TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 9, 1863.

General S. COOPER:

I earnestly recommend to the War Department that General Bragg's command be extended over East Tennessee. It is of great importance.

J. E. Johnston,

General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Richmond, Va., May 9, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. Johnston,

Tullahoma, Tenn.:

Proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of the forces, giving to those in the field, as far as practicable, the encouragement and benefit of your personal direction. Arrange to take for temporary service with you, or to be followed without delay, 3,000 good troops, who will be substituted in General Bragg's army by a large number of prisoners recently returned from the Arkansas Post capture, and reorganized, now on their way to General Pemberton. Stop them at the point most convenient to join General Bragg. You will find re-enforcements from General Beauregard to General Pemberton, and more may be expected.

Acknowledge receipt.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 9, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON:

Your dispatch of this morning received. I shall go-immediately, although unfit for field service.

J. E. Johnston.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Richmond, Va., May 12, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. Johnston,

Jackson, MISS.:

In addition to the 5,000 men originally ordered from Charleston, about 4,000 more will follow. I fear more cannot be spared to you.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

JACKSON, MISS., May 13, 1863.

JAMES A. SEDDON:

I arrived this evening, finding the enemy's force between this place and General Pemberton, cutting off the communication. I am too late.

J. E. Johnston,

General.

CALHOUN STATION, SEVEN MILES SOUTH OF CANTON,

May 16, 1863-7. 30 a. m.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I reported to you by telegraph that I learned, on arriving in Jackson on the evening of the 13th, that a Federal army had just placed