been hovering about Bayucas, Oyster Shell Reef, and Corpus Christi, you will be careful to guard against surprise and to provide for your safe return. You may also, if you should think it entirely safe, extend your reconnaissance to the south end of Saint Joseph's Island and ascertain whether the detachment, on Mustang Island might not be transferred to a position on this side of Aransas equally eligible for commanding (by artillery) that pass, and more eligible for a camp. Should you extend your reconnaissance so far, you will, if you find it convenient to do so, communicate with Major Thompson, commanding on Mustang Island. To meet this contingency I will send a copy of this dispatch by the steamer Saint Mary's, now here. You will not, however, consider yourself in any way constrained against your judgment by this suggestion.

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General, Commanding.

(Copy to Major W. G. Thompson.)

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel PIERCE, Chief Quartermaster:

COLONEL: Major Thompsom, commanding at Cedar Bayou, wants a grappling-hook to fish for torpedoes. You will have one furnished him of possible.

By command of Major-General McClernand:

SAMUEL CALDWELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 77.
Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864.

I. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, will detail a company 35 to strong, with at least 2 officers to report on board the naval vessel Estrella to Lieutenant Commander A. P. Cooke. The men will be supplied with 100 rounds of ammunition. They will take their knapsacks and light mess furniture with them, and will carry two days' rations in their haversacks. The company will remain with Lieutenant-Commander Cooke until relieved by him or by orders from these headquarters.

* * * *

By command of Major General John A. McClernand:

SAMUEL CALDWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864.

Brigadier-General WARREN, Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: The two companies of infantry ordered to report on board the Estrella and Zephyr have not yet done so. You will hasten their movements. They must be aboard before daylight to-morrow morning.

By command of Major-General McClernand:

SAMUEL CALDWELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.