Series 1, vol 32, Part 1 (Forrest's Expedition)Page 197
IN THE FIELD,
Memphis, Tenn., February 6, 1864.
Colonel McMILLEN,
Commanding Brigade:
SIR: I send the effective portion of the First Alabama Cavalry to report to you for duty. You can use them for scouting thoroughly on your flanks and as couriers to communicate with me or with General Buckland. Our information makes it almost certain that the rebels have fallen back of the Tallahatchie. One of our brigades is up the Yazoo, probably as far as Greenwood, and this may account for their retrograde movement. We have been delayed awaiting Waring's brigade from Columbus, and shall not cross the Coldwater before Monday. As your movement is designated to attract their attention be as demonstrative as you can. If I should not be able to communicate with you again move to the vicinity of Panola if you can, improving any opportunity you may have to cross over even, if you think it advisable. Communicate with General Buckland here, and with me at Collierville, if anything important transpires. I am informed from Vicksburg that General Sherman started toward Jackson on Thursday last. If you find it desirable to hold on in the neighborhood of Panola you can send back for supplies and your pontoons, if you desire them.
Yours, truly,
W. SOOY SMITH,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry, Mil. Div. of the Miss.