JACKSON, MISS., January 11, 1863

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Port Hudson:

I want to combine a cavalry expedition in the two departments Please assign General Van Dorn to the same cavalry, with instructions to report to me.

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

JACKSON, MISS., January 11, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Port Hudson:

The object of the expedition under Van Dorn will be to interrupt any movement into Mississippi or Middle Tennessee.

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

JACKSON, MISS., January 11, 1863.

General BRAGG, Tullahoma:

One of Van Dorn's great objects will be to cover your by preventing Federal troops from going from West to Middle Tennessee. Roddey will contribute far more to this object under Van Dorn than separate. This is the only pressure possible by the troops in Mississippi. Please order Roddey to report to Van Dorn. Grant is reported to intend to repair the railroad to Corinth.

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

JACKSON, January 11, 1863.

Major-General BUCKNER, Mobile:

Can you without inconvenience lend Van Dorn 1,000 or 1,500 cavalry immediately? If so, order them.

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

JACKSON, January 11, 1863.

Colonel BARTEAU, Okolona:

Send most reliable scouts immediately toward Corinth to ascertain movements and strength of enemy there in neighborhood. Let him report to me from nearest point by telegraph the result.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, January 11, 1863.

Major-General LORING, Grenada:

Send the most reliable of Henderson's scouts immediately to ascertain eh movements of the enemy about Corinth, his strength, &c. Report without delay.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.