| Hdqrs. Department of Western Va. and East Tenn. |
| Abingdon, Va. |
| July 23, 1864 |
| |
| General S. Cooper |
| Adjutant and Inspector General |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| General, |
| I have the honor to make the following
statements in regard to the condition of the troops, &c.,
serving in this department: There are at present of all arms on duty
here about 3,300 men, of which 2,800 are cavalry. |
| ***** |
| There has been no grain issued to horses
for over two months. Since the break in the Virginia & Tennessee
Railroad corn for breadstuffs has been transported by highway from Greensborough,
N.C.
If funds were in the possession of the chief commissary (estimates
for which have been sent forward) it is believed that in a short
time arrangements could be effected to supply the command with
subsistence entirely from this district. We will begin the
collection as far down toward Knoxville
as practicable, and return this way. This informal statement is made
simply to inform you somewhat of the condition of things here. Full
reports will be made out in a few days and forwarded. |
| I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, |
| John H. Morgan |
| Brigadier-General, Commanding |
|