Sterling Price to John J. Pettus, August 4, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., August 4, 1862.

Gov. JOHN J. PETTUS, Jackson County, Mississippi :

GOVERNOR: The events of each day impress me more deeply with the importance of prompt action on the part of this army, and you will therefore pardon me for again invoking your assistance. You can strengthen my army several thousand by calling out about 2,000 of the militia to garrison Meridian, Columbus, Okolona, and Verona, and to protect the railroad bridges and trestle-work. This will enable me to withdraw all the Confederate troops from that duty and put them in the field. I must beg you in the event of your being willing to comply with this request to act promptly, as I intend to order all the disposable troops forward to Tupelo within the present week, preparatory to an immediate forward movement. I would suggest to Your Excellency the propriety of preserving absolute secrecy as to the proposed movement, as the enemy are doubtless impressed with the idea that the whole army is being moved eastward and as they seem to be acting upon that belief. You may also aid me very greatly by sending forward recruits,

and in this connection I may say that Captain Gholson proposes, with your concurrence, to raise a battalion of sharpshooters for service with the Army of the West. I hope that you will give him your assistance in this work. The necessity of immediate action must be my apology for again addressing Your Excellency upon this subject without awaiting your reply to my preceding communication.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, your obedient

servant,

Major-General.
({Inclosure C.]