Unknown to Don Carlos Buell, September 5, 1862
Tupelo, Miss., September 5, 1862.
Comdg. District of the Mississippi, Jackson, Miss. :
GENERAL: I have received your reply to my letter of the 2d instant, and regret very much that you cannot move in this direction at once.
I feel that General Braggâs instructions and the situation of affairs within my district alike compel me to keep near the line of this road. If I move toward Holly Springs, as you suggest, I not only endanger the safety of the road, which is essential to the supply of my army, but I expose my supplies of every kind and the valuable workshops and public property at Columbus and Gainesville to destruction by the enemy. I learn that a cavalry force of theirs, 1,700 strong, is even now within forty-eight hoursâ march of Columbus. General Braggâs orders also compel me to keep a close watch upon Rosecrans, and I hear that he is now at Iuka and crossing his army at Eastport. Iam therefore pushing my army slowly forward, and shall remove my own headquarters to Guntown on Sunday. I shall then determine by what route to advance. I shall keep you fully advised of my movements, so that we may cooperate or unite our forces, as may be most advisable. I am, general, very sincerely, your friend and obedient servant, STERLING PRICE, Major-General.