Thomas Jordan to William Preston, June 18, 1862

Tupelo, June 18 1862.

Brig. Gen. WILLIAM PRESTON, Commanding Reserve Division, Army of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I am instructed to communicate the following instructions for your guidance:

You will proceed with the division under your command with the .east delay to Oxford, Miss., or to the headquarters of Brigadier-General Villepigue, in that vicinity, and form a junction with the command of that officer for the purpose of repelling an invasion of that region by a detachment of the enemy. 2

In the movement all usual military precautions will be taken, and as you approach the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad especial care should be observed to guard against the possibility of surprise. Moreover, every precaution should be used to prevent news of your movements from reaching the enemy. It might be well, indeed, to give out Grenada as the point of your destination.

Communicate through an officer with General Villepigue so that you may be accurately informed of his movements and purposes, and alse when presisely your junction with him shal’ cake place. ,

An officer of the Engineer Corps will report to you in order that you may employ him in advance of your command in the selection of the best routes of march and the proper camp grounds. Efficient staff officers should accompany him, with orders to procure and collect forage at the halting places; also subsistence as far as practicable—fresh meat especially.

Should it be necessary you are authorized to avail yourself of the resources of the country, in the way of transportation, but will do so with the understanding that all teams shall only be temporarily retained and returned to their owners from Oxford and that vicinity.

The commander of the forces hopes that you will be fortunate enough to meet with the enemy, and wishes the officers and men of your command particularly impressed with the fact that our soldiers have always been victorious over our present adversaries, despite odds, when they have resolutely dashed at them. Advancing with astern and inflexible will to drive the invader back success will surely follow.

your obedient servant,

Assistant Adjutant-General.