of the army are dependent upon its relief. The army is in excellent spirits and condition, and fears nothing. The enemy is reported in force about us, and it is quite probable that we may have a general engagement within a few days, for which we are fully prepared.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

P. S.-I am unable to suggest the number of boats or their draught; they should, however, be of sufficient strength to vindicate our possession of the river.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864.

Honorable B. F. FLANDERS,

Agent Treasury Department, New Orleans:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, delieved to me yesterday by Mr. Hutchins, dated New Orleans, April 22, and to express my high gratification at the desire it manifests to place the commerce of he department upon some general basis in which we can all unite. I am reluctant to undertake to designate any individuals as agents or managers of the general trade. There are various reasons against such a course, but that which weighs most strongly against me is that I am disinclined to it. I believe our affairs are now in such condition that the additional trade regulations of the 22th of January can be officially promulgated, and hade issued orders to the effect, intending that they shall take effect from this date. For that purpose they will be posted here at once. The quartermaster will be instructed to assist in its execution as far as consistent with the public service on the line of the Red River, and to adapt his business to this code as far as it is possible.

I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864.

Colonel S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief of Quartermaster:

COLONEL: I have this day promulgated the additional regulations concerning commercial intercourse, approved by the President on the 26th January, 1864, and have posted the same here as taking effect through the department on this day. You will please to be governed by these regulations in the disposition of all property which is now in your department, to far as it may be affected by the same.

With much respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 29. Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864.

* * * * *

9. The line of battle for the defense of Alexandria will consist of Major-General McClernand's and Brigadier-General Smith's commands,