Thomas Jordan to Ohief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General, June 23, 1862

Tupelo, June 23, 1862.

AND. W. MOKEE, Agent Subsistence Department:

Sir: Your communication of the 15th instant to Lieutenant-Colonel Lee has been submitted to the general commanding, who directs me to say that he has found your suggestions in most respects practicable and promising valuable military results, but the region in which the operations are proposed is not in his command, and therefore he is unable to give the proper orders in the case.

Major-General Van Dorn, whose headquarters are at Jackson, is the proper officer to address in all matters affecting military operations in Louisiana.

General Hindman will be instructed not to permit his agents to interfere with the bacon or beef cattle you are collecting.

Your action touching the transmission of food for the suffering poor in New Orleans is approved, but great vigilance must be observed to prevent our people in West Louisiana from being the dupes in this connection of the present Federal commander at New Orleans, whose character and recent conduct must lead us to distrust his honorable performance of any promise or stipulation. However, this matter really comes within the province of the Governor of the State (who should be freely consulted) and of General Van Dorn.

The general is pleased to hear of your successful ferriage across the Mississippi of so many beef cattle.

your obedient servant,

Ohief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.