Major-General to Henry W. Halleck, June 27, 1862

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commanding Department of the Mississippi :

GENERAL: Between Jackson’s and M. Jeff. Thompson’s forces, with the weak force here, I fear that it will be impossible for me to keep the railroad open from here to Grand Junction and at the same time keep this city in subjection. There is great disloyalty manifested by the citizens of this place and undoubtedly spies and numbers of the Southern Army are constantly finding their way in and out of the city in spite of all vigilance.

There is every probability that an attempt will be made to burn the city, and no doubt from the extent to be guarded it will prove partially successful. This, however, is a matter which will operate more against the rebels than ourselves.

The regiment sent from here to repair the railroad has just returned. I ordered it to remain as a guard to the road until further orders were received, but as this order was carried by the colonel of this regiment, and he having been taken prisoner before reaching his command, it returned here in obedience to previous orders. I havesent out to Germantown, or to the point where the railroad is broken, to-day a regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry. They go with three days’ rations; but as some cars and locomotives have just arrived I will keep those troops there if practicable until troops from Bolivar can relieve them. I will make the effort to keep the road and telegraph open.

Bic I am without instructions I am a little in doubt as to my authority to license and limit trade, punish offenses committed by citizens, and in restricting civil authority. I now have two citizens (prisoners) for murder, whom I shall have tried by a military commission and submit the findings and sentence to you. All communication is prevented south of our lines as far as our guards can prevent it. There is a board of trade established to regulate what goods are authorized to be received and who authorized to sell. 1 think it will be necessary also to establish some sort of court to settle private claims.

When a direct channel for mails is opened I will submit to you a copy of all.orders published for the government of thecity.

I would again urge the importance of having here one division of the Army of the Tennessee ordered from Corinth. _

very respectfully, your obedient servant,