picket-lines to the Amite River, and thus cover all the plantations from New Orleans and Port Hudson. I should very much like to try and capture Scott and his artillery, if a division of infantry could be placed at my disposal for a week.

F. J. HERRON,

Major-General, Commanding.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, August 23, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded, in absence of Major-General Banks.

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, August 23, 1864.

Upon the receipt of a telegram of similar purport from General Herron the commanding general sent word to department headquarters that he desired to consult with General Banks about the movement of troops are suggested by General H. General Banks being absent and time precious, to insure success, the commanding general telegraphed his instructions direct to General Herron. Copies of the same are respectfully transmitted, herewith inclosed.*

By order of Major General E. R. S. Canby:

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., August 23, 1864.

Major General F. J. HERRON,

Commanding, &c., Baton Rouge, La.:

Three thousand infantry, under General Dennis, will be at Port Hudson to-night. Two hundred cavalry and a battery will be added from the forces at Port Hudson. The troops will be ordered to leave Port Hudson with five days' rations, to take no transportation, and to be equipped as lightly as possible. Make your own arrangements; but bear in mind that whatever is to be done must be done quickly, and that nothing is intended beyond destroying or driving off Scott's force and capturing or destroying depots of supplies that he may have established, and any other damage that it may be in your power to inflict.

E. R. S. CANBY,

Major-General, Commanding.

BATON ROUGE, August 23, 1864-3.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General ANDREWS,

Commanding Port Hudson:

Have you a field battery ready for service, and how many cavalry that are in shape to move?

F. J. HERRON,

Major-General, Commanding.

---------------

*Only one paper found as an inclosure.

---------------