per se, and that its defense would require very extended works, I come to the conclusion that the site of the work is correct. Distance from fort to city about 400 yards, to bayou about 1,200 yards, to forest in rear 1 1/2 miles. The fort may be effectually flanked by gun-boats. I have directed the attention of the commanding officer to the absolute necessity of raking two small bends in the levee which might give shelter to an enemy, and even to destroy them in an emergency. Our works at Port Hudson proceed well enough in spite of contrary undercurrents, but I need at least 10,000 feet of 3-inch plank to cover platforms, &c. I can get lumber at Mount Pleasant, but it is green.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. ELFIELD,

Major, Engineer in Charge.

[First indorsement.]

ENGINEER OFFICE, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF,

February 17, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded to Brigadier-General Stone, chief of staff.

D. C. HOUSTON,

Major and Chief Engineer, Department of the Gulf.

[Second indorsement.]

OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTY., HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF,

New Orleans, La., February 19, 1864.

After conferring with Major Houston, chief engineer of the department, I have to recommend that nine 32-pounder guns on barbette carriages, with pintle chases and traverse circles; one 30-pounder Parrott for long ranges on land front; two 12-pounder howitzers for flank defense, and four 18-pounder siege guns, on siege carriages, be adopted for the within-named work.

RICHARD ARNOLD,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery, Dept. of the Gulf.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, La., February 15, 1864.

Colonel S. B. HOLABIRD,

Chief Quartermaster, Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding desires that all transports arrived and to arrive from up river be detained in service, and so employed on the river below Port Hudson as not to attract public attention to their gathering here for an expedition.

Very respectfully, colonel, your most obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, La., February 15, 1864.

Colonel S. B. HOLABIRD,

Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Gulf:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding has given orders suspending work on the levees at Point Coupee and opposite Port Hudson, for the reason, as he informs me, that you, who are charged with