HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Port Hudson, June 27, 1863-11 p .m.

Captain JAMES ALDEN, U. S. NAVY,
Commanding Fleet:

SIR: Donaldsonville is threatened with an attack from the rebel forces under General Green. I would request that the Essex may be immediately sent to aid in the defense. The enemy is understood to have no other artillery than light field pieces, 6 and 12 pounders, probably.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 1863.

Commanding Officer at Donaldsonville:

Make a good fight. I will soon gunboats to aid you.

By command of W. H. Emory, brigadier-general, commanding:

W. D. SMITH,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, June 27,1 863.

Major-General BANKS:

I have just received the following telegram* from commanding officer at Donaldsonville-Major Porter. I cannot say which is the real point of intended attack, this or Donaldsonville. Have shown this to Admiral Farragut, who has sent up an additional gunboat.

W. H. EMORY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel SAWTELL:

I believe the attack is at Donaldsonville. Don't you leave Boutte, and don't you burn the bridge at Des Allemands until you information is better, and don't burn Des Allemands Bridge until further orders.

By command of Brigadier General W. H. Emory:

W. D. SMITH,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN:

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have received the two following telegrams,+ which I have forwarded to General Banks directly by telegraph, but I have received no acknowl-

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*Not found.

+Not identified.

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