Letter

Unknown, December 3, 1862

Jackson, Tenn., December 3, 1862.

Commanding Officers Union City, Troy, Crockett, Kenton, Rutherford, Dyer, Trenton, Humboldt, Carroll, Medon, Toone’s, Bolivar, Middleburg, Hickory Valley, Grand Junction, La Grange, Davis’ Mill, Coldwater :

Commanding officers are informed that guerrilla bands are moving with intention of burning railroad stations, tanks, and bridges. The general commanding orders that great vigilance be exercised. Guarding

railroads and keeping communication open to the army is now the vitally important duty of troops in this district. Energy, courage, and daring are required of officers and men. The attacking party must be repulsed and annihilated. Disloyal persons are to understand that destruction of their property will follow a guerrilla raid. A surprise will always be attempted. The attack will be sudden but must be repelled. Disgrace will inevitably follow a defeat. JUR. C. SULLIVAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in West Tennessee and Mississippi, Pt. 1. Location: Jackson, Tenn.. Summary: Brigadier-General JUR. C. Sullivan orders Union commanders in western Tennessee to vigilantly defend railroads and communication lines against imminent guerrilla attacks, threatening severe retaliation for disloyalty.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 17, Part 1 View original source ↗