Sterling Price to Cuar. Xxix.] Correspondence, Etc.contfederate. 675, August 9, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., August 9, 1862.

GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA:

GOVERNOR: I have the honor to state that I have been compelled, in view of resuming offensive operations, immediately to withdraw the regiment which has been guarding the valuable public stores and workshops at Gainesville, in your State, and to request you to order out a sufficient number of the militia to take its place. I cannot wait for the regiment to be relieved by the State troops, but must withdraw it on Monday, the 11th instant, and orders to that effect have been already issued. I hope that Your Excellency will act without delay. Col. Thomas H. Rosser, commanding the post, can inform Your Excellency as to the number of troops that will be required. I presume 500 will suffice. Governor Pettus has promptly responded to a similar call by ordering 2,000 of the militia to garrison the several posts in this State, from which I am withdrawing the garrisons. 1 most respectfully beg Your Excellency to organize a sufficient militia force to garrison such other posts as it may become necessary for us to establish in Alabama as we advance northward.

Relying confidently upon your desire to co-operate with me vigorously in the effort which I am about to make—to drive the Federal armies from this State and Alabama—and upon the patriotism of the people of your State, I shall myself move steadily forward.

Major John Tyler, one of my staff officers, will present this letter to you and explain my views more fully to Your Excellency.

I am, very truly,

your obedient servant,

Major-General.