Unknown to George W. Randolph, November 2, 1862
Holly Springs, Miss., November 2, 1862.
The above dispatch was this day received and forwarded. I cannot account for the detention in transmittal. EARL VAN DORN,
Davisâ MILL, Miss., September 25, 1862. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War:
For the three brigades of returned prisoners (8,000 men), Second Division, have no major-general, and but one brigadier (Tilghman) for the three brigades ; and [for] First Division (7,000 men) I have but two brigadiers ; General Lovell commands division. General officers present: Lovell, Ruggles, Tilghman, Smith, Beall, Villepigue, and Rust; Ruggles in charge of district ; Smith in command of brigade at Vicksburg; Beall in command at Port Hudson; Pillow absent, but may return. 1 shall want therefore five general officers, or six if I put Lovell in command of corps. All I ask is that some of the officers sent me may not be the doubtful cases awaiting orders. I will venture tu recommend Cols. J. P. Major and W. H. Jackson as two of the brigadiers and General D. H. Maury as major-general. Price will require two major-generals also and several brigadiers. Little killed; Phifer and Cabell rejected by President.
EARL VAN DORN, Major-General.
RICHMOND, VA., September 25, 1862. Gov. Joun J. PETTUS, Jackson, Miss.:
Commissary-general has directed one of his officers to get consent of owner of salt mine and open a shaft for supply of his department. General Taylor has been instructed to give the requisite protection, and, if necessary, to exercise authority to promote the working of the mine. I
âhope this will answer the purpose sought by you. i B JEFFERSON DAVIS.
“14 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. [(Crav. XXIS