This was received on the 27th.

I was still confined to my bed, unable to rise from it without assistance; but I at once ordered Sherman to send one division to Memphis as fast as transports could be provided.

The division of McPherson's corps, which had got off and was on the way to join Steele in Arkansas, was recalled and sent, likewise, to report to Hurlbut at Memphis.

Hurlbut was directed to forward these two divisions with two others from his own corps at once, and also to send any other troops that might be returning there.

Halleck suggested that some good man, like Sherman or McPherson, should be sent to Memphis to take charge of the troops going east.