III. Brigadier General George L. Andrews, commanding the Corps d'Afrique, will at once organize another brigade of the colored troops under his command and order them to proceed to this place.

* * * * * *

X. During the absence from New Orleans of the major-general commanding the department on the present campaign the Districts of La Fourche and Baton Rouge will be reported to Major General J. J. Reynolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans, who will be held responsible for their safety and administration.

XI. Brigadier-General Lee, commanding Cavalry Division, will order the Fourth Brigade of his division to march at 6 o'clock a.m. to-morrow on the Bayou Rapides road. The commanding officer of this brigade will for further instructions report to General A. J. Smith, whose command moves an hour later on the same road.

By command of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Port Hudson, La., March 25, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel RICHARD B. IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SIR: I have the honor to report the departure of the Sixty-second U. S. Infantry (colored), at 7.30 a.m. this day, for Baton Rouge, in compliance with orders from headquarters Department of the Gulf. A certified return of that regiment is inclosed.

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

GEO. L. ANDREWS,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, March 25, 1864

Brigadier General GEORGE L. ANDREWS,

Port Hudson:

GENERAL: If the Mittie Stevens comes down from Alexandria you can use her to carry dispatches. Please let me know when she arrives. Colonel Holabird promises another boat in a day or two.

RICHD. B. IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

Alexandria, La., March 25, 1864

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS

Commanding Defenses of New Orleans:

GENERAL: I regret not having an opportunity of meeting you before I left New Orleans. I arrived at Alexandria yesterday at noon. There is not sufficient water upon the rapids to allow the gun-boats to pass, and I shall be detained here probably until Monday. General Franklin's column arrived here this morning and will move immediately in the direction of Natchitoches. A success-