If not more than five thousand men, however, all cavalry, I think it will be sufficient.

It is not desirable that you should start this expedition until the one leaving Vicksburg has been three or four days out, or even a week.

I do not know when it will start, but will inform you by telegraph as soon as I learn.

If you should hear through other sources before hearing from me, you can act on the information received.
"To insure success your cavalry should go with as little wagon-train as possible, relying upon the country for supplies.

I would also reduce the number of guns to a battery, or the number of batteries, and put the extra teams to the guns taken.