OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER DEPT. OF THE GULF,

New Orleans, April 9, 1864.

Captain D. N. WELCH,

Assistant Quartermaster:

CAPTAIN: Mr. R. B. Post goes to Alexandria in the interest of Messrs. O. Bercier & Co., to look after cotton which this firm is authorized to bring out by the major-general commanding. A copy of the order will be shown you by the bearer. You will transport all the cotton offered by this gentleman promptly to this city as you have transportation, forwarding bills of lading and charges.

Very respectfully,

S. B. HOLABIRD,

Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS,
Baton Rouge, La., April 9, 1864.

Major JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans, La.:

No change has taken place in a few days, except departure of the 230 Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry veterans. Montly return was sent to Colonel Irwin. Have ordered another for you . There are various reports of a threatened attack of this post and I have asked for a gun-boat.

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS,
Baton Rouge, La., April 9, 1864.

Captain GREGORY,

U. S. Navy, Commanding Division, Donaldsonville, La.:

I have reason to request that a gun-boat be sent here without delay, to remain some time.

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Port Hudson, La., April 9, 1864.

Major GEORGE B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to report that I am urging on the preparation of another brigade of colored troops for the field. The necessary transports have made some delay, but I hope to have the brigade in complete readiness before the end of the coming week. A detachment of my cavalry, while out repairing telegraph line on the 7th instant, was attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry and lost some 16 men and a gun which was with the detachment. I have recommended that the telegraph line be transferred to the west bank, as it is now too much exposed for my small cavalry force to protect it.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. L. ANDREWS,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.