Letter from Captain Thomas J. Koger to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; March 8, 1862

Macon Noxubee Co. Miss Mar 8th 1862.

Hon J J Pettus Gov^r &c

Dear Sir,

The Noxubee Guards a volunteer Co. for the war 115 rank and file, organised on the 22^nd of February and duly accepted by your excellency, will be ready for moving, and awaiting orders on the 11^th March. As the Captain of the Co. I visited Corinth to make prep-aration for its rendezvousing there during the present week, but was advised by the Port Quartermaster Capt T B Hamilton to defer moving to that point till the 11^th or 12^th. Under his direction, at my own risk, assisted by the liberality of the citizens of this County, I have purchased the absolutely necessary camp-equipage except knapsacks ^and tents^. I have called on the authorities of the M & O RR for transportation on next Wednesday night. But I hesitate about moving, as I fear I should find no tents for my men. Please advise me by telegraph from Columbus Miss & by mail to Macon, as to what course I should pursue. The Co will be in camp, tho not under canvass, from Tuesday next 12 M

T. Over

until ordered to leave for Corinth, or other rendezvous as you may be pleased to designate—

Though from your verbal orders to Judge Beauchamp I should feel perfectly justi-fiable in going at once to Corinth, yet from the fact, that the whole rolling stock of the RR is in service, now removing troops from the seaboard towards Tennessee, and the rapid concentration of drilled Troops at and in the vicinity of Corinth, I would prefer your orders as to my movements.

The Co will be in camp at Macon, ready for orders, on and after the 11^th Inst. till order-ed.

Your prompt attention is earnestly desired, as men rarely drill so well at home, within reach of its attractions, and under the pressure of business cares, as away from these influences

Very Respectfully Your Obdt Servant T. J. Koger. Capt Noxubee Guards