Unknown to James B. McPherson, November 1, 1862
Jackson, November 1, 1862.
Major-General MOPHERSON, Bolivar, Tenn. :
I have ordered Hamilton to hold three divisions in readiness to move toward Bolivar to-morrow morning. If you ascertain that an attack is threatening inform me of the fact and I willstart them at once. I will send four regiments from here at once.
BOLIVAR, November 1, 1862. Major-General GRANT:
Dispatches received. Have telegraphed Major Tweeddale, Engineer Regiment, to send down four companies with arms and tools to repair railroad, if that many men can be spared, and finish the bridge already commenced over the Obion River. If that many men cannot be spared he is to send as many as hecan.
BOLIVAR, November 1, 1862. Major-General GRANT :
Major Mudd started at 3.30 this p. m. with four companies of cavalry on reconnaissance toward Grand Junction. I have heard nothing from him yet. He was cautioned to be on the alert and to send back couriers if anything important transpired. My patrol which went out this morning went below Van Buren and returned just before dark without seeing or learning anything of the enemy. I will advise you immediately if I learn anything important.
JAS. B. MOPHERSON, Major-General.
JAOKSON, TENN., November 1, 1862. Major-General MOPHERSON, Bolivar, Tenn. : The moment you hear from the front inform me. If the enemy are moving on you I want to put the troops in motion. U. 8S. GRANT, Major-General.
Umar. XXIX.} CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.âUNION. 315
JACKSON, TENN., November 1, 1862. Major-General SHERMAN, Memphis, Tenn.:
Troops from Corinth marched on Grand Junction yesterday; from Bolivar to-day. I go forward with the advance; will push on to Grenada if possible, opening railroad and telegraph as we advance. I have ordered four regiments to Memphis; will order more if the re-enforcements sent me justify it. If communication can be opened with you by courier I will do it.
If you hear of my forces passing Holly Springs, and can put a force on the railroad to repair it, start toward Grenada, repairing the road as the troops advance. A demonstration to the southeast made at once would give the idea of a formidable movement to the front, particularly as you will be receiving re-enforcements and I also in considerable numbers. The amount arrived and to arrive will not amount to less than 30,000 men. The news of these re-enforcements coming cannot be kept from the enemy, of course.
U. S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding.
(Sent in cipher to Columbus to forward by first steamer.)
SPECIAL ORDERS, HpqQrgs. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,