Two commanders on the same field are always one too many, and in this case I did not think the general selected had either the experience or the qualifications to fit him for so important a position.

I feared for the safety of the troops intrusted to him, especially as he was to raise new levies, raw troops, to execute so important a trust.

But on the 12th I received a dispatch from General Halleck saying that I had command of all the troops sent to my department and authorizing me to fight the enemy where I pleased.
The next day my cavalry was in Holly Springs, and the enemy fell back south of the Tallahatchie.
Holly Springs I selected for my depot of supplies and munitions of war, all of which at that time came by rail from Columbus, Kentucky, except the few stores collected about La Grange and Grand Junction.

This was a long line (increasing in length as we moved south) to maintain in an enemy's country.

On the 15th of November, while I was still at Holly Springs, I sent word to Sherman to meet me at Columbus.