1863 to be now pursued, viz, for the commander of the defenses and the senior officers of the gun- boats on the lakes to be at all times in cooperation, without special reference in every case, to the naval commander. This would save time and probably lead to effective results.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,

T. W. SHERMAN,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.

OPPOSITE DONALDSONVILLE, March 17, 1865.

(Received 9. 25 a. m.)

Captain F. SPEED,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

A force of forty men will be at Civique's Ferry, on the Amite, at 4 p. m. to- day.

C. H. PARKHURST,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Third Rhode Island Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., March 17, 1865.

Lieutenant-Colonel PARKHURST,

Commanding Third Rhode Island Cavalry,

Hermitage plantation, opposite Donaldsonville, La.:

It is yet uncertain that a gun- boat will go into the Amite River. Brigadier-General Sherman desires You to wait a day or so, or until You hear further from him. Acknowledge receipt.

P. J. MALONEY,

First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., March 17, 1865.

Lieutenant- Colonel PARKHURST,

Commanding Detachment Third Rhode Island Cavalry,

Hermitage Plantation, opposite Donaldsonville, La.:

Brigadier- General Sherman directs me to inform You that the navy can furnish no boat. Let the country about the Amite River be well examined. Major Webster, commanding Pass Manchac, will be directed to look to the shores of lake Maurepas. Acknowledge receipt.

P. J. MALONEY,

First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

OPPOSITE DONALDSONVILLE, March 17, 1865.

(Received 4. 10 p. .)

Lieutenant P. J. MALONEY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: Scouting party left for the Amite at 10 this morning. Your telegram is just received.

C. H. PARKHURST,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Third Rhode Island Cavalry.

Line has been down to Donaldsonville.

OPERATOR.