the Confederates evacuated their headquarters at Jackson. It contained
mostly family letters written in French, and a few official papers.
Among them was the following note, which I will copy here, and file away
the original as a curiosity when the war is over.


HEADQUARTERS DEPT. OF TENN.
TUPELO, Aug. 6, 1862.

CAPT: The Major-General Commanding directs me to say that he
submits it altogether to your own discretion whether you make the
attempt to capture General Grant or not. While the exploit would
be very brilliant if successful, you must remember that failure
would be disastrous to you and your men. The General commends
your activity and energy, and expects you to continue to show
these qualities.

I am, very respectfully, yr. obt. svt.
THOMAS L. SNEAD, A.A.G.

CAPT. GEO. L. BAXTER,
Commanding Beauregard Scouts.

I would like to know if he tried it and came to grief or abandoned the
project. As letters can now get through to New Orleans, I wrote there.

_July 14._--Moved yesterday into a house I call "Fair Rosamond's bower"
because it would take a clue of thread to go through it without getting
lost. One room has five doors opening into the house, and no windows.
The stairs are like ladders, and the colonel's contraband valet won't