HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Allatoona, Ga., May 21, 1864.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Richmond:

There is nothing now threatening Roddey's front in the valley of the Tennessee, and the situation of affairs requires that he should be thrown on the Selma and Blue Mountain railroad to protect Talladega and Selma. Please answer.

L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General.

RICHMOND, May 21, 1864.

General POLK:

The withdrawal from Alabama of Jackson's cavalry, which was not anticipated, has caused the necessity you report. Instructions have been given General S. D. Lee to afford all the protection possible with force ow in his department.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, May 22, 1864.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General:

GENERAL: Clanton's brigade of cavalry, ordered to General Johnston when Roddey's was ordered away, has not been taken up on the return. I suggest that an explanation be asked.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. B. SALE,

Colonel and Military Secretary.

(For General Bragg.)

[First indorsement.]

BUREAU OF ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE,

June 1, 1864.

Respectfully referred to General J. E. Johnston for information as to what has become of Clanton's brigade, ordered to the Army of Tennessee on 2nd of April, 1864; and if in the Army of Tennessee why it has not been taken up on the returns.

By command of the Secretary of War:

SAML. W. MELTON,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE,
In the Field, July 15, 1864.

Respectfully returned.

General Clanton's brigade never reached this army. One regiment came and the general represented that the rest, then dispersed, was to assemble at Blue Mountain. He further represented that he could do good service in putting down plundering, arresting deserters, and perhaps getting in rear of the enemy. He was ordered to take his small regiment from the army and attempt it. No return of the army was made while that regiment was in it. General C[lanton[has not since been heard from.

[J. E. JOHNSTON.]