HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Near Marksville, May 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General EMORY,

Commanding Nineteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: You will move forward at 3 a. m. to-morrow with your entire command to take position at the farthest point in the front, where our troops have to-day reconnoitered. At daybreak you will move forward and attack the enemy with the greatest vigor. General Smith moves from your right flank to turn the enemy's left at the same time. General Arnold has been ordered to take position in rear of your right flank. The Thirteenth Army Corps will be in reserve near Marksville. It is of the greatest importance that this movement be made with promptitude and vigor. The wagon train will be in park in the rear of the town, guarded by a brigade of cavalry, and when practicable, for the purpose of shortening the column you will move your command in columns of regiments.

By order of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Near Marksville, May 15, 1864.

Brigadier General R. ARNOLD,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: You will order one brigade of your command to guard the wagon train, which will be in park immediately in rear of the town. Your remaining three brigades you will put in position in rear of the right of General Emory's command, which has been ordered into position in front of the town, at 3 a. m. to-morrow. You will make these dispositions at 3 a. m., as the attack has been ordered at daybreak. You will hold your command in readiness for any movement that may be necessary. General Smith has been ordered to move from the right of General Emory to turn the enemy's left flank. General Lawler will be in reserve near the town.

By command of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Near Marksville, May 15, 1864.

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that in making the movement ordered you do not move away so as to break communication with the right of General Emory. The guide sent you is to show you the good country to go through, but not roads to lead away from General Emory.

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

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.