you direct otherwise. His objection on account of guerrillas threatening his rear will apply equally to an advance at any time into the enemy's country.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

PORT HUDSON, LA., March 13, 1864.

Brigadier General C. P. STONE,

Chief of Staff:

My staff officer returned this a.m. from Red River. Transports arrived there last Friday evening. Nineteen gun-boats went up Red River Saturday at 9 a.m. Will probably arrive at Fort De Russy Sunday p.m. Twenty-one transports with troops left mouth of Red River at 3 p.m. Saturday. Firing heard last night. Am I to obtain further information of movements on Red River?

GEO. L. ANDREWS,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, March 13, 1864.

Major D. C. HOUSTON,

Chief Engineer, Brashear:

MAJOR: In what condition is the pontoon train? There is urgent necessity for speedy advance. Could the arrival of the train at New Iberia be much hastened by taking steam-boat transportation from Berwick?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

BRASHEAR, LA., March 13, 1864.

(Received 9.35 p.m.)

Brigadier-General STONE,

Chief of Staff:

The pontoon bridge is all ready to move as soon as the wagons arrive, which should be to-morrow or next day at the furthest. The engineer regiments are at Franklin. Most of their tools are here, waiting the arrival of the wagons. I do not think anything will be gained by steam-boat transportation for the pontoon train . It can move to New Iberia in less than three days. Navigation above Franklin is very tedious.

D. C. HOUSTON,

Major and Chief Engineer.

BRASHEAR, LA., March 13, 1864.

(Received 9.45 p.m.)

General C. P. STONE,

Chief of Staff:

The pontoon wagons have not yet arrived.

A. M. BRADSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.