William T. Sherman to James W. Denver, June 20, 1862

General DENVER, Moscow : Steg: General Halleck, by telegraph to-day, instructs me to remain in this neighborhood and not move, as I had contemplated, to a point 25. miles from Memphis, where we could have got supplies by wagons; as it is we must push the railroad. Please send a small guard party to the next break and tell them to use all expedition. I will send the railroad regiment beyond. Write me what amount of damage you have heard of, and, if you can, hire some good men to go down the road into Memphis with a letter to the commanding officer asking him to start a party working in this direction. 1 am still too sick to be of any use, and if you will push this road so we can get out supplies in eight or nine days I will be much obliged. Write me at length. Yours,

W. T. SHERMAN,