WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, D. C., June 29, 1863.

Major General N. P. BANKS,

Commanding Department of the Gulf, via New Orleans:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th [20th] instant, in reference to the expiration of service of the nine-months' regiments.

In reply, I am directed to inform you that the time of each regiment will expire in nine months from the date the last company of the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States. This is the rule which has been applied in all cases.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS M. VINCENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Fanse Point, June 29, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel RICHARD B. IRWIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet in this vicinity. It is reported, and, I think, from good authority, that three days ago a force about 3,000 strong crossed the Atchafalaya River and moved toward Plaquemine.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. SAGE,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, June 30, 1863.

Major-General DIX,
Commanding Department of Virginia:

I have sent, under command of Colonel Davis, First Texas Cavalry, some 500 prisoners, who are not safe at this place, and who cannot be sent to Baton Rouge, where they would be less secure. The enemy are in considerable force between that place and this. Colonel Davis will give you the state of things here. The only guard I can afford is 100 convalescents taken from the hospital, commanded by Colonel Davis and several convalescent officers.