William T. Sherman to September 19, 1862, September 19, 1862

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH J)IVISION,

September 19, 1862.

September 19, 1862. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN:

GENERAL: In obedience to telegraphic orders from Major-General Grant you will march to-morrow toward Grand Junction. You will make camp below Middleburg (say 12 to 14 miles from here), and push your cavalry forward as far as possible toward Davis’ Mill.

It is believed that a force, 2,000 or 3,000, is camped on Wolf River, building a railroad bridge across that stream.

If advisable—that is, safe—destroy that bridge and crush the head of column there.

Give out that this command is about to move, being heavily re-enforced from Columbus; that Sherman, from Memphis, and Steele, from Helena, on the west, are concentrating toward Grenada.

Feel the enemy strongly and ascertain their strength. If they retreat or disperse in front of you destroy the bridge. If they prove too strong to attack safely send me word or draw back if danger is imminent. I need not say to you that the most perfect discipline must be observed and the command in readiness for action at a moment’s notice. The movement is a mere demonstration, never letting go your safe return to Bolivar, unless the weakness of the enemy or some favorable circumstances make it advisable to attack in reality.

Much is left to your discretion, and in that I confide.

[S. A. HORLBUT,] Brigadier-General.

BOLIVAR, TENN., September 19, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corinth:

I move Lauman’s brigade—five regiments of infantry, twelve pieces of artillery, and two battalions of Second Illinois Cavalry—toward Grand Junction to-morrow morning, with instructions not to engage unless the advantage is on our side; but if an opening occurs to break in and destroy bridge at; Davis’ Mill. I hold the other brigade to support them if overmatched,

[S. A. HURLBUT,] Brigadier -General.

HEADQUARTERS FirtH DIvIsIOoN, Memphis, September 19, 1862.

DEAR GENERAL: I take the liberty of inclosing a tracing of a map compiled at my headquarters, which I think is more accurate than any published chart.* Ido it to illustrate the importance of a movement of which I wrote you a few days sinee. Senatobia has been the headquarters of Jackson, who has now gone north and is operating with Arm-. strong’s cavalry about Bolivar. ‘There are few or no troops there now. 1 caused the new railroad bridge on Coldwater, just above Senatobia, to be effectually broken and destroyed, with the saw-mill that yielded the material, so it cannot be repaired in three months. If you strike in and destroy that at Panola this road is useless for this whole campaign.

Breckinridge has gone over the Central road with his division. That road is in good condition up to Wolf River, at Davis’ Mill, 7 miles south of Grand Junction. I think they are engaged in repairing that bridge, which would put them up to Bolivar. Bolivar is of importance, as it covers the railroad back for Grant. Hurlbut’s division has gone there from here, leaving me short-handed for building a fort, holding a town, and making expeditions. The breaking of that road (the Central) will have a material effect on the campaign. It would cut off rapid communication with the south from Breckinridge and also prevent his being re-enforced by Van Dorn. I have made close inquiries and find the section from Abbeville to Spring Dale full of high and difficult trestles, which I have indicated on the map. I did propose to General Grant and he to Halleck the breaking of that entire section by a joint expedition from here and Helena; but since that time my force is reduced one-half, and I hardly feel justified in attempting so much, when I know there is a strong force abreast of me anxious to recapture Memphis, which would be as serious to you as to me. My fort is so far progressed that I feel no uneasiness about holding Memphis; but it may be that instead of going to Kentucky, as Breckinridge would, he may linger in the neighborhood until the released prisoners of war join him.

I mention all these points to show you how important it is that these railroads should be interrupted, and as soon as possible.

with great respect, your obedient servant,

Major-General, Commanding.

[SEPTEMBER 19, 1862.

CoMMANDING OFFICER CONFEDERATE FORCES NEAR IUKA:

GENERAL: Inclosed find communication from General Ord and copy

of dispatch. The dispatch is reliable. I await your reply to General

Ord’s suggestion.

I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,