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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
June 5, 1862-5 a.m.

Major-General POLK:

MY DEAR GENERAL: Our present position is a very faulty one for an action, and it is certain the enemy are in force in front. It is proposed to make Hardee's position the right of our line, your corps to come in on his left, just in rear of the small creek running near Breckinridge's position and mine. Second Corps on your left. Breckinridge to form the reserve in rear of my left and Van Dorn of the right.

Will you reconnoiter your position immediately and let me know its advantages and disadvantages?

Yours, truly,

BRAXTON BRAGG.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
June 5, 1862-11.30 a.m.

Major-General LEONIDAS POLK, &c.:

GENERAL: I was absent when your note reached my quarters. Examination satisfies me the new line cannot be taken for want of water west of the road. I am just from a close examination. The object was to place the whole force in more compact form for any pressing emergency. We will hold our present positions, and prepare vigorously for the move on Tupelo. No time is to be lost. Inn the mean time our front must be well protected. With that view, I desire you to send one of your best brigades to the forks of the road in your front, where the left hand leads down east of railroad and the right runs across by