[Indorsement.]

It will be seen from this statement that the Trans-Mississippi Department has furnished to the department on this side an arm for nearly every one they assist us to cross.

THOS. H. PRICE,

Major of Artillery and Ordnance.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., April 11, 1864.

Major General S. PRICE,
Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: On the afternoon of the 8th, General Taylor attacked and routed the Thirteenth Army Corps 3 miles beyond Mansfield. The Nineteenth Army Corps, which came to its support, was driven back to Pleasant Hill in confusion. The Arkansas and Missouri troops were not engaged. On the afternoon of the 9th, we had a severe fight, which was general. The enemy held their ground, but retreated in great confusion during the night to Natchitoches. I have just returned from the front and regard Banks' grand expedition as certainly checked for some time, if not entirely broken up. I will soon be in position to give you assistance, and expect to dispose of Steele. I must repeat the caution before given: Do not risk a general action unless you feel confident of the results. If Steele advances, when he comes within striking distance he will be met by a column sufficiently large to overwhelm him. Keep me constantly advised of all that occurs. We captured nineteen pieces of artillery, and prisoners are being still brought in. The Thirteenth, Nineteenth, and part of the Sixteenth Army Corps were engaged. Our loss has been heavy.

I am, general, very respectfully,

E. KIRBY SMITH,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, April 11, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER OF LUCKETT'S Regiment TEXAS INFTY.:

The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you come with your command to this place as rapidly as possible.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. THOMSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD SUB-DISTRICT, Camp on Garcitas, April 11, 1864.

Brigadier General J. E. SLAUGHTER,

Chief of Staff, Dist. of Tex., N. Mex., and Ariz., Houston:

GENERAL: I returned on the 9th instant from a visit to Indianola and Powder Horn. I examined all the works for defense made by the enemy and find that they are more extensive than I before real-