May 25, 1863: Joseph Johnston Coded Message to John Pemberton

Transcript:

Jackson May 25^th 1863.

Lieut: General Pemberton

My XAFVUSLX [dispatch] was VVUFLSJP[captured] by the BRCYAJ[picket]. 200000 VEGT[caps] SUAJ[have] NERP [been]ZJFM [sent]It will be GFOECSZQD [increased] as they NTYMNX[arrive] Bragg MJ [is] TPHINZG[sending] a QKCMKBSE[division]. When it DZGJX [joins] I will YOJG [come] AS [to] QHY [you] NJTWM [which]do you YTJAM [think] the JJKM [best] VFVEY [route] How & where is the JSQML[enemy] GUGSFJVE[operating]? HBFY [what] is your ROEEL [force]?

J. E. Johnston

Citation: Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), letter signed(cipher). Jackson, Miss; 25 May 1863. AMs 357/14.2