Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/67

 Papers Between Sherman and Johnston. 55

Major Barbour's transactions, and his relations to this Depc., I take great pleasure in laying the facts before you ; and earn- ' estly ask that they may receive more attention and consideration than have ever been given by Maj. Barbour himself to any com- munications from this office.

Then why did I direct Major Barbour to turn over to Major Orme funds in his hands received by him for Stevenson's Di- vision? Maj. Barbour's estimate for funds (O'r M.) for July and August was (in brief) as follows:

For Bragg's Army $2,000,000

For Pemberton's Army 1,000,000

For Johnston's Army 2,000,000

Contingencies West'n Dept 1,500,000

Total Estimate $6,500,000

Where was Stevenson's Division at the beginning of that period ? Without discussing the question whether Pemberton's Army formed part of yours, both of them were, estimated for by Maj. Barbour, and to whom else could I refer Major Orme, when pressing me for the funds due that Division, for those months? You must perceive therefore that I made no "mistake" as to the position of Stevenson's Division, as claimed in your dispatch. The other order on Maj. Barbour, given in favor of Maj. Pax- ton, was also justified by his estimate. Under the special orders of the War Dept., Maj. Paxton had been assigned to the special duty of purchasing horses, mules, wagons, &c., in that region. of country most exposed to the enemy, and for the use of the very troops covered by Major Barbour's estimates. It is in- tended to commit the purchase of field transportation entirely to officers selected exclusively for that purpose. If we had but one army in the field, the entire direction of these matters might well be committed to the commanding General, through the medium of his stafif officers. But, with nearly a dozen armies and extremely limited resources some portion of the control must be retained at the center; or our cause must soon languish