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

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detch. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps:

GENERAL: You do not seem to understand that the left of your line should connect with the right of General Emory's. It does not now connect. The commanding general directs that it be so connected at once.

By order of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Mansura, La., May 15, 1864.

Brigadier General M. K. LAWLER,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

The commanding general directs that you still take charge of the trains, hurrying them on. The enemy have retreated, apparently, on two roads, one toward Moreauville, the other toward Enterprise.

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

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Mansure, May 15, 1864.

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps.

GENERAL: A servant captured upon the City Belle has escaped from the enemy this a. m., and reports them falling back upon the Bayou De Glaize. They expect our force is going by the river from Fort De Russy. You will push on to Moreauville, in your regular position in the column, with all possible speed. You must come across to the Moreauville road.

By order of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Mansura, May 15, 1864.

Brigadier General R. ARNOLD,

Chief of Cavalry:

GENERAL: The enemy are retreating on the road to Moreauville and, it is believed, Simsport. The commanding general directs that you push forward to Moreauville with dispatch. You will clear the town of Marksville of al stragglers and come forward as soon as possible. It is not intended that you leave the train, but push the train on, and keep what cavalry you have in the rear there still.

By order of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.