HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
June 20, 1863.

Colonel CAHIL:

Stickney has been attacked, and repulsed the enemy at La Fourche. Hurry forward to his support; he does not know where they will appear next.

W. H. EMORY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
June 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN:

You have underrated the force which has passed in your front and is now marching on La Fourche. Everything has been put forward to meet them, but the force is inadequate. Colonel Stickney telegraphs me from La Fourche the enemy numbering several thousand and approaching him.

Colonel Cahill, with the Ninth Connecticut and Twenty-sixth Massachusetts and a battery of artillery, has gone to his support.

This leaves this city and the public property here very unsafe.

W. H. EMORY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
June 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN:

The enemy have attacked Stickney at La Fourche Crossing, and the enemy have been repulsed. We do not know where they will appear next. The train from Terre Bonne was charged by the cavalry, and just escaped.

W. H. EMORY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
June 20, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel RICHARD B. IRWIN:

Your countermand of the order making the disposition of troops arrived too late. Two companies ordered back to Brashear, and I am afraid they are cut off.

W. H. EMORY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES ON NEW ORLEANS,
June 20, 1863.

Admiral FARRAGUT:

Your telegram received. Enemy have approached at La Fourche Crossing, and were repulsed by Colonel Stickney. Our line is so long it is impossible to hold it with our force. They have already cut communication between La Fourche Crossing and Brashear. Urge Gen-

37 R-VOL XXVI, PT I