consisting of five regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and two field batteries having advanced to skirmishing distance from our advanced works.

By the gross misconduct of the authorities of the Mississippi Central Railroad, and the positive disobedience by them of my orders, a small amount of public property, say 300 rounds field ammunition, a few tents, &c., were burned before leaving.

The enemy's cavalry and some mounted infantry have followed up our movement, occasionally skirmishing with our rear guard, without, however, delaying our march, which has progressed without the loss of a wagon or any description of property.

General Price's corps in now being established between this point and the Tuscahoma Ferry. Van Dorn will occupy the ground on his right.

The heavy rains which have fallen will, I believe, enable me to hold this position with my small force unless a movement is made by the enemy to turn my right by the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

P. S.-The re-enforcements ordered by General Bragg will be retained for the present at Jackson. I have no hope of any assistance from General Holmes, and have telegraphed fully on that subject to Richmond some days since.

Respectfully,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General.

GRENADA, December 5, 1862.

Major J. R. WADDY:

Have all troops ready to move at moment's notice. Are they provided with ammunition? Direct three days' rations to be kept cooked. Tell General Ruggles to enforce strict police and order in and about Jackson, keeping guards and patrols night and day. Tell Major Mayo to have small-arm ammunition ready if needed, particularly ball, and ball and buck, caliber, 69.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

GRENADA, December 5, 1862.

Major-General VAN DORN,

Coffeeville:

I wish you to start at an early hour in the morning, so as to arrive this side the river to-morrow evening. A regiment of cavalry, under a good officer, must be sent as quickly as possible to Greenwood, where the roads and crossing are said to be good.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

COFFEEVILLE, December 5, 1862.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

I will start the wagons in the morning. Will start the troops soon after they get off. Doubt if we can reach Grenada by dark with the

50 R R-VOL XVII, PT II