Grossetete country behind the pickets you mention and ascertain positively what the enemy are doing on the Atchafalaya, and to look particularly about the crossing place or ferry. Be careful who you select. Send the bill to these headquarters for payment. Use your judgment as to the route for the two scouts to take. A somewhat circuitous one will be best. Report promptly.

T. W. SHERMAN.

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
Baton Rouge, La., March 6, 1865.

Major General S. A. HURLBUT,

Commanding, &c.:

The advance are now at Comite River, having bridged White's Bayou, Redwood, and the Comite, and prepared the roads up to that point. Yesterday morning a portion of the force crossed the Comite and had a sharp skirmish with Powers' regiments driving them to within one mile of Clinton. Our loss was 2 killed and 1 officer and 4 men wounded. Enemy's loss, 5 killed and quite a number wounded. Hodge is concentrating at the covered bridge, twenty miles north of Clinton, and will have about 1,500 men with five pieces of artillery. I sent a train this morning with rations and forage for the advance, and will hold them at the Amite for a day or two longer.

F. J. HERRON

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS. Numbers 57.
Little Rock, Ark., March 6, 1865.

* * * * *

5. Major General A. McD. McCook having reported to these headquarters pursuant to orders of the War Department is assigned to the command of the District of Eastern Arkansas, and will proceed to Helena and relieve Brigadier General N. B. Buford, U. S. Volunteers. On being relieved Brigadier-General Buford will comply with instructions received from War Department.

* * * * *

By command of Major General J. J. Reynolds:

JOHN LEVERING.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NATCHEZ, Numbers 58.
Natchez, Miss., March 6, 1865.

* * * * *

7. Colonel Joseph Karge, Second New Jersey Cavalry Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the command of the Provisional Brigade, District of Natchez, and will at once assume command of his regiment.

* * * * *

By order of Brigadier General J. W. Davidson:

A. S. MONTGOMERY,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.