HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA,
Alexandria, February 19, 1863.

Major General J. B. MAGRUDER,

Commanding District of Texas, &c.:

GENERAL: Yours of the 5th ultimo has this moment reached me. Although I supposed you had detained Sibley's brigade, I did not speak or even think of your action harshly. Your glorious achievement at Galveston has found no admirer warmer than I.

You will be pleased to learn that we have captured the formidable ram which lately ran our batteries at Vicksburg. She will leave this to-day ready for action. She mounts seven guns, some heavy Parrots. She was taken great pleasure in forwarding the documents.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. TAYLOR,

Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. LA. ARMY,* ADJT. GENERAL'S. OFFICE, No. 9.
Alexandria, February 19, 1863.

I. Brigadier General John G. Pratt is assigned to the command of that portion of the State of Louisiana composed of those parishes lying south of Rapides, Avoyelles, and Concordia, exclusive of these and inclusive of those parishes east of the Mississippi River, which shall be known as the District of South and East Louisiana.

II. Brigadier General Thomas E. Vick is assigned to the command of that portion of the State of Louisiana composed of those parishes lying north of Rapides Avoyelles, and Concordia, inclusive of these parishes, which shall be known as the District of North Louisiana.

* * * * * * * *

By command of Thomas O. Monroe, Governor and commander-in chief.

C. LE D. ELGEE,

Adjutant-General Louisiana.

JACKSON, February 22, 1863.

Major General FRANK GARDNER, Port Hudson, La.:

I shall send General Rust's brigade to re-enforce you as rapidly as possible. Keep me advised. Mortar-boats can do you no possible harm. Remember to reserve your ammunition, for I have no more to send.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

PORT HUDSON, February 22, 1863.

Lieutenant General J. C. PEMBERTON:

Rations are the essentials now. Corn and wagons at Osyka. The Indianola is above Red River.

I shall send steamboats up to-morrow.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General, Commanding.

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* This caption seems to have been substituted for "Headquarters Louisiana Militia," January 30, 1863.

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