Joseph E. Johnston to Joseph E. Johnston, Jackson, Miss, January 1, 1863
January 1, 1863.
January 1, 1863.
N. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Mississippi, ée.: CoLONEL: All quiet in front. The enemy are engaged in construct ing rifle-pits near the lake in front of Barton’s position. All quiet at Snydcer’s Mill at 5 p. m. on yesterday. The enemy had advanced his pickets in front of Wofford’s battery.
Respectfully, C. L. STEVENSON, Major-General, Commanding.
JACKSON, January —, 1863. {Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON:]
GENERAL: I respectfully request you to communicate to me the substance of all the orders you may give for movement of troops, and as much as practicable to confer with me before giving them. Tre telegraph will prevent loss of time. Your position at Vicksburg is most important, however it interferes with the supervision of other parts of the department. You are aware, I believe, that I was brought here by the President to assist you. My great object is to do so.
Colonel Marigny reports that Banks brought about 8,000 men to
New Orleans from Ship Island, and that ten transports and, I think, fourteen gunboats are at Baton Rouge. KE. Hiriart, to whom you gave permission to trade for Josephs and reports the number brought from Ship Island at 3,000—8,000 being left on the island, destined for other service.
A letter forwarded by General Buckner from Mobile gives 35,000 as Banks’ force. It seems to me that it would be safest to send troops to Port Hudson from here. I have informally authorized Major-General Van Dorn to visit his family. You will oblige me by directing Major Armstrong to report to Major-General Van Dorn.
Most respectfully,
your obedient servant,
General.
fhe President has appointed W. H. Jackson brigadier-general. A
sister-in-law of General Beauregard reported Banks’ force at 8,000.
VICKSBURG, January 1, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss. :
When my telegram was sent I had not received your letter. Will
reply by mail; am about leaving for Snyder’s Mill. I want to re-enforce