OR, Series 1, Vol. 24, Part 3, Page 668

Hdqrs. Dept. of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana
Jackson
March 14, 1863
 
General Joseph E. Johnston
Commanding Chattanooga
 
General,
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   I am drawing corn in large quantities from Yazoo, Sunflower, and Deer Creek, via the river and Grenada; also supplies are being collected along Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and thrown into Vicksburg as rapidly as possible. Nothing prevents large accumulations there of corn but the wretched condition of the Southern {of Mississippi} Railroad, which after every rain is so seriously injured as to delay transportation for several days; hence I have found it necessary at times to require the rolling-stock of other roads to run their freight through to Vicksburg over the Southern road, not knowing that to-morrow I shall be able to put in a train. It is now, however, accumulating rapidly, and I have already withdrawn the restriction against shipments of sugar for other departments. A moment's reflection will, I think, show the propriety of my order at the time of its issue. I had very little other subsistence for the army there, whilst for nearly a week it was impossible to pass a car over the Southern Railroad, and the navigation of the Mississippi River either cut off or liable to be so at any hour by the passage of gunboats. At this time cattle could be crossed from Louisiana if they were on the shore, but the condition of the country from heavy rains has made it impracticable of late to drive them. I have agents purchasing, and contracts for large number of head, and I hope very shortly to receive some of them. Meat is, I presume, as scarce in this department as in others. The beef obtained in the fall and winter from Texas will not feed on corn, and there being little or no pasturage, the animals become thin and unfit for issue. There is not sufficient beef in the department to feed the people and army for any considerable time. I am getting bacon and salt pork from the interior and from Trans-Mississippi.
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Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. Pemberton

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