TANGIPAHOA, LA., July 22, 1862.

General VAN DORN, Vicksburg, Miss.:

The enemy has three regiments of effective men at Baton Rouge, two batteries of six guns each, and about 100 cavalry. The enemy is entrenching there. It is supposed that they are arming negroes. General Phelps is arming negroes near New Orleans.

DANIEL RUGGLES,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Vicksburg, Miss., July 22, 1862.

General DANIEL RUGGLES,

Commanding District No. 1:

GENERAL: Keep the gun, but 1 would not put it put until I had men to guard it. I cannot possibly send men to you now. I should expose Vicksburg to assault by overwhelming numbers from Memphis. If Bragg moves I can then send you a force to take Baton Rouge. I have order transportation to you; keep it always ready. Raise men in mean time. I will have some arms for them.

Yours, &c.,

EARL VAN DORN,

Major-General.

TANGIPAHOA, LA., July 25, 1862.

General VAN DORN, Vicksburg, Miss.:

Enemy reported at Denham Springs, on Amite to 1,500 strong; shall soon know. Cutting timber and entrenching with negroes at Baton Rouge. Some 2,000 disciplined troops and one light battery necessary here; can you send them? Number of Partisan Rangers overstated and without discipline. Cannonading on the 23rd near Bayou Sare. Phelps has armed 4,000 negroes near New Orleans.

DANIEL RUGGLES,

Brigadier-General.

VICKSBURG, MISS., July 25, 1862.

General RUGGLES:

Will start as soon as can get here, say to-morrow by 12 o'clock; 4,000 men and battery of artillery. Be ready with wagons to move as soon as they arrive. I send ten days' rations with them.

EARL VAN DORN,

Major-General.

TANGIPAHOA, LA., July 25, 1862.

General VAN DORN, Vicksburg:

It is reported that the enemy has been re-enforced at Baton Rouge, and numbers from 7,000 to 8,000.

DANIEL RUGGLES.

Brigadier-General.

50 R R-VOL XV