"The Confederate authorities now concluded that, with the Yankees in control of the Mississippi River, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the Trans-Mississippi soldiers to report to Demopolis upon expiration of their furloughs.* Facing up to this grim situation, Pemperton, on August 8, issued instructions for the men currently on leave from the Trans-Mississippi to rendezvous at Camden Arkansas."(92)
Bearss, The Campaign for Vicksburg, Vol . III, Unvexed to the Sea, p. 1309

* 30 day furloughs had been granted about July 21

(92)
HDQRS. PAROLED PRISONERS, Demopolis, Ala., August 3, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Comdg. &c., Gainesville, Ala.:

GENERAL: Please inform me whether you gave any orders for the Arkansas troops to rendezvous on the other side of the river, or whether orders to that effect were given by the War Department.

There are only 15 or 20 men and no officers of the Arkansas regiment here.

I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. STEVENSON.
OR V24 Pt. 3, p. 1043

........

GAINESVILLE, ALA., August 8, 1863.
General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.:

Troops of Trans-Mississippi Department had abandoned army before permission was obtained to furlough them. They are ordered to rendezvous at Camden, Ark. Can I send a few Arkansas troops paroled at Port Hudson to that place?

J. C. PEMBERTON.
OR V24 Pt. 3, p. 1048/9