[First indorsement.]

APRIL 4, 1864.

Secretary of War for consideratioin and conference.

J. D[AVIS].

[Second indorsement.]

Retain for conference.

J. A. S[EDDON].

[32.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
AJDT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 65.
Richmond, March 18, 1864.

* * * * * *

XXV. Captain J. C. S. Blackburn has authority to proceed to the Mississippi River with such men as may be selected to accompany him.

XXVI. Lieutenant H. H. Johnston has authority to proceed to the Mississippi River with such men as may be selected to accompany him.

* * * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNOL. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[32.]

RICHMOND, March 18, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond:

Your dispatch in cipher received. The supplies can easily be furnished. Let the immediate addition be made.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[32.]

RICHMOND, March 18, 1864.

General JOHNSTON,

Dalton:

Answer by telegram in cipher such points in my letter of 12th as will enable me to decide what movement to make.* Should you adopt suggestiions, all possible means will be promptly given. The President declines to accept Hindman's resignation. Brigadier-General Shoup is ordered to report to you for artillery.+

BRAXTON BRAGG.

[32.]

MEMORANDUM. DALTON, GA., March 19, 1864.

General J[ohnston] thinks he cannot, as proposed, prepare or contribute effectually to his subsistence stores with the view of the forward

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*See VOL. XXXII, Part III, p. 614.

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+For reply, see ibid., p. 653.