According to the history of the 3rd Mississippi by H. Grady howell, the call for troops from the coast,actually began when Genl. L. Polk moved into Kentucky. With the union victory at Belmont, Missouri the need increased. Nov. 21st orders were dispatched for the 13LA. and the 3rd Miss to move to Columbus, Ky., I believe the 7th had already made their move.

In a letter to Genl. A. S. Johnston Genl Lovell says " I have sent these regts. to your aid rather hesitatinly and only becasue I thought your danger more imminent than mine. This however is rather guess-work for we cannot tell at what hour the ememy may appear off the mouth of our rivers and bayous. I write to,therefore, you to order these regt. back atthe very first moment that you think you will be able too replace them with other troops."

the New Orleans Cresent had this to say about the Miss. Gulf Coast-- 'This leaves the seashore of the Mississippi Sound unprotected, though there is nothing of consequence for the picayune maraudersto steal but a few chickens, pigs and hogs. The villiages offer nothing more to attract their attention."

Somehow I don't think it was food the Yankee navy was looking for.

Hope I answered your question. If you would like to borrow my copy of this book shot me an email and I will send it to you.

GP