HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
New Orleans, October 16, 1864.

Colonel E. W. HOLMSTEDT,

Commanding at Ship Island:

Brigadier-General Sherman directs me to say to you that if Lieutenant-Colonel Smith gave you any indications that an expedition was to be sent to the mainland to destroy the salt-works, that such an expedition has been abandoned by order of General Canby. You are informed of this fact for fear you might think it proper to send over an expedition yourself from Ship Island. General Canby prohibits any expedition to the shore opposite Ship Island for the present.

I am, sir, respectfully,

FREDERICK SPEED,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., October 16, 1864-10 a.m.

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS:

I have received notice of important dispatches in relation to the operations in this command, in connection with Sherman's operations. I will wait until the steamer arrives. In the meantime, in whatever way it may be necessary, you are authorized to give your orders in my name for supplies or for troops that are not already under your orders.

E. R. S. CANBY,

Major-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 1.
Morganza, La., October 16, 1864.

1. The following troops will proceed without delay to the mouth of White River, viz: Second Brigade, Third Division, Nineteenth Army Corps; Cavalry Brigade, Nineteenth Army Corps (except the Second New York [Veteran] Cavalry); Second Massachusetts Battery, Fourth Massachusetts Battery, First Delaware Battery, Company A, First Indiana Heavy Artillery.

2. Brigadier-General Lawler will join his division at the mouth of White River. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

By command of Major General J. J. Reynolds:

S. C. FARRINGTON,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., October 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General ULLMANN,

Commanding U. S. Colored Forces:

GENERAL; The brigadier-general commanding directs that you strengthen your outposts by thirty-five additional men, and, until further orders, post at least seventy-five men on the up-river road, with instructions to the officer in charge to be vigilant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. WILSON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.