proposed expedition, and has assured him of full support. It is of the first importance that the corn mentioned in letter 6102 (April 2) should be placed at Camden with all possible dispatch, and the commanding general requests that You will urge the officers charged with this duty to expedite the matter by all the means in their power.

I am, general, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,

P. H. THOMSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS BRENT'S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Lodi Plantation, April 5, 1865.

Colonel L. A. BRINGIER,

Commanding Seventh Regiment Louisiana Cavalry:

COLONEL: Orders have been received by me from district headquarters directing the impressment "of able-bodied negroes on plantations belonging to owners within the Federal lines and all others not usefully employed, in localities exposed to the enemy's raids. " YOU will make the impressment of the able-bodied negroes described above, but You will not cause the impressment of any negroes who are properly employed in cultivating provision crops. You will select a discreet officer to perform this duty, who will consult with Captain D. Kerr, agent of commissary department. When impressed, the negroes will be brought up under guard to these headquarters, when they will be turned over to Major Mason, chief commissary of subsistence, District of West Louisiana, according to orders. The duty intrusted to You is a delicate one, and care will be taken not to interfere with any planter so as to curtail the provision crop which he may be cultivating.

Very respectfully,

J. L. BRENT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, &C., No. 95. Houston, April 5, 1865.

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XVII. 1. Major General John A. Wharton will proceed with the formation and organization of the infantry brigades to compose Major-General Maxey's division, in pursuance of instructions from department headquarters of February 17, 1865.

2. Upon the arrival of Major-General Maxey, he will report to Major-General Wharton, and co-operate with him in the execution of his orders.

3. As soon as the brigades and divisions shall have been duly organized as ordered, Major-General Wharton will report the fact to these headquarters, forwarding field returns and statements of organization and number and condition of arms and ammunition.

4. The quartermaster and commissary departments are ordered to afford to General Wharton all necessary facilities. Transportation will be furnished by rail to the troops to Harrisburg, on application of General Wharton.

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By command of Major-General Magruder:

STEPHEN D. YANCEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.