the upper Minnesota River before the time heretofore fixed by us, to-wit, the 1st June, for last season I left Camp Pope on 16th June with the expedition under my lead, and we could barely subsist the animals on the grass to be found at that late period. But if the horses, equipments, arms, and accouterments for which requisitions have been made, and which are indispensable, shall arrive here in time, I will endeavor to anticipate the time fixed upon by a few days, and should that be practicable I will advise you at Sioux City, where I suppose you should hereafter be addressed. I cannot change my opinion relative to the expediency of a post at Devil's Lake, and cannot see how it can be established this year, but I will of course obey orders so far as it is possible. I have letters by way of Red River from several chiefs of the Yanktonais and Sissetons on the Missouri expressive of a desire for peace. Governor Dallas, of the Hudson Bay Company, has strongly advised them to that course. I write you again on that subject. Kind regards to the Messrs. Chouteau.

Respectfully and truly, yours,

H. H. SIBLEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, March 20, 1864.

Major Ge. N. P. BANKS, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: One hundred thousand rations, equal to full five days, are now on board the Meteor, and 600,000 more are loading on the Black Hawk, Luminary, and other boats. The Black Hawk is reported as ready to leave to-night; the Meteor and Luminary to-morrow afternoon.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

RICHD. B. IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 71.
New Orleans, La., March 20, 1864.

1. The Twentieth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, Colonel N. B. Bartram, just arrived from the North per steamer Ericsson, will proceed without delay to Port Hudson, and be reported for duty to Brigadier General George L. Andrews, commanding the post. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

* * * * * *

By command of Major-General Banks,
RICHD. B. IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

New Orleans, March 20, 1864.

Brigadier General GEORGE L. ANDREWS, Port Hudson:

GENERAL: The Second Missouri (Colored) Regiment will remain at Port Hudson and report to you.

RICHD. B. IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.