HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, April 12, 1865.

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

The last order was to retain boats at this place. Shall I now send back as fast as unloaded all boats drawing too much water to run over the bar to Blakely or not?

Respectfully,

J. BAILEY,

Brigadier-General.

[Answer.]

Please send back as fast as unloaded all boats drawing too much water to run over the bar to Blakely.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 12, 1865.

Brigadier General J. BAILEY:

The commanding general direct that the first trip to Blakely be made with one boat only, and that you select the one which you think best suited for the purpose.

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

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, April 12, 1865-8.50 a. m.

Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN:

Your dispatch to take but one boat first trip is received. Accordingly I will take the steamer Lockwood and try it at once.

Yours, respectfully,

J. BAILEY,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, April 12, 1865.

Colonel CHRISTENSEN:

I have just arrived and without any accident. I met three of our steamers on their way up. It is too dark nd windy to do much with boats to-night. Matters are somewhat confused by my being absent to-cay, but I will put all in shape soon. It will be impossible to send the 100-pounder Parrott belonging to the navy aboard before morning.

Respectfully,
J. BAILEY,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 12, 1865.

Colonel JOHN C. COBB, Starke's Wharf:

Please hold all the transports in readiness to come up to Blakely at a moment's notice. General Bailey arrived here safely.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.