HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, La., March 22, 1864.

Brigadier General A. L. LEE,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: General Stone desires me to inform you that an officer at these headquarters heard artillery firing in the direction of Opelousas. He desires to know if you have heard anything of it from your command in that direction.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, La,. March 22, 1864.

Brigadier General C. P. STONE,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to state, in reply to your inquiry, that I have no knowledge of artillery firing to-day in the direction of Opelousas, but have sent to Colonel Robinson, commanding a brigade on that road, for information. When I hear will inform you.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. L. LEE,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS RED RIVER EXPEDITION,
Steamer Clara Bell, March 22, 1864-6 a.m.

(Received 6.45 a.m.)

Brigadier General C. P. STONE,

Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf:

I have just heard from General Mower, who states that he turned the enemy's flank, captured 4 guns and caissons, a number of prisoners, and a large number of horses. General Walker is reported to be 6 miles from Henderson's Hill and General Taylor 12 miles, with what force not known.

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

A. J. SMITH,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS RED RIVER EXPEDITION,
On Steamer Clara Bell, Alexandria, La., March 22, 1864.

Colonel N. A. M. DUDLEY,

Commanding Fourth Brigade, Cav. Div., Dept. of the Gulf:

COLONEL: Please send me a detachment of about 75 cavalry, well officered and armed, to cross the river at this point to scour the country on the left bank; they will return this evening. Direct the commanding officer to report to me for orders. I have a good guide.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. J. SMITH,

Brigadier-General.