HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Mobile, Ala., April 26, 1865.

Lieutenant General RICHARD TAYLOR, C. S. Army,

Commanding, &c., Meridian, Miss.:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22nd instant, which, in consequence of my absence from the city, I have not received until this morning. I shall be pleased to meet you for the purpose of conference at any point you may designate in the neighborhood of the city. As soon as you have indicated the time I will send an officer of rank to meet you and conduct you to the place of meeting.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. R. S. CANBY,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
April 26, 1865.

Major JAMES R. CURELL,

Assistant Exchange Officer, C. S. Army:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a mounted party of our troops stationed up the river has captured Citronelle and broken the railroad track north of it. The officer in charge of the party was at the time not apprised of your presence below, and that the engine and car were a part of your flag. He has received orders to leave a safe-conduct at Citronelle and have everything prepared again for your use, and to respect your escort wherever he may meet you while he moves down from the railroad terminus.

Very respectfully,

P. JOS. OSTERHAUS,

Chief of Staff.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 188.
Washington, April 26, 1865.

* * * * *

83. Captain Byron Porter, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will report in person without delay to Major-General Canby, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi, for assignment to duty.

* * * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

W. A. NICHOLS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

U. S. STEAMER OCTORARA,

Off Oven Bluff, April 26, 1865.

Major General GORDON GRANGER,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: Yours of the 24th reached me last night. It had been opened, passing through General Benton's headquarters, so that I did not send it back to him. Until I can see his orders I cannot tell what pontoons he requires. He cannot move with facility without a bridge

31 R R-VOL XLIX, PT II