that sound policy requires a material augmentation of the forces of this district at once. In addition to the considerations already mentioned, an additional one might be urges in the great abundance of subsistence and forage in this State, and their comparative scarcity in Arkansas and Louisiana. Should these views prove to be the offspring of groundless apprehensions, even then, no injury to our cause could result, for before the enemy could recommence operations in the Red River Valley or advance from Little Rock the troops from this district could be there to confront them.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. WALKER,

Major-General Commanding

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HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT

SHREVEPORT, DECEMBER 3, 1864.

Major-General Magruder

Commanding District of Arkansas.

GENERAL: The commanding general desires me to say that from information received it is evident that the enemy are fitting out an expedition against the coast of Texas, and for that reason he is very anxious to get General Wharton's cavalry in position at Nacogdoches, Tex.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 3, 1864.

Major-General Price,
Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you will move on to Laynesport in accordance with previous orders, should you have passed Clarksville before receiving Special Orders, Numbers -,* dated Washington, December 1, 1864 (a copy of which I inclose), establishing your camp at that place, with your left flank resting on Laynesport and your right flank down the Red River, facing toward the enemy. Should you not have moved your command beyond Clarksville you will encamp in that vicinity in accordance with Special Orders, Numbers -, dated Washington, December 1, 1864. In either case you will, after establishing your camp, report in person at these headquarters, bringing with you reports of the number, organization, condition, &c., of your command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. ALSTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 4, 1864.

Brigadier General W. R. Boggs,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have written many letters to the headquarters of the department on the subject of the defenses of the district which has

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* See p. 1091.