SIMSPORT, May 17, 1864.

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at once, on the receipt of this order, your order all the wagons on the other side of Yellow Bayou to cross the bridge and join the rest of the wagon train.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SIMSPORT, May 17, 1864.

Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,

Commanding Detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at daylight to-morrow, as soon as the wagons have crossed, you cross Yellow Bayou with your whole command and occupy the line, with your left resting on Red River and your right on Bayou De Glaize, throwing one regiment across Bayou De Glaize. If the present position of the Thirteenth Army Corps interferes with taking up this line, General Lawler will move his command nearer Simsport. Colonel Robinson has been directed to destroy the enemy's works on Yellow Bayou, and the commanding general directs you to protect his working party while executing this order.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
May 17, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Port Hudson:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you will send no more troops from your command to the mouth of Red River. The army of General Banks has arrived at Simsport.

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

GEO. S. MELVILLE,

First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

THIBODEAUX, May 17, 1864-10.40 p. m.

Major J. LEVERING,

New Orleans:

Just received the following message:

Colonel Norton reports a large force in his front, and asks for re-enforcements. Please hurry those regiments up as fast as possible.

SIMON JONES,

Colonel, Commanding, Brashear City.

I go up with the regiment which leaves Algiers.

N. W. DAY,

Colonel, Commanding District.