HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., May 3, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Bonnet Carre:

The brigadier-General commanding directs me to inform you that instructions are on the way to you to stop all passage across the river within the limits of your command, without special authority from your self or higher authority in all cases, with a view to intercept any persons or property belonging to the rebel government, and especially those of Jeff. Davis and his cabinet. You will act on these instructions at once, and will request the gun-boats in your vicinity to co-operate.

WICKHAM HOFFMAN,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to commanding officers at Hermitage Plantation, Donaldsonville, and Plaquemine, La.)

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, May 3, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER EIGHTIETH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY:

Brigadier-General Sherman directs me to instruct you that the position at Gaines' Landing need not be held. The four companies of your regiment ordered to relieve the Eighteenth New York Cavalry will hold Bonnet Carre Bend and the picket station eight or ten miles in advance. The companies going to Bonnet Carre should be complete. All men on special duty will be relieve and rejoin their companies.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. J. MALONEY,

First Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, May 3, 1865.

Major-General HERRON,

Commanding Northern Division of Louisiana Troops, Baton Rouge:

The major-General commanding directs that you use all the means in your power to prevent the crossing of the Mississippi by Davis.

J. SCHUYLER CROSBY,

Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAG-SHIP TEMPEST,

Baton Rouge, May 3, 1865.

General HERRON,

Commanding at Baton Rouge:

GENERAL: I beg leave to say to you that no steamers should be allowed under the present emergency, and until the escape or capture of Jeff. Davis is determined, to land between Baton Rouge and Helena, except at military posts or to communicate with gun-boats. I respectfully request that the military authorities will regulate their permits