Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

[631] the only source to which we can now look. If you can hold Thomas in check with the addition to your forces of Generals Forrest and Roddy restored to your Department and the cavalry of Hood's army, which cannot be profitably sent to the East, then, as fast as it can be done consistently with the efficiency of the troops, the rest of Hood's army should be sent to look after Sherman. The presence of those veterans will no doubt greatly increase efficiency of force now with Hardee. You may show this to General Beauregard.

Jeffn. Davis.

by telegraph from Meridian, Jan. 15th, 1865.
To President Davis, Richmond, Va.:

My telegram of the 9th expressed the conviction that an attempt to move Hood's army at this time would complete its destruction. Hood failed to hold Thomas in check with Forrest, Roddy, and his own cavalry, and thirty thousand troops to assist them. To represent these thirty I have barely three thousand (3000) inefficient cavalry outside of the inadequate garrison of Mobile. I think it would be beneficial to the cause for me to see you.

Respectfully,

R. Taylor, Lieut.-Genl.

Private and confidential.

Meridian, Jan. 15th, 1865.

General,—I send you herewith translation of a cipher telegram received late last evening (14th) from the President, with a copy of my reply thereto. He evidently has failed to understand what I intended to convey, relative to General Hood's army, in my despatch of the 9th. The despatch referred to was as follows:

‘Have just returned from General Hood's army at Tupelo. This army requires rest, consolidation, and reorganization. Without these latter it will be useless anywhere. Full power should be given to the commander at once to reorganize and consolidate.’

You will observe that in this despatch I say nothing about Thomas, nor any plan of campaign; but merely refer to the condition of Hood's army, and what, in my judgment, that condition demanded. My opinion, as expressed to you verbally, is, that unless the authorities at Richmond can be made to see the military position as it now exists, we can expect nothing but disaster during the impending campaign. In any event, the condition of the railroads will not permit the speedy removal of troops to the East; and I believe I can effect more good to the cause by an interview with the President than in any other way. I feel it my duty to propose this, unpleasant as the trip to Richmond at this time is. I go to Mobile to-night, where I hope to hear from you.

I am, General, most respectfully, etc.,

R. Taylor, Lieut.-Genl. To Genl. Beauregard, Tupelo, Miss.

Telegram.

Tupelo, Jan. 17th, 1865.
Col. G. W. Brent, Chief of Staff:

Order General Smith to inspect works at Choctaw and Open Bluff, and give