| Meridian, February 19, 1864 |
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| Hon. J. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War, Richmond |
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| Enemy reported to have torn
up 10 miles of Mobile & Ohio Railroad above Meridian, and the
same amount of Selma Railroad {Northeast &
Southwest RR} from same point, then returned to Meridian;
also to have gone down to De Soto, below Quitman, and burned bridge
on Mobile & Ohio Railroad; also an amount of Government corn and
cotton, then returned to Meridian. Measures taken to save stores and
other Government property have been very successful. From Pearl
River eastward enemy deprived of the use of all rolling-stock
between Pearl River and Tombigbee {on the
Southern (of Mississippi) RR, the Northeast & Southwest RR and the
Alabama & Mississippi Rivers RR}. The columns of cavalry
of enemy from West Tennessee, reported by General Forrest to-day
10,000, with thirty pieces of artillery, crossed the Tallahatchie at
New Albany on 13th and 14th. Forrest will most probably meet them at
West Point, Lee moving north to meet them at same point. The
preparations necessary for re-enforcements are being made. |
| L. Polk |
| Lieutenant-General |
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