January 6, 1863

January 6, 1863

Jackson, January 6, 1863.

To the President, Richmond:

Your dispatch of yesterday received. Enemy's troops and transports reported gone up the river from Milliken's Bend. We hear of no movement in this direction by General Holmes. Grant's forces are reported distributed at Memphis, Holly Springs, and Corinth. The country said to be impracticable. General Bragg reports he has been checked. I hear indirectly that he has withdrawn from Murfreesboro. Should he need help, and there appear no danger in Mississippi except by the river, could E. K. Smith's men return? The impossibility of my knowing the condition of things in Tennessee shows that I cannot direct both parts of my command at once. I am hoping to hear from General Bragg.

J. E. Johnston, General.