Today in History:

448 Series I Volume XVII-II Serial 25 - Corinth Part II

Page 448 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. Chapter XXIX.

OXFORD, MISS., December 21, 1862.

Colonel MIZNER, Waterford, Miss.:

Turn your command over to the officer next in rank with the instructions you have received.*

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

WATERFORD, December 21, 1862.

Major-General GRANT:

GENERAL: I marched until 6.30 p. m. yesterday, and learning that Colonel Marsh was at Waterford, 9 miles farther on, my horses, I believed, would not stand a farther journey.

I started at 2 this morning, and would have been here an hour before day but for the difficulties attending crossing the Tallahatchie Bottom in the dark.

I reached here at broad daylight, and every officer must say that I made no unnecessary delay. I make this statement in justice to myself, for I believe circumstances demand it of one who has in good faith honestly endeavored to do his duty.

J. K. MIZNER,

Colonel Third Michigan Cavalry.

OXFORD, MISS., December 21, 1862.

Colonel J. K. MIZNER, Waterford, Miss.:

Your apparent reluctance at starting from here and the want of alacrity in copying with my orders has so shaken my confidence in you that no matter how well qualified you amy be to command such an expedition as the one you have started on, I should feel insecure with you in command. My instructions to turn over the command to the next in rank will therefore be obeyed.

U. S. GRANT.

HOLLY SPRINGS, December 21, 1862.

General GRANT:

Am here. Van Dorn left for north yesterday p. m. Have started messengers north and sent two companies of cavalry to hover in their rear for information. Mizner has turned over his command to Grierson. Lee is on one road, Grierson on the other. Will follow in pursuit if not ordered to the contrary.

C. C. MARSH,

Colonel Commanding.

OXFORD, MISS., December 21, 1862.

Colonel C. C. MARSH, Waterford, Miss.:

Try to get messenger through north to all the stations where we have troops, and direct them to fall back to Bolivar, taking with them all they can and destroying the balance.

You will have to supply your troops from the country.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

---------------

* Resumed command December 25. See Part I, p. 519.

---------------


Page 448 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. Chapter XXIX.