think there will be no trouble for citizens and families. The only fear is a scarcity of provisions.

I shall occupy Vicksburg, and support Beauregard with all the men I can organize and arm.

M. LOVELL.

CAMP MOORE, LA., May 1, 1862.

General RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War:

Have received no instructions about destruction of cotton. Shall I destroy all that can be reached by the enemy, leaving each planter a portion for supplies; if so, what percentage shall be left? Shall I burn the barracks and arsenal at Baton Rouge?

M. LOVELL.

CAMP MOORE, LA., May 2, 1862.

General RANDOLPH:

Butler occupied New Orleans to-day. Cannot enroll men there. What is to be done about destroying cotton?

M. LOVELL.

RICHMOND, VA., May 2, 1862.

General LOVELL:

The following dispatch was sent to you on the 25th ultimo:

It has been determined to burn all the cotton and tobacco, whether foreign or our own, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. You will therefore destroy it all, if necessary, to prevent them from getting it.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

A. T. BLEDSOE,

Assistant Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, VA., May 3, 1862.

Major-General LOVELL,

Camp Moore, La., via Mobile, Ala.:

This is the third telegram which has been sent to you about burning cotton-the last two copies from the first. It is this:

It has been determined to burn all the cotton and tobacco, whether foreign or our own, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. You will therefore destroy it all, if necessary, to prevent them from getting it.

Acknowledge receipt of this at once.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

CAMP MOORE, LA., May 4, 1862.

General RANDOLPH:

Dispatch about cotton received. Immediate steps taken to carry out the instructions of yesterday. Want copy of law to organize guerrilla parties, with authority to act. This is the only available force in the swamps of South Louisiana.

M. LOVELL.