SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 222.
New Orleans, August 19, 1864.

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8. The detachment of the First Texas Cavalry now at Brazos Santiago will, upon receipt of this order, be relieved from duty at that point, and ordered to report to the commanding officer of the regiment at Morganza, La. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

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By command of Major-General Banks:

W. D. PUTNAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,

New Orleans, August 19, 1864.

Commanding OFFICER, NINETY-SEVENTH U. S. COLORADO INFTY:

By direction of the commanding general Department of the Gulf you will hold your command in readiness to embark to-morrow.

By order of Brigadier General T. W. Sherman:

OLIVER MATTHEWS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DONALDSONVILLE, August 19, 1864.

Major G. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The couriers I sent to Plaquemine yesterday were attacked by a party of guerrillas three miles above Bayou Goula. Two of them were wounded and two are missing. I have a squadron of cavalry now there thoroughly scouring the country. Nothing new here.

W. O. FISKE,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Natchez, Miss., August 19, 1864.

Major C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: When I assumed command of this district I found a military outpost at Bullitt's Bayou, seven miles up the river on the west side, comprising some 250 men and two pieces of artillery. The men were colored, not well officered, partially drilled, with none having experience as artillerists. Their stockade was weak, affording inadequate protection. They were placed there, I learn, to protect plantations. General Dana, while on his tour of inspection, went there with me. A force of from 5,000 to 10,000 rebels has been within six hours' march of this range of plantations during the whole time. Whenever they choose to depredate upon them they do so. When they choose to sweep over them they will, and if so inclined can, or could, take the small force at Bullitt's Bayou, which could not save the plantations, nor itself. General Dana agreed with me in this conviction. A heavy body of

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