Jno. A. Rawlins to HAMILTON, Corinth, Miss, November 1, 1862

November 1, 1862.

No. 5. Jackson, Tenn., November 1, 1862.

I. Brig. Gen. J. D. Webster is hereby appointed general superi.- tendent of the military railroads of this department, and in all matters appertaining thereto he will have, possess, and exercise the same 9uthority as that conferred upon Genera] McPherson by orders from Headquarters Department of the Mississippi. The Engineer Regiment of the West will be under his command, with such officers, soldiers, and citizens as it may be necessary to employ from time to time.

II. Col. George G. Pride is appointed chief engineer of military railroads, and will have charge of the repairs and reconstruction of the road-beds, bridges, and tracks of all railroads in this department.

The mechanics and laborers required will be furnished from the Ensineer Regiment, and will be under his command while so engaged. He will have authority to engage citizen employés when necessary. Requisitions for material and funds necessary for repairing and rebuilding railroads will be made by him on the quartermaster’s department. All contracts with citizen employés and all requisitions for material and funds will be subject to the approval of the commanding general.

By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:

Assistant Adjutant- General.

JACKSON, TENN., November 2, 1862.

General HAMILTON, Corinth, Miss. :

Have just heard from Grand Junction. There is a camp of say 2,000

cavalry at La Grange, Tenn., 3 miles from the Junction, and probably

a small force at Davis’ Mill, 7 miles south. I think the enemy are