| Hdqrs. Dept. of Mississippi and East Louisiana |
| Grenada, Miss., December 5, 1862 |
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|
| General Joseph E. Johnston |
| Commanding, &c., Chattanooga, Tenn. |
| |
| General, |
| *****
|
| Under the circumstances narrated above,
I determined to withdraw from the Tallahatchie and to establish my
line behind the Yalabusha
River. The movement was commenced on the morning of the 1st of December,
the advance guard as a reconnoitering party of the enemy consisting
of five regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and two field
batteries having advanced to skirmishing distance from our advanced
works.
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| By the gross misconduct of the
authorities of the Mississippi Central Railroad, and the positive
disobedience by them of my orders, a small amount of public
property, say 300 rounds field ammunition, a few tents, &c.,
were burned before leaving.
|
| *****
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| I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
|
| J. C. Pemberton
|
| Lieutenant-General, Commanding
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