirty- nine ; from General Beauregard, six 
 thousand two hundred and eighty-three. Total, twenty-four thousand and 
 fifty-three, (24,053.) 
 
 Brigadier General Jackson's cavalry not arrived, and irregular 
 troops protecting northern and southern frontiers not included. 
 Grant is receiving continual accession. Tell me if it is your inten- 
 tion to make up the number you gave the President as my force, or if 
 I may expect more troops. With the present force we cannot succeed 
 without great blunders by the enemy. Each portion of this dispatch 
 in cypher is independent of the preceding. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON.' 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, ^ 
 Richmond, June 3, 1863. ) 
 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson : 
 
 I am concerned* at your telegram to the President, as to the number 
 of your forces. I had reported them to him as rather more than thirty 
 thousand — thus made up, thirty five hundred taken with you, ten thousand 
 snt from Charleston, twenty -five hundred cavalry and six thousand infan- 
 try from General Bragg, four thousand, at least, Under Gregg at Jackson, 
 on your arrival, six thousand under Ijoring. In addition, I suggested, 
 you might have a brigade or so from Port Hudson. Where was the 
 mistake on my part? 
 
 I feel intense anxiety as to your plans, and should be gratified to 
 learn them as far as you deem safe to inform. 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 LITERAL COPY OF DISPATCH RECEIVED. 
 
 Canton, June 4, 1863. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday, received. By mistake, on your part, 
 
 •Words in italic in cypher. 
 
43 
 
 is that all your numbers are too large, in reference to Beauregard, 
 nearly as ten (10) to six (6.) The troops you mention including 
 Jackson's, just arrived are less than fifty- six hundred* My only plan 
 is to reliive Vicksburg, my force is far too small for the purpose, tell me if 
 you can increase it and how much. Grant is receiving reinforcements. 
 Port Hudson is closely invested. The great object of the enemy for 
 this campaign, is to acquire possession of the Mississippi. Can you 
 collect here a force sufficient to defeat the object. 
 
 (Signed,) • J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 LETTER, 
 
 Canton, June 5, 1863. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon : 
 
 Dear Sir : I thank you cordially for your kind letter of May 25th; 
 but almost regret that you feel such confidence in me as is expressed 
 in it. From the present condition of affairs, I fear that confidence 
 dooms you to disappointment. Every day gives some now intelligence 
 of the enemy's strength — of reinforcements on the way to him. My 
 first intention, on learning that Lieutenant General Pemberton was 
 in Vicksburg, was to form an army to succor him. I suppose, from 
 my telegraphic correspondence with the Government, that all the 
 troops to be hoped for have arrived. Our resources seem BQ amall and 
 those of the enemy so great, that the relief of Vicksburg is beginning 
 to appear impossible to me. Pemberton will undoubtedly make a 
 gallant and obstinate defence, and hold out as long as he can make 
 resistance ; but unless we assemble a force strong enough to break 
 Grant's line of investment, the surrender of the place will be a mere 
 question of time. General Grant is receiving reinforcements almost 
 daily. His force, according to the best information to be had, is 
 more than treble that which I command. Our scouts say, too, that 
 he has constructed lines of circumvallation and has blocked up all 
 roads leading to his position. 
 
 The enterprize of forcing the enemy's lines would be a difficult one, 
 to a force double that at my disposal. If you are unable to increase 
 that force decidedly, I must try to accomplish something in aid of the 
 besieged garrison, and yet when considering it, it seems to me despe- 
 rate. Yur suggestion to General Kirby Smith, was promptly dis- 
 patched to him. I have no doubt that the time is favorable for attack- 
 ing Helena. 
 
 In replying by telegraph to your letter and telegrams, I|have said 
 that if you can increase this army, it should be done, if you cannot, 
 nothing is left for us but to struggle manfully with such means ai the 
 Government can furnish. 
 
 *Woras in italic sent in cipher 
 
49 
 
 I beg you to consider, in connection with affairs in this department, 
 that I have had not only to organize, but to provide means of tr 
 portation and supplies of all sorts for an army. The artillery is not 
 yet equipped. All of Lieutenant General Pemberton's supplies were 
 of course, with his troops about Vicksburg and Port Hudson. I found 
 myself, therefore, without subsistence stores, ammunition, or the means 
 of conveying those indispcnsables. It has proved more difficult to 
 collect wagons and provisions than I expected. We have not yet the 
 mea.ns of operating for more than four days away from the rail- 
 roads — that to Vicksburg i3 destroyed. 
 
 We draw our provision from the northern part of the State, 
 protection of that country employs about twenty-five hundred in 
 lar cavalry. It is much too small I am endeavoring to mere:; 
 by -calling for volunteers, but am by no means sanguine as to the re- 
 sults. 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Your obedienfservant, 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, Va., June 5, 1SG3. 
 General J. E. Johnston : 
 
 The mistake was not mine, as I rested on official reports 0/ numbers 
 sent.* I regret my inability to promise more troops, as we have drained 
 resources even to the danger of several points. You know best concern- 
 ing General Bragg* & army, but I fear to withdraw more..' We are t 
 outnumbered in Virginia to sp:rc any. You must r;ly on what you 
 and the irregular forces Mississippi can afford. Your judgment an<; 
 are fully relied on, but I venture the suggestion, that, to relieve Vicks- 
 burg, speedy act>on is essential. With the facilities and resources 
 eremy, time works against uv. 
 
 (Signed,) J. A. SBDDUN. 
 
 Secretary of I 
 
 Canton, June 5, 1 " 
 Hon. J. A. Sedd 
 
 Grant still receives reinforcements. B I >uta near Friar'i 
 report eight boats loaded with troops passed down Monday and 
 day. Twelve empty transports passed up. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHl 
 
 •Words in italic in cypher. 
 
51) 
 
 Canton, June 5, 1863. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon; 
 
 Brigadier General Whitfield, who was ordered to report to me when 
 I was in Tennessee, but could not, has just done so. What is your 
 intention in regard to him ? I am informed that it will be very unfor- 
 tunate* for him to command the brigade to which he has belonged. 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, June 8, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Canton, Miss. : 
 
 General Whitfield* was believed to be peculiarly acceptable to his 
 brigade. What is the objection ? Do you advise more reinforcements 
 from General Bragg ? You, as commandant of the department, have 
 power solo order, if you, in view of the whole case, so determine. We 
 cannot send from Virginia or elsewhere, for we stand already not one io 
 two. 
 
 (Signed,) J. A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secietary of War. 
 
 June 8, 1863. 
 
 General S. Cooper 
 
 The following is just received from Captain Thomas Henderson, of 
 scout service : " Panola, Miss., June 6, 1863. Scout Wilson reports 
 eleven (11) o'clock yesterday, since Sunday seventeen (17) transports 
 with troops, gone down the river from Memphis. All came from 
 railroad. Grant orders all forces possible sent him. Eight thousand 
 (8,0UU) wounded arrived, and large arrangements made for more. 
 
 (Signed,) " Thomas S. Henderson." 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Canton, June 9, 1863, via Montgomery, 10. 
 Hon. James A. Seddon: 
 
 Your dispatch of yesterday in cypher was received, but cannot be 
 read. Please repeat it. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 -Words in italic in cypher. 
 
31 
 
 Jackson, June III, 1863. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Your dispatch of June 8th, in cypher, received. You <k> not give 
 orders in regard to the recently appointed general officers. StoaM do 
 it. I have not (?) at my half the number of troops necessary. It is for 
 the Government to determine what department, if any, can furnish 
 the reinforcements required. I cannot know here General Bnigg's 
 wants compared with mine. The Government can make such com- 
 parisons. Your dispatch is imperfectly deciphered. 
 
 (Signed,) J. B, JOHNSTON. 
 
 Jackson, June 12, I8f>3. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War: 
 
 Your dispatch of the eighth (8th) imperfectly deciphered and par- 
 tially ;mswered on the 10th. I have not considered myself com- 
 manding in Tennessee since assignment here, and should not have felt 
 authorized to take troops from that department, after having been 
 informed by the Executive that no more could be spared. To take frorn 
 Bragg a force jvhich would make this array fit to oppose Grant would 
 involve y> Iding Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between 
 tkii Sta'r and Tennessee. 
 
 (Signed^ J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Camden, June 13, 1863. 
 GhoMral S. Cooper : 
 
 Scout, at Friar's Foint, on the 9th instant, reports nine transport 
 
 full of infantry and artillery went down the river since Sunday. Force 
 
 suppop.d to be about thirteen thousand (13,00(1.) In addition to the 
 
 ribove, same scout reports fourteen more transports, crowded wit:: 
 
 nfantry and artillery, went down the river on the 10th instant. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Jackson, June 15, I v 
 
 Hon. J \me." A. Sr.nnoN : 
 
 Your repeated dispatch of the 8th is deciphered. I i 
 n regard to the points from which troops can best be taken, having 
 no means of knowing ; nor is it for me to judge which it ia be«t, yiel'i 
 
(or hold) Mississippi or Tennessee ; that is for the Government to" 
 determine. Without some great blunder of the enemy, Tve cannot 
 hold both. The odds against me are much greater than those you 
 express. I consider saving Vicksburg hopeless. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Confederate States of America, \ 
 War Department, 
 Richmond, June 16, 1863. y 
 
 General J. E. Johnston: 
 
 Your telegram grieves and alarms me* Vicksburg must not be lost 
 without a desperate struggle. The interest and honor of the Confederacy 
 forbid it. I rely on you still to avert the loss. If better resources do not 
 offer, you must hazard attack. It may be made in concert with the gar- 
 rison, if practicable, but otherwise without, by day or night as you 
 i think best. 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Jackson, June 16, 1863. 
 j Ion. James A. Ssddon : 
 
 General Bragg informs me that a telegram from Louisville, of the 
 I Oth, says that part of the ninth and third corps have been sent to 
 reinforce Grant. Will not this enable us to invade Kentucky* For 
 this, General Bragg's command should extend over east Tennessee. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Jackson, June 19, 1863. 
 ! lion. J. A. Set>bon: 
 
 A courier has arrived here with dispatches from General Gardner, 
 of the 10th instant. The courier reports the garrison in good spirits. 
 General Gardner states, that he has repulsed the enemy in several 
 severe attacks, but he is still closely invested ; that he is getting short* 
 of provisions and ammunition, and should be speedily relieved. 
 
 (Signed,) .J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 •Words in italic in cypher. 
 
53 
 
 Jackson, June 19, 1863. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon: 
 
 Dispatch of the IGth recoived. I think that you do not appreciate 
 the difficulties in the course you direct, nor the probabilities or conse- 
 quence of failure. Grant's position, naturally very strong, is 
 entrenched and protected by powerful artillery, and the roads 
 obstructed. His reinforcements have been at least equal to my v)holc 
 force * The Big Black cove>s him from attack, and would cut off our 
 retreat if defeated. We cannot combine operations with General Pem- 
 berton from uncertain and storef conununication. The defeat of this little 
 army would at once open Mississippi and Alabama to Grant. I will do 
 all I can, without hope of doing more than aid to extricate the garrison. 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Jackson, Juno 20, 18G3. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 On arriving here, I informed General Kirby Smith of the condition 
 of Vicksburg and Port Hudson*, and requested his aid and co-ojhratl n, 
 which he has given. 
 
 General Taylor with eight thousand men is opposite Vicksburg, and 
 temporarily occupies M i Hi ken'' s Bend and other points on the river. The 
 presence of this force is encouraging. Nothing can be done by US to 
 relieve Port Hudson, which is in imminent peril. General Taylor will 
 make such demonstrations opposite Port Hudson as he can. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, June 21, 186S. 
 General .1. E. JOHNSTON, Jackson : 
 
 Yours of the 10th received. Conseqtunrrs* arc realized and diffn 
 are recognized as very great, but still think, ot fcl failing, the 
 
 coui>e recommended should be hazarded. Tfie aim, in my judgment, 
 justifies any risk ami ell />r >babfe consequences. 
 
 signed,) .JAMES A. BEDDON, 
 
 I -try of 1 1 
 
 Is in iiahc in - 
 
54 
 
 Richmond, Va., June 21, 1863". 
 
 General Joseph E. Johnston, Jackson : 
 
 Only my conviction (of almost imperative necessity for action) in- 
 duces the official dispatch I have just sent you. On every ground I 
 have great deference to your superior knowledge of the position, your 
 judgement and military genius, but I feel it right to share — if need 
 be, to take the responsibility, and leave you free to follow the most 
 desperate course the occasion may demand. Rely upon it, the eyes 
 and hopes of the whole Confederacy are upon you, with the full con- 
 fidence that you will act ; and with the sentiment that it were better 
 to fail, nobly daring, than, through prudence even, to be inactive, I 
 look to attack in last resort, but rely on your resources of generalship 
 to suggest less desperate modes of relief. I can scarce dare to sug- 
 gest, but might it not be possible to strike Banks first and unite the 
 garrison of Port Hudson with you, or to secure sufficient co-opera- 
 tion from General Smith, or to practically besiege Grant by opera- 
 tions with artillery from the swamps, now drv, on the north side of the 
 Yazoo, below Haynes' Bluff. I rely on you for all possible to save 
 Vicksburg. 
 
 (Signed,) J. A. SEDDON. 
 
 Jackson, June 22, 1863. 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon : 
 
 Positive information has just been received from General E. K. 
 Smith that fifty-seven transports troops passed Napoleon on the 1 1th 
 and 12th last, going down the Mississippi river. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Canton, June 22, 1863. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War: 
 
 Your dispatch of 2 1st received, but cannot be deciphered. Please 
 repeat it using (?) as few words as possible in cypher. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Jackson, June 23, 1863. 
 Hon. James A. Seddon : 
 
 General Ruggles reports that on the 20th instant, attacked the 
 
J55 
 
 •enemy, eight hundred strong, with two guns, near Rocky ford on Tal- 
 lahatchie. Routed him completely ; captured his baggage train, am- 
 munition and supplies, killing about fifty. Our loss small. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Canton, June 24, 1863. 
 
 Ulon. Jakes A. Seodon : 
 
 Your two dispatches of 21st received. There has been no volun- 
 tary inaction. When I came, all military materials of the department 
 were in Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Artillery had to be brought 
 from the cast ; horses for it and all field transportation* procured in 
 nn exhausted country ; much from Georgia brought over wretched 
 railroads, and provisions collected. I have not had the means of mov- 
 ing. We ca~ not 'Contend with the enemy north of the Yazoo. He 
 can place a large fcrce there in a few hours — we, a small one, in ten 
 or twelve days. We cannot relieve Port Hudson without giving up 
 Jackson, by which we should lose Mississippi. Kirby Smith sent 
 troops to give all possible cid to Vicksburg, but they have not been 
 used by their commanders. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Richmond, June 26, 1863. 
 General Joseph E Johnston, Jackson, Miss: 
 
 I have just received reliable information, through a friend from 
 Baltimore, that Grant telegraphed for supplies and ammunition ; both 
 failing. Train of cars laden with such was sent through Baltimore tea 
 days ago, marked for Yazoo city, to proceed via Cairo, under charge 
 of a person friendly to the South and anxious to have a chance to yield 
 ihem to capture. This may possibly prove useful. 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON. 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Jackson, June 19, 1863. 
 
 To General S. Cooper : 
 
 The following dispatch has iust been recei 
 
 (Signed,) . ' J. E. J0HH8T0N, Gtrmwl. 
 
5G 
 
 " Alexandria, June 26.. 1863, ) 
 " via Natchez, 27. \ 
 
 " General J. E. Johnston : 
 
 " I have the honor to inform you that, on the 23rd instant, General 
 Taylor stormed, at the point of the bayonet, with unloaded muskets, 
 the enemy's position at Berwick's Bay, capturing over one thousand 
 (1,000) prisoners, ten heavy guns, and a large amount of stores of 
 all descriptions — the position of Thibodeaux was also carried. This 
 gives him command of the Mississippi river above New Orleans, and 
 will enable him, in a great measure, to cut off Banks' supplies. 
 " (Signed.) E. Sorget, 
 
 " Assistant Adjutant General" 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Jackson, July 7, 1863. 
 
 lion. J. A. Seddon : 
 
 Yicksburg capitulated on the 4th instant. Garrison was paroled, 
 and are to be returned, the officers retaining their side arms and per- 
 sonal baggage. This intelligence was brought by an officer who left 
 the place on Sunday the 5th. In consequence, lam falling back from 
 the Big Black river to Jackson. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 Richmond, July 7, 1SC3. 
 
 To General Joseph E. Johnston, Jackson, 
 
 A telegram of the 5th instant, signed " Woodson," approved by 
 T. B. Lamar, chief of staff, informing of the fall of Vicksburg, 
 is just received. Telegraph if this be true, and any particulars 
 known, 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Jackson, July 8, 1863. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon : 
 
 Your dispatch of the seventh (7th) received. The following was 
 sent you yesterday directly after the intelligence of the fall of Vicks- 
 burg was received : " Yicksburg capitulated on the fourth (4th) in- 
 
57 
 
 stant. The garrison was paroled, and are to be returned to our lines, 
 the officers retaining their side arms and personal baggage. This 
 intelligence was brought by an officer who left the place on Sun- 
 day, the fifth (oth) instant. In consequence, I am falling back from 
 the Big Black to Jackson. 
 
 (Signed.) « J. E. Johnston." 
 
 Colonel Montgomery has just arrived from Yicksburg. lie was di- 
 rected by General Pcmberton to have supplies prepared at this place 
 for twenty two thousand men, the paroled garrison of Vicksburg. 
 
 (Signed..) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Jackson, July 8, IbGi). 
 
 To General S. Cooper : # 
 
 The paroled garrison of Yicksburg will be here in a few days. 
 What shall be done with the men ? They cannot remain in this de- 
 partment without great injury to us from deficiency of supplying them. 
 Shall they go to their homes until exchanged, or be distributed in 
 regiments in their respective States ? Can they be exchanged im- 
 mediately for prisoners taken in the recent great Confederate victory f 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, July 8, 1863. 
 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 Inform fully as you know of the terms of capitulation of Yicks- 
 burg, especially the position of officers and men, in relation to parolo 
 and power of exchange. 
 
 (Signed.) J. A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 • I m KSOM, -Inly •'>. I 63. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Bcdo 
 
 I have nothing official of capitulation of Vicksburg. An "iii 
 the garrison told me that the terms were those I the troops to 
 
 be paroled and sent into our lines as BOOfl ■>- fofna ifl C implie ! . ofl 
 to retain baggage and side arms ; soldiers their clothing. Prori 
 being cxi. ral officer* ncral 
 
 Pemoerton. I have not heard of the garrison. 
 
 (Signed,) .1. K. JOH3 
 
58 
 
 Jackson, Miss., July 9, 1863. 
 
 To the President : 
 
 The enemy is advancing in two columns on Jackson, now about four 
 miles distant. I shall endeavor to hold the place, as the possession of 
 Mississippi depends on it. His force is about double ours. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Confederate States of America, \ 
 
 Executive Dapartment, > 
 
 Richmond, July 10th, 1863. ) 
 
 Hon. Secretary of Wor : 
 
 The following telegram was received by President, and is forwarded 
 to you for your information 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) WM. PRESTON JOHNSTON, 
 
 Colonel and A. J). C. 
 
 BY TELEGRAPH FROM JACKSON, MISS. 
 
 " To his Excellency, the President : 
 
 u Your dispatch of yesterday received. No report of Taylor's 
 junction has reached me, as it must have done if true, as we have 1 ,200 
 cavalry in that vicinity. I hear nothing official from Vicksburg. 
 
 " Major Jacob Thompson, of General Pemberton's staff, gives me 
 the following list : Lieutenant General Pemberton, Major Generals 
 Stevenson, Forney, M. L. Smith and Bowen ; Brigadier Generals 
 •Barton, Lee, Cumming, Moore, Baldwin, Hebert, Vaughn, Shoup ; 
 Colonels Reynolds, Waul and Cockerill, commanders brigades ; also 
 Brigadier General Harris, of Missouri militia. 
 
 (Signed,) t "J. E. Johnston." 
 
 Endorsed : 
 
 " Referred to Col. Ould for information as to general officers for 
 exchange. 
 
 » J. A. S., Sec:* 
 
 July 11th, 1863. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, 
 Richmond, July 10, 1863. 
 General J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 To afford facilities for exchange, at the earliest period, telegraph as 
 
59 
 
 soon as you know the number of privates, sergeants, corporals, lieu- 
 tenants, captains, majors, lieutenant colonels, colonels, brigadiers, and 
 generals, designating, as far as practicable, the number of the fore- 
 going belonging to each regiment ; at any rate, send the designation 
 of the regiments captured. After full lists are prepared, you will 
 send them on without delay, but telegraph only as above. 
 
 (Signed,) J. A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Jackson, July 14, 1863. 
 To General S. Cooper : 
 
 General Pemberton has recommended that his troops be furloughed. 
 Should the recommendation be adopted, it will have an injurious effect 
 upon this army, unless the paroled troops are first moved to a distance. 
 I suppose that they should move to the camp at Demopolis, and have 
 so informed General Pemberton. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, ) 
 Richmond, July 16, 1864. ) 
 To Gen. J. E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss. : 
 
 The following officers, having been duly exchanged, are released 
 from parole, and at liberty to return to service: Lieutenant General 
 J. C. Pemberton, Major Generals Stevenson, Forney, M. L. Smith, 
 and Bowen ; Brigadier Generals Barton, Lee, Cumming, Moore, He- 
 bert, Baldwin, Vaughan, and Shoup ; Colonels Reynolds, Waul, and 
 Cockcrill, commanding brigades; also, Brigadier General Harris, 
 Missouri militia. 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 C. S A., War Department, A. k I. Gen's Office, 
 Richmond, Ya., July 22, 1863. 
 General Johnston, Morton, Miss. : 
 
 In conformity with your expressed wish, you are relieved from the 
 further command of the department of Tennessee, which, as advised 
 by you, is united to that of East Tennessee, s r > as to extend General 
 Bragg's command over the department of General Buckner. 
 
 (Signed,) B. COOPEK, 
 
 A. tf I. General. 
 
60 
 
 LETTER. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, ) 
 Richmond, Va., July 24, 1863. < 
 General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding, Sfc. : 
 
 General : The President of the Mississippi Central Railroad tele- 
 graphs that you have ordered the destruction by fire of railroad equip- 
 ments, to the value of five millions dollars. The President directs 
 that efforts be made to bring away the equipments, which should be 
 taken down the road, for removal, as far as may be necessary. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War, 
 
 LETTER. 
 
 C. S. A., War Department, > 
 Richmond, July 21, 1863. \ 
 General J. E. Johnston, commanding, §c. : 
 
 General : If you have not had occasion to use the funds transmit- 
 ted through Commodore Barron, you will please return them by the 
 first safe opportunity, as the Secretary of the Navy, from whose ap- 
 propriations they were drawn, needs the amount for sterling exchange. 
 With high regard, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Morton, July 24, 1863. 
 General S. Cooper : 
 
 Your dispatch of 22d, relieving me from command of department of 
 Tennessee, received. Major General Maury thinks attack on Mobile 
 threatening. I request that Clayton's brigade, belonging to Mobile 
 garrison, and sent by me to General Bragg in emergency, may be 
 ordered back immediately. Major General Maury has but twenty- 
 five hundred men for land defence. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Morton. July 24, 1863. 
 His Excellency, the President : 
 
 Brigadier General Cosby reports that the enemy's rear guard left 
 
61 
 
 Jackson yesterday, towards Vicksburg, and that Colonel Torn Taylor 
 met General Sherman at Edward's Depot, and was told by him that 
 his troops would not stay a day in Vicksburg, but instantly move up 
 the river. Does this indicate reinforcing Meade? A deserter said 
 yesterday that these troops expect to go to Richmond. 
 
 (Signed,) % J. B. JOHNSTON. 
 
 The above dispatoll was in cypher. 
 
 C. S. A , War Department, } 
 
 Richmond, July 25, 1863. J 
 
 General J. E. Johnston, Morton, Miss : 
 
 I am requested by the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct that 
 all cotton belonging to the Government, liable to fall into the hands 
 E>f the enemy, which cannot be removed, be destroyed. 
 
 (Signed,) JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 tary of IVar. 
 
 Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, ^ 
 Richmond, July 25, 1363. } 
 
 Spf.civl Orders, No. 176. 
 
 Extract. 
 
 VI. The department of East Tennessee is merged in the department of 
 . winch will be separate and independent, reporting directly 
 to this office. 
 
 Y1I. The limits of the department of Tennessee will embrace the 
 country now included in the department of East Tennessee, and west 
 of the Blue Ridge mountains, in North Carolina, and a line running 
 south to the Georgia railroad, thence along the lines of railroad, via 
 Atlanta, to West Point, and from that place north to the Tennessee 
 liver, and down that stream to its mouth. 
 
 * # ••.•••• 
 
 J>y command of the Secretary of War. 
 
 JNO. WITHERS, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 !tr, July 29, 18C;'. 
 General S. Cooper : 
 
 I came here because Major General Maury apprehends attack. Hi- 
 ?couts at Ponsacola report Admiral Farregnt went north yesterday, 
 
62 
 
 which indicates no attack. Officers from Vicksburg report that all 
 droops go up the river. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Received at Richmond, July 30, 1863, ) 
 By telegraph from Mobile, 29. ) 
 
 To General S. Cooper : 
 
 What is the extent of my command. I return to Morton to night, 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 A. & I. G. Office, Richmond, Va., January, 1864, official copy. 
 
 Morton, July 30, 1863. 
 
 Hon. J. A. Seddon : * 
 
 I conversed, this morning, with Major Matthews, of the artillery, 
 just from Vicksburg, who says that one of Major General M. L. 
 Smith's staff told him that Grant had sent very few troops up the 
 river; but about the 22d had seventeen (17) transports of troops down. 
 Others had preceded these. Reports from different sources, all so con- 
 tradictory, that no opinion of the enemy's intentions can be formed. 
 The officer above named, says that the Federals destroyed everything 
 connected with cultivation of ground between Jackson and Big Black 
 river, including growing crops. 
 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Richmond, July 31, 1863. 
 To General J. E. Johnston, Morton t Mississippi : 
 
 Your command embraces the country west of the line between 
 Georgia and Alabama, and running south to the gulf, as before Gene- 
 ral Bragg's Department was formed. Its western limit is the Missis- 
 sippi river, and its northern boundary the Tennessee river and Ken- 
 tucky line. 
 
 (Signed,) S. COOPER, A. £ I. General. 
 
 A. & I. G. Office, Richmond, January, 1864, official copy. 
 
 Morton, July 31, IS63. 
 Hon. J. A Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 The following telegraph (?) is forwarded for the information of the 
 War Department: 
 
63 
 
 "Mobile, July 30, 1868. 
 M General J. E. Johnston : 
 
 " A gentleman, who left Vicksburg on Friday, states that Grant is 
 still in Vicksburg. Is repairing road to Jackson. Expect bridge 
 over Big Black to be ready for transportation of cars in about thirty 
 days There is great and increasing sickness in the army, and their 
 expectation is that it will be sixty days before they will mote to 
 Jackson. They propose to go to Meridian, to Demopolis and to Selma, 
 and then invest Mobile. They were actively organizing negro regi- 
 ments, which they threw across into Louisiana, as fast as organized. 
 No large force has been sent up the river Those sent were of Burn- 
 side's corps, and troops whose time had expired. McPherson in com- 
 mand at Vicksburg. Parks at Snyder's Bluff. Informant is person of 
 intelligence and veracity, with peculiar opportunities of information. 
 Another officer, just in from New Orleans with prisoners, states that 
 Banks' force has been recently increased from Grant, and that they 
 propose soon sending one portion of Banks' army over into Louisiana, 
 and another twenty thousand strong to Pascagoula. Grant is collecting 
 immense supplies of stores «t Vieksburg. 
 
 "Dabney H. Maury, 
 " Major General commanding." 
 (Signed,) J. E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Morton, August 20, 186$. 
 
 S. Cooper, A. &• /. General: 
 
 General: I thank you for your letter of the 12th, which I have 
 just received, with copies of so much of special orders 17G and 184, 
 as define the limits of General Bragg's command, and your telegram 
 to me of July 31st. 
 
 These papers cannot be misunderstood. As my apology for having 
 troubled you more than once on this subject, I respectfully enclose 
 copies of your telegram and paragraph vii., special orders 176, as I 
 received them orignally. One marred by the operator ; the other 
 without the important line following the name " West Point." 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
 
 r r, . . , Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, > 
 
 i Extract -] Richmond, 1863. \ 
 
 SPECIAL ORDERS, 
 No. 176. 
 
 VII. The limits of the Department of Tennessee will embrace the 
 
61 
 
 country now included in the Department of cast Tennessee and west 
 of Blue Ridge mountains, in North Carolina, and a line running 
 eouth to the Georgia railroad, thence along the line of railroad via 
 Atlanta to West Foint and down that stream to its mouth. 
 By command of the Secretary of War. 
 " (Signed,) JOHN WITHERS, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General. 
 (Official,) 
 Benj. S. Ewell, A. A. G. 
 
 TELEGRAM. 
 
 Richmond, July 3i, 1863. 
 
 General J. E. Johnston 
 
 Your command embraces the country west of the line between 
 Georgia and Alabama, and running south to the Gulf; as, therefore, 
 General Bragg's Department was formed, its western limit is the Mis- 
 sissippi river, and its northern boundary the Tennesse river and 
 Kentucky line. 
 
 S. COOPER, 
 Adft. and Inspector General. 
 (Official,) 
 Benj. S. Ewell, A. A. G. 
 
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