Thos. L. Snead to Chattanooga, Tenn., August 5, 1862, August 5, 1862

Tupelo, Miss., August 5, 1862.

Col. JOHN ADAMS, Commanding Post, Columbus, Miss. : COLONEL: The major-general commanding wishes all the troops at Columbus that can be possibly spared from garrison duty to be moved

instantly to this place. The first train for their transportation will be at Columbus on Thursday, the 7th instant, and the general, relying upon your well-known energy and experience, charges you with the duty of causing them to be transported without delay. Measures must be promptly taken to bring into camp all those who are well enough. The whereabouts and condition of those not well enough will be carefully ascertained and reported. No more furloughs or leaves of absence will be granted until further orders, except under peculiar circumstances. You will please communicate these orders to the commanders of the troops at Columbus, and designate which troops are to remain there on garrison duty. Retain only so many as are absolutely necessary, and hold them in readiness to be moved at any moment, for it is hoped that they will soon be relieved by the State Militia. The general suggests for your consideration the propriety of removing the prisoners of war from Columbus to a point where the public property is less valuable and where the facilities for escape are not so great. Their removal would obviate the necessity of keeping so large a garrison at Columbus, and might be beneficial otherwise. You will please consider the subject and report the facts and your opinion to the general. You will please telegraph whether you will be able to begin the shipment of the troops on Thursday. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Chief of Staff.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., August 5, 1862.

(Received at Tupelo, Miss., August 6, 1862.)

General STERLING PRICE:

Impossible to spare you more cavalry than already given. None here

now, and our movements much retarded for want of it. Your movement

will accord finely with ours.