the city and await events, where I arrived yesterday. This morning we hear that you have succeeded in saving the gun-boats and are on your way down to Simsport. This news, together with the favorable news just received from the East, has thrown the loyal population here into a state of highest gratification, I assure you. It has been a source of deep regret to me that I was unable to promptly obey your order, and the stopping of the communications was alone the cause of my not reaching Alexandria.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. W. SHERMAN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Near Marksville, May 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General LAWLER,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

Your are charged with the protection of the train during the march to-day. You will keep sufficient troops on flanks and rear, in conjunction with cavalry from General Arnold's command, sufficient for its proper protection. General Arnold and yourself are charged with the protection of the train during to-day's march.

Very command of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Moreuville, May 16, 1864.

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps:

GENERAL: It is reported that rebel cavalry is observing the crossings of Bayou Grand Ecore and Bayou De Glaize. You will please protect the trains in their march over and between these crossings.

By order of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Near Marksville, May 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General SMITH,

Commanding Detach. Sixteenth and Seventh Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move with your command to our right, and attack the left of the enemy and drive him.

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

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.