HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Montgomery, Ala., May 13, 1865.

Brigadier General J. McARTHUR,
Selma, Ala.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that the railroad from Selma to Talladega be placed in running order as soon as possible. Instructions to that effect have been sent also to General Chrysler, at Talladega, that work may be commenced at both ends. Please report the condition of the railroads to Talladega, and also to Demopolis, to these headquarters as soon as you can obtain the information. The road is completed from here to Tensas Station.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Montgomery, Ala., May 13, 1865.

Brigadier General J. McARTHUR,
Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send one regiment of infantry, by the nearest practicable route, to Jackson, Miss., for temporary duty, directing the commanding officer of the regiment to report by letter to Major General N. J. T. Dana, at Vicksburg, on his arrival at Jackson. The regiment can be detailed from the brigade that goes to Demopolis or Meridian.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 13, 1865-10 p. m.

Major-General DIX,

New York:

The following dispatch,* just received from General Wilson, announces the surprise and capture of Jefferson Davis and his staff by Colonel Pritchard and the Michigan cavalry, on the morning of the 10th instant, at Irwinville, in Irwin County, Ga.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 130.
New Orleans, La., May 13, 1865.

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5. In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 5, Special Field Orders, Numbers 34, dated headquarters Army and Division of West Mississippi, Mobile, Ala., April 15, 1865, Captain E. H. Newton is relieved from duty on the staff of Major General F. Steele, and will immediately return to Barrancas, Fla., and resume his former duties as engineer in charge. Captain Newton will collect all engineer property in the vicinity and provide for its security.

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*See Wilson to Stanton, May 12, 11 a. m., p. 732.

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