Unknown to Ulysses S. Grant, January 7, 1863

Washington, January 7, 1863.

Major-General Grant, Holly Springs, Miss. :

Richmond papers of the 5th and 6th say that Sherman has been defeated and repulsed from Vicksburg. Every possible effort must be made to re-enforce him. We cannot communicate with Banks, but he has been urged to lose no time in co-operating. Curtis has been directed to give you all he can spare. Take everything you can dispense with in Tennessee and Mississippi. We must not fail in this if within human power to accomplish it.

H. W. HALLECK. General-in-Chief.

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISss., January 7, 1863—6 p. m.

All supplies not taken from the country are now brought from Memphis. Think it advisable to complete railroad to Columbus to get rolling-stock on this side and possibly to hold it for short time. Am throwing large supply of subsistence into Corinth. With use of two or three light-draught gunboats the Tennessee can be used. Nothing from Sherman since last dispatch. Will be ready to re-enforce him from Memphis if necessary. Will move heavy artillery from east bank of river. Is Helena, Ark., in my department? Can have troops at Corinth to operate from there soon as supplies can possibly be got there.

HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss., January 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DopGE, Corinth, Miss.:

I am now sending re-enforcements to you. Will it not be practicable for you when you get them to drive Roddey to the north bank of the river and destroy his boats?

U. S. GRANT, Major-General.

JACKSON, January 7, 1863. Colonel RAWLINS:

The following dispatch just received from commanding officer at Bethel:

A man just from Florence, Ala., reports that Roddey has raised the steamboat Dunbar, sunk by our gunboats last winter, and is trying to fix up her engines; also that Kirby Smith’s command crossed the river about there last week, going to re-enforce Price. He is vouched for as a Union man and one that is reliable.

W. W. SANFORD Colonel, Commanding Post.

JER. ©. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General.