III. Buford's brigade will take post at the breastworks on the left of Beall's brigade. Rust's brigade will constitute the general reserve.

IV. So much of General Orders, No. 26, from these headquarters, as refers to batteries from Rust's brigade is revoked. Brigadier-General Rust's artillery will be parked in such position that it may be ordered to any point necessary.

By command of Major General Frank. Gardner:

T. FRIEND WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

PORT HUDSON, March 16, 1863.

The Essex fought at long range. The Hartford passed with the Monongahela lashed on the far side. The former much damaged, but gone up river.

I have ten days' subsistence.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON.

PORT HUDSON, LA., March 16, 1863.

The Esse did not pass. they say she won't fight. The vessels are still above. All quiet.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON.

PORT HUDSON, March 16, 1863.

It is not safe to send a boat down. The Hartford and Monongahela are up the river. Last reports the land forces had withdrawn. Fleet still in sight just below.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON.

HEADQUARTERS,
Port Hudson, La., March 16, 1863.

GENERAL: The enemy's fleet came up within range at 11 o'clock on the night of the 14th, and being discovered, made a terrific fight with my batteries from 11 until 2, attempting to pass seven vessels by. The result was the Hartford (flag-ship) passed with the gunboat Monongahela lashed on the far side. The Hartford was very much damaged. The frigate Mississippi was burned immediately opposite, and the frigate Richmond was badly crippled and had to fall back.

The fleet consisted of fourteen vessels, steam frigates, sloop of-war, gunboats, and mortar-boats, and all except the mortar-boats came within range. The firing was terrific for three hours. The enemy was very much damaged in all her vessels within range, and prisoners state that the loss much have been as much as 200. Our loss was 1 killed and 8 wounded.