MERIDIAN, October 27, 1863.

General J. R. CHALMERS,

Oxford:

Your dispatch received. Operate as you propose. Whatever is done most be done quickly to be of value. Can Richardson operate between Sherman and Corinth after Sherman passes Deer Creek?

J. E. JOHNSTON.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI,
Oxford, Miss., October 27, 1863.

Major General S. J. GHOLSON,

Mississippi Militia:

GENERAL: I learn that you have assumed command of the State troops in Northeast Mississippi; if so, I desire your co-operation in a movement that I am ordered by General Johnston to make. You will please get your command ready for a movement at a moment's notice and I will communicate with you more fully as soon as I can hear again from General Johnston. Please inform me by courier of your headquarters and condition for action.

I am, general, very truly, yours, &c.,

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding, &c.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI,
Oxford, Miss., October 27, 1863.

Colonel R. V. RICHARDSON,

Commanding Brigade:

COLONEL: I am ordered by General Johnston to make a forward movement. Hold your command ready to move at a moment's notice. I will send you more full orders as soon as I can hear from General Johnston again. Send me a courier at once, and let me know where you are, what your condition is, and how much ammunition you have.

Very truly, yours, &c.,

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

RICHMOND, October 27, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Your telegram has been received and could only be answered by letter. I have for some days past been pressed by varied business, and reports requiring instant attention, to such an extent that I could not reply to you sooner.

The system set forth in the circular of April 15, 1863, is based on the conclusion that all the subsistence stores that can be collected on this side of the Mississippi will be inadequate to furnish the troops with full rations, and that all that could be transported from the other side would also be required. The rules of impressment and the rates of prices were fixed, and to be ascertained by law; and the adminis-