J. W. Gorman to Rawlins. : Sipe, December 14, 1862
Helena, December 14, 1862.
Brigadier-Genecral STEELE, Commanding First Division :
GENERAL: I am directed to say that the general commanding wishes you to get your division in complete readiness to embark on transports on the 18th instant at this place. You will take four teams to the regiment for their transportation by land. You will only allow such an amount of camp and garrison equipage, hospital stores, and officersâ baggage as can be easily carried in the transportation allowed. You will have turned over all other camp and garrison equipage to the chief quartermaster and all excess of teams not allowed by this order. You will have the sick of your command left in proper care at this place. There must be no delay in getting on board transports when notified of their readiness. You will take twenty daysâ rations for 10,000 men with you, which will be put on board your transports, and forage for 500 cayalry and i00 artillery horses, with medical stores for all.
You will see that your command have 40 rounds of cartridges in their boxes. You will take an ammunition train sufficient to take all your
reserve ammunition, say 80 additional rounds to the man to that in the menâs cartridge-boxes.
Two batteries of artillery will also be sent with you and 500 or more cavalry. I am, general,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
JACKSON, December 14, 1862.
Colonel RAWLINS. : Sipe
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The reported crossing of the Tennessee River by a large
guerrilla force seems to be false. The country south of Hatchie is not
in my command, but I propose to visit it with all my cavalry and three