HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., November 19, 1864.

Major General S. A. HURLBUT,

Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to request that during the preparations made for the expedition to be conducted by General Davidson, and until it has fairly started on its way, General Benton be instructed to close his lines, in the fullest sense of the word, and to let no person or persons whomsoever pass in or out without an order from yourself or the major-general commanding the military division.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT,
Thibodeaux, La., November 19, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Thibodeaux:

A raiding party of rebels is said to be now in motion toward the La Fourche District. You will see that the troops of your command are notified and held ready to move in any direction. Have everything done quietly, so as not to give any unnecessary alarm; the object is merely to be ready and not allow yourself to be surprised in case of attack.

By command of Brigadier-General Cameron:

B. B. CAMPBELL,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, November 19, 1864.

Brigadier-General BENTON,

Baton Rouge:

GENERAL: I have ordered three regiments of cavalry to move down from Morganza by land to West Baton Rouge to report to Brigadier-General Lee. He will exercise his discretion whether they shall remain on the other side of the river until he moves. See that they are looked for and that proper provision is made for men and horses. Every exertion must be made for bring this cavalry command into the highest possible condition for hard duty in the field.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General, Commanding.

BATON ROUGE, November 19, 1864.

(Received 9.30 a. m.)

Major G. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Your order of last night to be ready to move with the whole force received. Did you intend to include the artillery and infantry? Nothing from Lee.

W. P. BENTON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.