Wirt Adams to Pemberton, December 24, 1862
Deer Oreek, December 24, 1862.
Lieut. Gen. J. O. PEMBERTON, Oomdg. Dept. of Mississippi and Hast Louisiana, Grenada:
GENERAL: Forty-five of the enemyâs transports, with troops, and ten gunboats passed Friarâs Point on the 22d instant. Of this number twenty-four transports and two gunboats had passed Melrose Landing, 5 miles below Prentiss, at 12 m. yesterday, 23d instant. They have not yet reached Greenville, but may be expected early this morning.
I have sent this information to Major-General Smith, at Vicksburg, and he should be in possession of it to-day.
In obedience to your order I have stationed a picket guard at Skipwithâs Landing, with orders to report to you promptly any landing of the enemy at that point.
Under the orders of General Smith, of 20th November, I shall march my command in the direction of Vicksburg without delay. Should the enemy attempt to pass across from Skipwithâs Landing to the Yazoo I will harass him as much as I can.
Your order of 22d in reference to conscripts in this district was received last evening.
I remain, genera], most respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Colonel, Oommanding Cavalry.
VICKSBURG, December 25, 1862â2. a. m.
General PEMBERTON:
Sixty-four of enemyâs boats have passed Lake Providence to-night.
Send at once what re-enforcements you intend.
804 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. (Cuar. XXIX