Letter

Geo. G. Garner to Orders, ) Hdgrs. Second Brig., Reserve Corps, June 30, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., June 30, 1862.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL : In accordance with your suggestion the general command. ing has directed the Reserve Corps to move early to-morrow by the most direct route via Ellistown. It will take three days for infantry to make the march—about 45 miles from here. He wishes you to make a corresponding move with the cavalry, say 1,200 or 1,500, via Blackland, striking any enemy there and brushing him away, and by a feint create the impression that you are after Rienzi; then suddenly make for Ripley, but in rear of the enemy, so that he cannot retreat-on Rienzi; and should he attempt to reach Grand Junction you must push him with great vigor, and compel him if possible to give us battie. Should he entirely escape us you may possibly convert the expedition into something useful by pushing on to the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and breaking it up, as well as destroying bridges. You will receive further instructions from Brigadier-General Withers, who will command the expedition, but much is expected from your known intelligence and zeal in the conducting of the cavalry operations.

your obedient servant,

Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS, ) HDgRs. SECOND BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
No. 61. In Camp near Tupelo, Miss., June 30, 1862.
Col. R. A. Smith relieves Col. T. W. White, and hereby assumes com.
mand of this brigade. The various staff officers will continue to dis
charge the duties of their respective positions.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in West Tennessee and Mississippi, Pt. 1. Location: Tupelo, Miss.. Summary: General Garner orders Brigadier-General Chalmers to lead a cavalry feint against enemy forces near Rienzi, then strike Ripley and disrupt Confederate retreat or railroad lines during a coordinated infantry advance.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 17, Part 1 View original source ↗