ORs: (CS) Correspondence from John Pegram - October 17, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 960-1

HEADQUARTERS,
October 17, 1862—11.30 p. m.

General MCCOWN:

GENERAL:
General Smith directs that when compelled to fall back you will do so upon London. Defend that as long as you can, and then take the Manchester road to Bush’s Store, where it is hoped this portion of the command (leaving here at daylight) will arrive to-night. Whatever cavalry you have in your front use to cover your retreat. If Wheeler and Wharton are both there, one of them should follow your movement on the Manchester road, while the other should cover General Polk. A battery of artillery with Wheeler or Wharton (intrust it to no one else) would be of great advantage in checking the enemy. Should you fall back, notify General Reynolds at Mershon’s Cross-Roads, so that he may full back by Raccoon Creek.

Respectfully,

JNO. PEGRAM.

P. S.—ln case General Polk should withdraw his infantry force now with you you will communicate fully with General Polk. Should anything of importance occur while his infantry is with you co-operate with the officers in command of it.

Respectfully,

J.P.