HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 11, 1865.

Brigadier General J. BAILEY,
Commanding Engineer Brigade:

One brigade of infantry is ordered to leave here at midnight for Starke's Wharf, to be kept as a reserve and held in readiness to follow General Granger to the west side of Mobile Bay, if necessary. Please have the necessary steam-boats on hand after General Granter's troops have been shipped.

P. J. OSTERHAUS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 11, 1865.

Brigadier General J. BAILEY:

We have just received advice that Forts Huger and Tracy have [been] evacuated. All boats with supplies which are not required for the transportation of General Granger's troops will be sent up to Blakely. The boat which is commanded by the most careful and courageous master will take the lead, and the whole fleet will move cautiously.

By order:

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

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 11, 1865.

Brigadier General J. BAILEY:

You are heartily welcome to lead the fleet of transports in person. It meets the general's wish, but he did not desire to reexpress it until you offered your services yourself. The transports will not start till day-light-ordnance, dry docks, everything will come up. I shall be happy to shake you by the hand again and take a drink on the glorious news which we receive from all quarters.

Always, truly, your friend,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN.

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, [April] 11, 1865.

Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

Your dispatch allowing me the privilege of taking the transports up in person is received. I am under many obligations for the privilege. Your orders will be attended to.

Respectfully, &c.,

J. BAILEY,

Brigadier-General.