HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865.

Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN,
Asst. Adjt. General, Army and Division of West Mississippi:

Major Blackman returned at 3.30 this p. m., having been ten miles up the road toward Bay Minette Station, but has heard nothing of General Steele. The guide, McGill, thinks he must come by Bay Minette Station, and that he has been detained by the difficult and circuitous road from Stockton to that point. Lieutenant-Colonel Thornburgh left here at 4 p. m. to go to Bay Minette Station; thence to General Steele. He promises to send me a courier to-night. Lieutenant Knowles, of the scouts, is here, and I will detain him till I get some reliable information of General Steele's command. I send Major Blackman's command to you for forage, and hope that he may be able to return to me early to-morrow. If the major-general commanding the army deems it advisable, I can unload my train here in camp and send it back for another load of supplies.

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

JAMES C. VEATCH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS, &C., April 2, 1865-7 a. m.

We have been waiting in vain up to this moment for Major Blackman's command. Have held forage in readiness for him and keep one of General Garrard's regiments advanced four miles on the road to Holyoke for the further security of your train. Please notify us immediately by the bearer of the reason of Major Blackman's non-arrival.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Near Spanish Fort, Ala., April 1, 1865.

Brigadier General JAMES C. VEATCH,

Commanding First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, Holyoke, Ala.:

SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this morning and to request, if General Steele has not communicated with you on the receipt of this, that you will send the cavalry through until they meet him, and instruct the commanding officer to report to these headquarters as soon as he has ascertained where General Steele is.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Near Spanish Forth, Ala., April 1, 1865.

Brigadier General J. C. VEATCH,

Commanding First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, Holyoke, Ala.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this afternoon. Major Blackman's cavalry will start