or until forced away by the enemy, in which case he will destroy all Government stores at this place.

III. Wagons will move in rear of the column with a strong rear guard.

By order of General Van Dorn:

W. C. SCHAUMBURG,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

General PEMBERTON,

Oxford, Miss.:

It is the desire of the President that you control the telegraphic and other communications of General Ruggles made direct to the authorities here. Being under your command, all his communications must pass through your headquarters.

S. COOPER.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST LOUISIANA, Water Valley, December 2, 1862.

Major General STERLING PRICE:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you hold your command in readiness to move in either direction. Skirmishing reported in front.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST LOUISIANA, Water Valley, December 2, 1862.

Major Ben. STERLING PRICE:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you collect all your men and hold them in readiness; prepare your batteries and ammunition for action; put out pickets at all points for observation. Skirmishing reported in rear; will inform your further. Push on your wagon trains and the cavalry brigade in advance to assist Colonel Griffith. Keep infantry regiment with train in advance.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

JACKSON, MISS., December 2, [1862]-10.30 a. m.

Major-General FORNEY,

Mobile:

Communications with General Pemberton are now open.

Please carry your original plan into effect and send your troops to Meridian.

DANIEL RUGGLES,

Brigadier-General.

OXFORD, MISS., December 2, 1862.

Major General MARTIN L. SMITH,

Vicksburg:

All the steamboats that would certainly fall into the enemy's hands must be burned.

J. C. PEMBERTON.