Unknown to John A. McClernand, August 10, 1862

Trenton, Tenn., August 10, 1862.

Maj. Gen. Jonn A. MOCLERNAND, Jackson, Tenn.:

A large force of mounted men have gathered between here and the Tennessee River and threaten the road north of this place. I have ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg, with the cavalry belonging to this division, to report here immediately. Porter’s company of Jackson’s cavalry are north of the Hatchie. Last night they were working north. All my cavalry are after them. The dispatches taken from Falkner show that Porter and Falkner were ordered to burn all cotton between the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, and if possible get into Kentucky. Falkner’s men are scattered, trying to remount themselves and stealing arms. I got nearly all their horses and some 60 of their arms, with their ammunition. They are working south in squads.

G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General, Oommanding Division.

BOLIVAR, August 10, 1862. General MOCLERNAND:

General Grant telegraphs me to destroy the bridges and ferries on the Hatchie, except such as we can guard. Is Colonel Lawler still at Estanaula, and, if so, am I to use his ferries to carry out the above order, or will Colonel Lawler attend to the matter in his section without my orders? To what point, if any, on the Hatchie toward Estanaula am I expected to defend the crossing? There are two ferries between here and Pocahontas. I willdestroy them to-morrow. The bridge at Pocahontas had better be attended to by force from siti ae it is ede