JACKSON, March 2, 1863.

General GARDNER,

Port Hudson:

Ponchotoula has been attacked and I fear taken by the enemy. If practicable send a regiment of infantry, battery or artillery, and squadron of cavalry to Tangipahoa to act concert with Colonel Miller.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE,

No. 72.
Richmond, Va., March 24, 1863.

* * * *

XXIV. Brigadier General C. J. Polignac and staff will proceed without delay to Alexandria, La., and report to Lieutenant General E. Kirby Smith, commanding, &c., for assignment to duty.

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

JACKSON, March 25, 1863.

General GARDNER,

Port Hudson, La.:

Have heard nothing from you for two days. Let me know the state of affairs.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 25, 1863.

Col. H. H. MILLER,

Cate's Factory, North of Ponchatoula:

Unless you feel entirely able to drive the enemy from his position you should not attack. An attack and repulse would be disastrous.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 25, 1863.

Col. H. H. MILLER:

A bridge is broken below Brookhaven, and the re-enforcements will probably be delayed until to-morrow.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,
Port Hudson, La., March 26, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel GANTT,

Commanding Cavalry:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that there has been an attack on Ponchatoula. Major Garland has been ordered to report to Colonel Miller. You will have to look out on