George WM. Brent to J. D. Martin, June 17, 1862
Tupelo, Miss., June 17, 1862.
Mol. J. D. MARTIN, Colonel Commanding Post, Meridian:
CoLONEL: Your several communications of the 16th instant have been received. The general commanding instructs me to reply that he approves of your proceedings in the collection of stragglers, &c. Also ip the appointment of Capt. R. Y. Rew as provost-marshal. Should you
lose his services, as you anticipate, it is not deemed necessary to su} ply his place by the appointment of a citizen. Some officer can be selected, who will be ordered to report to you for that purpose.
He also instructs me to say that there is no general order on the subject of impressment of negro labor. In some special cases, where the public exigencies demanded it, negro labor has been impressed, discriminating, however, against all hands employed in the production of cotton. Should an extreme case occur you are authorized to exercise this power. The exercise of such a power, however, should be abstained from if possible.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,