PORT HUDSON, February 8, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The information from Baton Rouge is reliable. Force estimated at 24,000; deserters say 30,000.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, February 9, 1863.

Major-General GARDNER, Port Hudson:

Your last letter (telegram) indicates a diminution of enemy's force; that of day previous an increase. In consequence of increase I had ordered another brigade to you. If possible give me definite information. I shall act on your answer at once.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

PORT HUDSON, February 9, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Enemy first increased, then diminished, his force. I was informed each day. Major Bradford has last letter. Force now 19,000.

FRANK GARDNER,

Major-General, Commanding.

RICHMOND, February 9, 1863.

Lieu. General E. KIBRY SMITH,

Care of General Pemberton, Jackson, Miss.:

Your command of Southwestern Army has been enlarged so as to embrace the Trans-Mississippi Department. Lieutenant-General Holmes will still remain in that department, and it is suggested for your consideration to visit his headquarters before proceeding to West Louisiana.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
February 10, 1863.

Major General J. B. MAGRUDER,

Commanding, &c., Houston, Tex.:

GENERAL: Your letter of December 29 in reference to arms and inclosing a letter from the Governor of Texas on the same subject is at hand. The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say in answer that he has sent to you all the arms it is possible for him to send.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. S. ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.