without delay into the western district to break up the Federal elections proposed to be held there within the next ten days, and to bring out other troops, horses, &c., from there and southern Kentucky.

My report of the late operations will be sent you in a few days. I refer you in the mean time to my staff officer, Captain Vanderford.

I hope that the War Department will comply with my wishes and suggestions in regard to the management of my department in the several communications recently forwarded, as they are indispensable to its efficiency and successful management.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General.

General COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

DEMOPOLIS, March 8, 1864.

The following dispatch received from General Jackson, dated Canton, March 2, 7 p.m.:

Enemy's army (Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps), between 25,000 and 30,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry, left Canton that morning after remaining three days, Sherman reached there 28th; remained six hours and passed on to Vicksburg, leaving McPherson in command. Sent back 9 couriers in great haste to McPherson on 29th. Army moved immediately toward Vicksburg via Livingston and Brookville. Large number empty transports passed down the river to Vicksburg, said to be to take Sherman's army up the river. Enemy destroyed railroad 8 miles below Canton. In the country, houses burned and provisions destroyed. Over 200 of the enemy killed or captured. Ross killed 55 out of 70 negro cavalry near Yazoo City; several small wagon trains taken. Enemy destroyed no railroad bridge. Transports going down Yazoo River.

L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

DEMOPOLIS, March 10, 1864.

General Lee telegraphs that Ross and Richardson attacked Yazoo City on the 5th instant, capturing many stores and destroying much cotton about being shipped. Enemy retired to city, and held it until re-enforced. They were driven out of city, which was occupied while stores were being destroyed. We have quite a number of prisoners. Our loss about 50 killed and wounded. Enemy still occupy Yazoo City and Liverpool, entrenching at latter place. Sherman issued general order at Canton, in which he speaks of many regiments in his army entitled to furlough.

L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond.

HEADQUARTERS,
Demopolis, March 10, 1864.

I have an investigation and report upon the damage done the railroad by the enemy in their late movements upon this department,