Today in History:

716 Series I Volume LII-II Serial 110 - Supplements Part II

Page 716 SW. VA., KY., TENN., MISS., ALA., W. FLA., & N. GA. Chapter LXIV.

here this morning from Meridian. Have charged Forrest with defense of Mississippi prairie country. He has 6,000 effective cavalry. Some militia and reserves of Mississippi are all I can give him. An Alabama battalion of reserves, Davidson's, has volunteered to go to him. The chief objects of my care are the prairie country of Mississippi, Selma, and Mobile. There is an earnest spirit throughout the people, and I believe all will be well. General PAGE is too despondent. He seems to see only the weak points of these forts. We need a buoyant man there. Effective total in District of Gulf, 2,750. Brigadier-General Liddell has about 1,200, General Wirt Adams about 500, General Forrest about 6,000.*

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General.

[39.]

MOBILE, August 3, 1864.

General B. BRAGG:

I arrived here this morning from Meridian. An important increase of the enemy's fleet has appeared off Morgan and Pascagoula. Raid reported advancing into North Alabama from Decatur. Column of enemy 14,000 strong moving down Mississippi Central road; advance at Holly Springs night before last. Colonel Kennard is very much needed here, but I send him to General Hood. enemy concentrating at Morganza during the past three days. General Daniel Adams has been ordered to send Roddey's brigade to look after raid from North Alabama. I have ordered First Louisiana Artillery back to Mobile. Can you send back any other troops recently from here?

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General.

[39.]

MOBILE, August 3, 1864.

(Received 4th.)

General BRAGG:

The following just received from General Forrest: "Enemy, 20,000 strong, moving on me. Advance at Holly Springs, and running the railroad to that place. Reported fortifying at Holly Springs as above." General Chalmers stars with one brigade to Abbeville this morning. Can you give me any more help? If so, advise me immediately.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General.

[39.]

MOBILE, August 3, 1864.

(Received 4th.)

General BRAGG:

The enemy have landed on Dauphin Island, seven miles below Fort Gaines. An attack against our outer line is no doubt meditated. Please send me back heavy artillerists, the Louisiana artillery and First Mississippi Artillery.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General.

[39.]

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* For reply, see VOL. XXIX, Part II, p. 755.

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Page 716 SW. VA., KY., TENN., MISS., ALA., W. FLA., & N. GA. Chapter LXIV.