Thomas Jordan to West Tenn. And Northern Miss. (omar. Xxix, July 4, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT NO. 2,
Tupelo, Miss., July 4, 1862.

COLONEL: As you have kindly consented to take the general super. intendence of the work of completing the Meridian and Selma Railroad the commanding general instructs me to request you to repair to Demopolis, Ala., at your earliest convenience and relieve Capt. P. H. Thomson, ©. 8. Army.

The principal object of taking military contro] of this important work is to give such aid to the company that it may be completed in the shortest time possible and render it available for military purposes You will therefore please confer freely with the officers of the company in question, who have at their disposition a loan of $150,000. You will doubtless be able so to arrange matters that while the interests of the company should be properly secured all possible expedition may be given to the completien of the work. You are fully authorized to employ all necessary engineers, agents, overseers, &c. Labor will be obtained by hire, material by purchase, when practicable; but military necessity and the high public interest depending on the most vigorous prosecution of the work will justify impressment whensoever obstacles are interposed. It is hoped, however, this may be avoided; but if not, you will promptly resort to it. It is anticipated especially that you may find it difficult to secure all the iron, spikes, &c., for the road without impressinvnt. In all such cases impress promptly and firmly, taking the needful articles from available sources where the least damage will be done or burden imposed.

Pleased to secure your services at this time, the general intrusts the work to you with every contidence in your known energy and long experience, well assured of an early and successful completion of the work. Please inform the general of the condition in which you may find the work, and from time to time of the progress made under your direction.

your obedient servant,

; THOMAS JORDAN,

GENERAL ORDERS, Hpors. First Dist., DEPARTMENT No. 1,
No. 4. 4 Tangipahoa, La., July 4, 1862.
I. The passing of negroes, slaves or free, toward or into the enemy’s
lines is positively prohibited without a pass from the master (if a slave),
countersigned and approved by the provost-marshal or highest military
authority of the parish to which he belongs; if free, in addition to the