HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, March 25, 1864

Major D. C. HOUSTON,

Chief Engineer, Dept. of the Gulf, Present;

MAJOR: If the engineer officers can go to-morrow noon and work rapidly on the Bayou Rapides road, they will be in time. Probably by Sunday noon Colonel Lucas' brigade will be 21 miles out on the road. I think Mr. Young should be habitually at headquarters with you. He can be sent with any special command when it may be deemed necessary or advisable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, March 25, 1864

Colonel S. B. HOLABIRD,

Chief Quartermaster, Dept. of the Gulf:

COLONEL: From all the information that I can gain, it will be necessary for you to furnish forage for two-thirds of the animals of this command after we reach Natchitoches, which will be within eight days from this date. In addition to the animals that marched here from Brashear City and Franklin and those that have been sent here by way of Red River, you will estimate for 1,000 more. There is now 7 feet of water on the rapids, and within the next week there will not be less than 6 feet, with the prospect of a greater depth.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, March 25, 1864

Colonel E. G. BECKWITH,

Chief Commissary, Department of the Gulf:

COLONEL: As reported by the post commissary at this place there are now rations here for the troops on Red River for eighteen days. Please give the necessary orders that there may be rations for the whole force as far up as Natchitoches within ten days from this date. You can estimate for 32, 0000 men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.

FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 3.
Alexandria, La., March 25, 1864.

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II. Brigadier General A. L. Lee, commanding the Cavalry Division, will order the remainder of the brigade of cavalry now under his command at this place to be reported to Major General William B. Franklin, commanding Nineteenth Army Corps.