Major- General. Lieutenant-General Polk,
(Care Maj. A. M. Paxton.)
Hdqrs. Starkville, February 18, 1864—4 p. m.
(Received Gainesville, Ala., via Artesia, 19th.) I have just arrived here. Have not more than 40 rounds of ammunition to the man. All my artillery will be here to-night, but the horses have been pulled through the mud and are in a brokendown condition. If possible, send me some small-arms ammunition, caliber .54. The enemy is reported moving from Houston in this direction, but I am of opinion if they find out we are here that they will move by Greensborougli. At any rate, if they are not too strong will ineDt and fight them. Have offered them battle two or three times, and they are evidently trying to dodge around. If I find them too strong will fall back in the direction of Macon, advising you of the fact. Have three brigades here, with all my artillery. McCul- loch's brigade is 25 miles north of this. I think the enemy are fully posted of our movements, as several men [who had] been questioned by our scouts have run off and no doubt fully posted the enemy of our position, force, &c. I am ready to obey any orders you may give, and would like to be kept fully advised of your position, &c., and if the enemy is too strong will so move as to be enabled, with the assistance you may give, to meet and fight them. Have just- learned that General Clark, or Governor Clark, has some ammunition, caliber .54. Cannot some of it—say 50,000 rounds—be sent up on hand-cars to Artesia ? I can get along with that amount, having plenty for all other arms except the Austrian rifles and Sharps rifles. The ammunition, I understand, is at Macon or Columbus. Have an operator with me, and think it would be well to open telegraphic communication with you. Will send my operator to Artesia to-night to fit up an office at that place. If you can establish an office it will greatly facilitate communication.
And I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. B. FORREST,
Any information is appreciated.
jim