PAOLA, March 14, 1865.

Colonel C. W. BLAIR:

All contraband cattle from the Indian country seized by Your command may be sent to this post. Officers seizing cattle should exercise proper discretion, and before sending the cattle here ascertain that they are clearly contraband under General Dodge's order. A statement of all facts relative to the seizure of each lot should be forwarded to these headquarters.

JAS. G. BLUNT,

Major- General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS, Numbers 32.
Fort Sumner, N. Mex., March 14, 1865.

* * * * * *

2. Lieutenant James C. Edgar, First new Mexico Cavalry, will proceed to- morrow at 7 a. m. with one non- commissioned officer and four cavalry men to Rio de Las Conchas, Hamilton's ranch, and Anton Chico and send to this reservation all the Navajo or Apache Indians met with in that section of country. The assistant quartermaster will furnish one pack- mule as transportation for seven days' provisions.

By order of Major McC leave:

CHAS. T. JENNINGS,
First lieutenant, First California Cavalry, and Post Adjutant.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

New Orleans, March 15, 1865.

His Excellency President LINCOLN:

SIR: Congress having adjourned without any action on the State of Louisiana, I respectfully ask instructions from YOUR Excellency as to the relations to be maintained between the military and civil authorities within this State. My own opinion of the legal status of the State offices has been expressed in some remarks made by me to the legislature on 4th March, 1865. I consider that the convention and the legislature, and officers created by it, are the creatures of the executive authority exercised through the then commanding general; that this principle extends and covers every subordinate agency of the State; that the money received by them from the military governor is in law still the property of the United States; that until recognized and