OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

could not be detailed for the service you designate except under special necessity. The need of such services is admitted, and if you could indicate other selections not requiring such transfer the Department would gladly confer the appointments. Dr. Newman, having been already assigned to General Anderson's command, could not be properly transferred without General Anderson's consent. Could you not designate some other appointments which would meet your wishes? The Department is inclined to be guided by your recommendations in all cases, but it is requested that you will designate all the appointments, medical and other, which you desire in one letter, devoting that letter entirely to this one subject. Otherwise, in consequence of the constant pressure on this Department amid confusion of so many details, it is impossible that your recommendations can receive proper attention.

Very respectfully,

L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

MEMPHIS, August 10,1861.

HonorableL.P. WALKER:

It is absolutely necessary to the success of our operations in the valley of the Mississippi that we have an ordnance corps organized immediately and in this department. I would respectfully ask for the appointment in that corps of the following officers, late of the same corps in Tennessee: Cap. Moses H. Wright, Captain W.R. Hunt, Lieutenant George Graden; these gentlemen to have the rank in the Provisional Army here attached to their names.

L. POLK.

PARIS, August 11,1861.

Major-General POLK:

DEAR SIR: I learn from Dr. Lackey that there were some conflicts between the orders issued by you and myself with regard to shipments on the Tennessee River.

I had some time since given orders to the commander at Fort Henry not to allow the shipment of cotton, cotton yarn, tobacco, wheat, sugar, coffee, rice, or any article contraband of war, north of the Tennessee line.

I have not ordered the seizure of property; have allowed owners to dispose of their property, do what they pleased with is, except to ship it north of our line; have not prohibited the running of boats; have only prohibited the character of shipments specified.

I am, however, not only willing, but wish to give up the entire military jurisdiction and command of the State to the military commanders of the Confederate States. Have urged the Government to appoint a commander for Middle Tennessee, and am perfectly willing to yield to you the command and control of the Tennessee River. Shall cheerfully co-operate with you in carrying out your policy if you see proper to take command of it, and notify me as to the policy adopted. You will allow me to suggest, however, that in no event should cotton, sugar, coffee, tobacco, or wheat be permitted to go north of the line. When it once passes beyond our jurisdiction, we cannot know where it goes or what use is made of it.