I also informed him that his real danger was from Kirby Smith, who commanded the trans-Mississippi Department.

If Smith should escape Steele, and get across the Mississippi River, he might move against him.

I had, therefore, asked to have an expedition ready to move from New Orleans against Mobile in case Kirby Smith should get across.

This would have a tendency to draw him to the defence of that place, instead of going against Sherman.
Right in the midst of all these embarrassments Halleck informed me that there was an organized scheme on foot in the North to resist the draft, and suggested that it might become necessary to draw troops from the field to put it down.

He also advised taking in sail, and not going too fast.
The troops were withdrawn from the north side of the James River on the night of the 20th.