I desire the 12-pounder Napoleon gun. I have not been able to procure tents or flies for my command. I have not a fifth of the number of tents or flies I am entitled to for the men actually present in camp, under the general order designating the number allowed. I can get no spades and only a few axes.

I have the following transportation for this command: Twelve 4-mule wagons and three 2-mule wagons, which is greatly insufficient.

If I go into active service in the field I need an ordnance train; and likewise a train for companies.

I have no medical wagons or ambulances. This is the transportation I brought from Vicksburg. McGivern, depot quartermaster, informed me he is expecting to receive a lot of wagons, fifty or more in number. Can I get an order on him to supply the deficiency in my transportation? What course shall I pursue in reference to artillery? I am exceedingly anxious to have my command fully equiped for any and all services.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. M. COCKRELL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Missouri Troops.

Statement of artillery and ammunition in hands of ordnance officer at Columbus, Miss.

Class 1, ordnance:

32-pounder medium navy gun ............................... 1

12-pounder siege gun ..................................... 1

6- pounder brass gun, smooth ............................. 1

6- pounder iron guns, smooth ............................. 5

3- inch brass guns, rifled ............................... 2

Class 2, artillery carriages:

24-pounder barbette carriage ............................. 1

12-pounder siege carriage ................................ 1

6- pounder carriages and limbers ......................... 8

Class 4, cannon balls:

32-pounder shell ................................rounds.... 41

32-pounder grape ................................stands.... 23

32-pounder canister..............................do........ 27

12-pounder Read shell ...........................rounds.... 30

12-pounder Read shot ............................do........ 30

12-pounder grape.................................stands.... 11

6- pounder Read shot.............................rounds.... 3

3- inch Read shot ...............................do........ 50

3- inch Read shell ..............................do........ 50

Class 5, fixed ammunition:

12-pounder ball-cartridges................................. 60

12-pounder canister..............................rounds.... 64

6- pounder ball-cartridges.......................do........ 675

6- pounder spherical case ................................. 902

6- pounder canister ....................................... 570

3- inch canister .......................................... 60

Canister for swivel gun ................................... 141

Class 8, powder, &c.,:

32-pounder blank-cartridges................................ 139

12-pounder blank-cartridges .............................. 211

Blank-cartridges .......................................... 196

Friction-primers ..........................................4,000

H. H. PRICE,

Lieutenant and Chief of Ordnance.

COLUMBUS, MISS.,

September 19, 1863.