| June 17, 1862 |
| |
| Col. W. B. Shelby
|
| Oxford, Miss. |
| |
| You will hold the Tallahatchie Bridge,
and also break up the {Mississippi Central} railroad
track as near to Holly Springs as practicable, moving the iron in
this direction. Impress negro labor. Call on Colonel Goodman for
special instructions as to the manner of breaking up the track. You
will burn the cotton as near Holly Springs as practicable in the
event of the enemy having reached there. Remove the telegraphic
apparatus from there; take down wire as far as practicable. |
| Communicate your present position to Colonel Jackson. |
| Daniel Ruggles
|
| Brigadier-General, Commanding
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|