OKOLONA, August 8, 1864.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS,

Abbeville:

Contest every inch of ground. Do not give back unless forced to do so.

N. B. FORREST,

Major-General.

ABBEVILLE, MISS., August 8, 1864-6 p. m.

Major-General FORREST,

Okolona:

We are holding the hill in sight of the river, and will contest every inch of ground. The rumor of a force crossing at Toba Tubby was false.

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

OKOLONA, August 8, 1864.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS,

Oxford:

Will send you a section of rifled artillery to-morrow.

N. B. FORREST,

Major-General.

ABBEVILLE, MISS., August 8, 1864.

OFFICER COMMANDING PICKET,

Senatobia:

Fall back with your company at once to Grenada.

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

[AUGUST 8, 1864. - For Maury to Seddon (three dispatches), reporting surrender of Forts Powell and Gaines, &c., see Part I, pp. 425, 426.]

AUGUST 8, 1864.

General D. H. MAURY,

Mobile, Ala.:

Have the engineers do all possible to strengthen the forts of the inner harbor line and city defenses.

J. F. GILMER,

Major-General, &c.

MOBILE, August 8, 1864.

Captain GALLIMARD,

Fort Morgan:

Shall give you all assistance in my power. Let us do our duty and the tide will turn soon.

V. SHELIHA,

Engineer.