Johnston, Joseph Egleston, 1807-1891 to Jefferson Davis

Johnston, Commander of the Department of the West, replies to two recent communications from Davis, President of the Confederacy. He states "At Mobile, in Mississippi, & in Middle Tennessee, we cannot foresee attack long enough before hand to be able to reinforce the Threatened Army from either of the others. At the two first the enemy's appearance May, & probably would be, the first indication of this intention to attack." He estimates the amount of time it would take to transport wagons, infantry, and horses from Jackson to Tullahoma. Possibly referring to General Simon Bolivar Buckner, he states "besides the garrisons of the forts & batteries for water defence, General Buckner has but 3000 infantry- to hold the land side." He relates that he recently ordered General Daniel Smith Donelson to change the disposition of his troops, sending his cavalry into Kentucky where they can collect cattle for the army and to learn of the Union's military intentions in the area. He mentions orders Donelson received from General Cooper (possibly Samuel Cooper, Adjutant General and Inspector General of the Confederate Army). He refers to Generals Braxton Bragg (Confederate), and the troop movements of Generals Cox, and Rosecrans (possibly Union commanders Jacob Dolson Cox and William Starke Rosecrans). He cites an inspection carried out by Colonel Johnston.