order to be recognized as a legitimate command. The general directs that you move immediately should you have only 100 men in camp, as he is not in the habit of giving orders and allowing them thrown aside, but intends that they must and shall be obeyed.

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

W. J. McARTHUR,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKE'S BRIGADE,
August 19, 1864 - 9 p. m.

Major EWING,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I am encamped on Bayou Bartholomew near the bridge, one mile above Jones; Ferry and six miles from Tyro. I will march at sunrise in the morning by Tyro in the direction of Mount Elba. I have heard the Saline was rising very rapidly. Will that make any difference in the route you suggested by the way of Mount Elba? If so, you can communicate with me at Tyro in the morning.

Respectfully, yours,

JNO. B. CLARK, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

[AUGUST 20, 1864.- For Buckner to Boggs, relating to deserters, &c., see Part I, p. 113.]

[AUGUST 21, 1864.- For Smith to Davis, relating to operations, generally, in the Trans-Mississippi Department, see Part I, p. 113.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS CHURCHILL'S DIVISION, Numbers 43.
Camp Yell, August 21, 1864.

During the temporary absence of Major-General Churchill the undersigned assumes command of this division.

J. C. TAPPAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MOUNT ELBA CROSSING, SALINE RIVER,

August 21, 1864 - 9 a. m.

Major-General MARMADUKE:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your first and second dispatches of the 20th instant, and in accordance therewith I am engaged in laying the pontoon bridge at this point. The Saline is not now fordable here. Deep fording for cavalry at Varnell's Crossing, six miles above this. River still rising, but will no doubt fall soon. General Clark is reported to be near Cornersville. The bridge will be completed at 11 o'clock this morning. I have forwarded your dispatch to General Clark.

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

T. J. MACKEY,

Captain and Chief Engineer.