Murphy was also warned of Van Dorn's approach, but made no preparations to meet him.

He did not even notify his command.
Colonel Murphy was the officer who, two months before, had evacuated Iuka on the approach of the enemy.

General Rosecrans denounced him for the act and desired to have him tried and punished.

I sustained the colonel at the time because his command was a small one compared with that of the enemy--not one-tenth as large--and I thought he had done well to get away without falling into their hands.

His leaving large stores to fall into Price's possession I looked upon as an oversight and excused it on the ground of inexperience in military matters.