PLAQUEMINE, January 21, 1865.

(Received 5 p. m.)

Brigadier-General SHERMAN,

Commanding Defenses:

SIR: Your dispatch of the 20th is received. Nothing has occurred, and I have the scouts out, &c.

RICH'D G. SHAW,

Major, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT,
Thibodeaux, La., January 21, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER PLAQUEMINE:

General Ullman telegraphs from Morganza that a large rebel force is approaching Plaquemine from the Atchafalaya fords. You will at once send out a force of cavalry to watch these fords. Send out some good, trusty men in different directions as scouts to find out something of their numbers, destination, and by what route they are coming. Report anything you may be able to learn in reference to them to these headquarters without delay. Hold your men well in hand and give them a warm reception should they attack you.

By command of Brigadier-General Cameron:

B. B. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT,
Thibodeaux, La., January 21, 1865.

Colonel SAYLES,

Commanding, Napoleonville:

A large rebel force is reported as approaching the La Fourche country from the Atchafalaya fords above Plaquemine. Should they pass Donaldsonville and attempt an attack upon Napoleonville you will be ready to receive them. This report comes through General Ullmann, at Morganza.

By command of Brigadier-General Cameron:

B. B. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., January 21, 1865.

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS,

Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.:

SIR: The major-general commanding directs that an infantry force of 3,000 men be detached from the Department of Arkansas for service in the field. The necessary orders will accordingly be given with the least possible delay, and the force sent to this place to report to the major-general commanding the division. This force if not intended to include the Twenty-third Wisconsin and the Ninety-sixth Ohio Regiments, both of which (or their equivalents(should also be sent to this place as early as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.