The general being absent no orders can be issued from here until his return. The movement, however, will undoubtedly be made and I therefore send you the information that you may make any preliminary arrangements. Being in readiness will not necessitate the withdrawal of any of your troops from the present line.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
April 8, 1865.

Major-General STEELE:

In reply to General Hawkins' communication of yesterday's date, complaining of the shortness of the ration, I am instructed to say that the commissary department has been ordered to issue the full army ration so long as the troops are not actually on the march and while the quantity of supplies on hand and the means of transportation justify it.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STEELE,
April 8, 1865.

Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Lieutenant Warren, signal officer, reports large steamer going down Alabama River and a steamer towing pile-driver from Mobile to this place at 11.50 a. m.

F. STEELE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STEELE,
April 8, 1865.

Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The three gun-boats in their former position on our right have opened on the 30-pounder battery, which has not fired a shot. I do not understand it, but have sent an engineer and two other staff officers to the spot, and will report.

F. STEELE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STEELE,
April 8, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Colonel Whittlesey reports that the 30-pounder battery has not opened because the magazine was not completed. It will in about an hour. The gun-boats are in the right position.

F. STEELE,

Major-General.