[Indorsement.]

SECRETARY OF WAR:

The subject requires attention, otherwise an indiscriminate destruction of property many ensue without there being a military necessity.

[24.]

JACKSON, July 16, 1863.

(Received 17th.)

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Enemy are intrenching around our lines. Unless immediately otherwise directed, result may be easily conjecture.

E. BARKSDALE.

[24.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 169.
Richmond, July 17, 1863.

* * * * * *

XIX. Major J. L. Cross, assistant adjutant-general, Provisional Army Confederate States, will proceed without delay to Jackson, Miss., and report to General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding, &c., for assignment to duty with Lieutenant General D. H. Hill.

* * * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JOHN WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[24.]

CHATTANOOGA, July 17, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON:

The loss of Mississippi involves Mobile; that virtually includes all the productive part of Alabama. Upon you rests the hope of the country. Our success can only result from concentration. This country can be risked under Buckner or myself. For the time leave my cvalry and from two to four brigades of infantry. Concentrate all else by the most rapid means under your own orders and strike at once. Success in our deliverance; failure would be no more than defeat in detail. Take me or not, as you think best. I have no orders from Richmond, or do not think the enemy can advance here in force for six weeks.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.

[24.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Mobile, Ala., July 17, 1863.

Colonel BENJAMIN S. EWELL,

Asst. Adjt. General, Hdqrs. Dept. of the West, Brandon, Miss.:

COLONEL: Please ask General Johnston to consider the expedience of removing at once the restrictions upon free trade and transportation of subsistence stores between Mississippi and this State. Whatever