side of the river, to Lieutenant-Colonel Pearsall, at daylight to-morrow morning. This detail is to be permanent, and the men will carry their camp and garrison equipage.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Emory.)

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF

Alexandria, May 3, 1864

Brigadier General W. H. EMORY,
Commanding Nineteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to direct Nickerson's brigade, with one four-gun battery, to be at once got ready to move on board of transports. General Nickerson will carry ten days' rations and forage. Brigadier-General Dwight, chief of staff, desires to see General Nickerson at these headquarters as soon as he has given the necessary orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 3, 1864.

Brigadier General F. S. NICKERSON,

Commanding First Brigadier, Second Div., 19th Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed with your command to Fort De Russy, and that you take possession of and occupy that fort. If you find the enemy there you will drive him from it. At a point known as Wilson's Farm, 24 miles below Alexandria, the enemy has shown some artillery. You will, if possible, on your way down the river, reconnoiter this position and drive the enemy from it. You will consider the holding of Fort De Russy as the principal object, but you will also endeavor, as far as possibly, to keep the banks of the river free from the enemy. This might be done by sending detachments on gun-boats to such points as may be infested. You will endeavor to obtain as much information as possible regarding the enemy, and report fully and direct to these headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. DWIGHT,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

Alexandria, May 3, 1864

Brigadier-General MOWER,

Commanding,&c.:

GENERAL: Captain R. T. Dunham, of the staff of the commanding general, has just come in, and has reported that you are falling back to a position which you can hold. The commanding general