the enemy, the poles being cut down and the destruction complete. It is reported that the force the enemy has been increased and that it now numbers, as variously estimated from 150 to 500 men. In order to clean the country and protect the line on that side of the river from this point to Red River, and also below to Baton Rouge, it will be necessary to have 1,000 cavalry, with which force the enemy can be routed and communication maintained.

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

GEO. L. ANDREWS,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Grand Ecore, April 12, 1864.

Captain PHELPS,

U. S. Navy:

The major-general commanding the department desires me to say that a pontoon bridge is to be laid across the river to-night, and that the barge he understands is in your possession would be of great use in its construction. He requests that you permit is to be used for the purpose.

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

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 12, 1864.

Colonel S. B. HOLABIRD,

Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Gulf:

COLONEL: We have met with a serious reverse at the front, and the army has retreated to Grand Ecore, having lost a train of 165 wagons loaded with commissary stores and forage. I understand that we have lost 3,000 men killed, wounded, and prisoners, and 18 pieces of artillery; Nims lost 4 pieces; Colonel Benedict is killed and General Ransom wounded. I have received urgent orders from General Stone to send up all the commissary and quartermaster stores possible, but have no means of doing it. I have been obliged to send up the Mittie Stevens with commissary stores. The river is falling rapidly, so that boats drawing more than 5 feet 6 inches are unable to cross, and by to-morrow night boats drawing over 5 feet will not be able to cross. The river is falling 4 inches per day steadily. I most urgently request that all boats not drawing over 4 feet loaded may be seized at once and sent up here loaded light, and at the same time well cooled. I think the coast packets might be used in this emergency, and probably three of four stern-wheel boats could be procured at Vicksburg.

I am hauling wood from Governor Moore's plantation, 8 miles from this place, and will soon be out of fuel. I have to request that coal may be sent up as soon as possible. The captain of the steamer Laurel Hill is a scoundrel, and the sooner he is discharged from service the better. On the last strip to New Orleans he managed to smuggle 7 or 8 bales of cotton. On his trip before this from Grand Ecore he bought 11 bales of cotton from Mr. Calhoun's negroes, paying