[Inclosure N. 3.]

HEADQUARTERS TRANS- MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, July 28, 1864.

Major General J. G. WALKER,

Commanding District of West Louisiana:

GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to inclose herewith copy of instructions to Lieutenant- General Taylor,* and to say that he leaves it optional with you to be reassigned to your former division and accompany it, or to remain on duty in this department. The success of the movement will depend upon its secrecy and dispatch. He desires, therefore, that you will render every facility to General Taylor, and aid him to the full extent of your power. The general commanding also desires to know if General Wharton has returned.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff.

MERIDIAN, MISS., July 28, 1864.

(Via Clinton, La.)

General E. KIRBY SMITH, or

ANY GENERAL OFFICER Commanding C. S. FORCES WEST MISS. RIVER:

The enemy have concentrated a force at Vicksburg from above and below,also at Memphis, for movements in this department. By direction of General Bragg I ask your co- operation without delay in any available way, or on any point practicable, to divert their force and compel its return. Not knowing your locality can make no suggestions as to plans.

S. D. LEE,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure Numbers 4.]

HEADQUARTERS TRANS- MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, July 29, 1864.

Co. H. T. DOUGLAS,

Chief Engineer, Trans- Mississippi Department:

COLONEL: You will proceed to the headquarters District of West Louisiana and report to Major General J. G. Walker, commanding, &c., for the purpose of advising with him as to the means of crossing troops to the east back of the Mississippi River, and giving such assistance in making the necessary preparations an superintending the crossing as may be in your power. Having completed your work you will return and report in person at these headquarters.

By command of General E. Kirby Smith:

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure N. 5.]

HEADQUARTERS TRANS- MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, La., July 29, 1864.

Major- General WALKER,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to say that the company of pontoniers at this place with their boats (twenty- four in

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*See p. 90.

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