HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
April 4, 1865.

Major General A. J. SMITH:

It is not the intention that every mortar should fire a shot every three minutes, but that the total firing along the entire line during the night should amount to twenty shots per hour.

By order:

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
April 4, 1865.

Lieutenant-General CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Division commanders report the artillery practice excellent. Two explosions were observed inside the enemy's line, one in rear of the Red Fort and one in rear of his left. Some of the officers of the Third Division are of the opinion that the rebels are in bomb-proofs, and consequently did not suffer severely. Doubtful.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Spanish Fort, Ala., April 4, 1865.

Brigadier General J. McARTHUR,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you dispose your command in such a manner that one brigade can be withdrawn for special service at any time it may be needed.

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

W. G. MEAD,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STEELE,
April 4, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The signal officer reports a large side-wheel steamer just coming into Blakely, heavily loaded with troops. This is the second arrival of the kind to-day.

F. STEELE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
In Front of Blakely, April 4, 1865-11 p.m.

Major General P. J. OSTERHAUS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Captain Burnham reports result of reconnaissance on the left of General Garrard's line as follows:

I passed down the lower bank of the small creek to the left of General Garrard's line. About half a mile from his left a road running nearly north crosses the creek