Sterling Price to Headquarters Department No. 2, August 11, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., August 11, 1862.

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va. :

Siz: I have instructed one of my staff, Dr. Luke P. Blackburn, to wait upon you for the purpose of endeavoring to obtain from the Department for the troops of the Army of the West a portion of the improved small-arms which have lately come into the possession of the Government by capture and otherwise. Many of my troops are very badly armed, and some of the new regiments have no arms at all. I

expect, however, to arm these with inferior arms from the arsenal at Columbus. Governor Pettus has also ordered 2,000 of the militia to report to me to relieve the troops which I am withdrawing from the posts within the district, and which are guarding the railroad. These will need arms. General Van Dorn also telegraphs to me that about 15,000 of the exchanged prisoners will soon be at Vicksburg, and that many of them may be ordered to his army and this, and he asks whether I can supply them with arms. I hope, too, that as we advance into Tennessee accessions to our ranks will also occasion a want of arms.

For all these reasons I respectfully ask that you will be pleased to furnish me for the use of these troops such portion of the arms in your possession as may not be more wanted elsewhere.

I am, with the greatest respect,

your obedient servant,

: STERLING PRICE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2,
Chattanooga, Tenn., August 12, 1862.
Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE,
Commanding District of Tennessee :
GENERAL: I have received copy of your letter to General Van Dorn
asking co-operation in your advance upon the enemy, and have instructed him by telegraph to-day. I write and herewith inclose you a