Jas. B. McPherson to E. M. Stanton, _, October 19, 1862
Bolivar, Tenn., October 19, 1862.
Colonel NOBLE, Ohief of Cavalry, Bolivar:
CoLONEL: You will send out an expedition of 450 cavalry, under the command of one of your most thorough, active, and intelligent officers, in the direction of Brownsville, to intercept and cut off if possible Colonel Falknerâs cavalry force, defeated day before yesterday at Island No. 10. You will direct them to move up on the north side of the Hatchie ascertain if possible the ford or bridge they are making for, and try an cut them off. The commander of the expedition must move with all possible celerity, but at the same time use due caution against being surprised and cut off himself. Three daysâ rations must be taken with the men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General.
CoRINTH, MIss., October 19, 1862â2.10 p. m.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, _
Secretary of War:
Our cavalry, in the face of the enemy, and in the best possible season
for a campaign, are without arms. Of the 900 revolving arms you ordered sent me, only 439 have been received. One thousand breech-loading or revolving arms and 2,000 pistols are necessary to arm our cavalry,
including recruits. Cavalry without arms anywhere is bad enough, but