Major-General to Humphreys, October 9, 1863

October 9, 1863. General HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: I have received two telegrams, one notifying me General Sykes was to be sent down to my present headquarters, another that I was to exercise caution in crossing. If information is certain, audacity is prudence, and I would pclae epee that with the First Odunstlondiat: I would like to have the Fifth and Sixth Corps asareserve. As tothe point of crossing, I know nothing definite of the depth of water, my pickets not being able to approach near enough to obtain it. Morton’s Ford, militarily, is half-and-half, according to who attacks, the advantage being on the side of the defense. Raccoon Ford is impregnable. This in both cases is on the supposition that the enemy is in force.

If an attack is to be made, I respectfully recommend a strong column on one point sufficient to compensate for losses. With the First Corps I can carry, I think, any point on the river, except Raccoon Ford, but I must be supported, unless information at headquarters is positive that the enemy has evacuated. ;

Finally, I respectfully recommend that the First, Fifth, and Sixth Corps, in the order mentioned, take the lead and be concentrated on one point. I can go anywhere with such a column.

Very respectfully, JOHN NEWTON