hearts and strong arms of the military forces which can be concentrated at the city. As these operations will not admit of delay, I propose to begin those of them which are mosst urgant without waiting for formal authority.

D. LEADBETTER,

Major of Engineers.

[Indorsement.]

FORT MORGAN, April 23, 1861.

This letter is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War. Having placed Fort Gaines and other entrances into Mobile Bay under my command, I desired to know what arrangements were indispensably requisite. The following* is Major Leadbetter's reply. I have directed him at once to place "Fort Gaines in a defensible position.

W. J. HARDEE,

Colonel, C. S. Army.

[1.]

LOUISVILLE, April 23, 1861.

(Received 9.20 o'clock.)

President DAVIS or

SECRETARY OF WAR:

One thousand abolition troops actually sent to Cairo yesterday. Five thousand more reported coming to-day.

E. M. BRUCE.

[4.]

NEW ORLEANS, April 23, 1861.

Honorable L. P. WALKER:

A reliable dispatch says Black Republican troops concentrating at Cairo to stop provisions. One thousand there now; 10,000 in a day or two. This is reliable. Shall we retaliate?

THO. O. MOORE.

[4.]

NSHVILLE, April 23, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

A dispatch was received here this morning from a reliable man tthat 700 U. S. troops, with five 34-pounder guns, landed at Cairo this morning.

ISHAM G. HARRIS.

[4.]

MEMPHIS, April 23, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

I have just received reliable information of the arrival of a regiment of Federal troops at Cairo.

R. D. BAUGH,

Mayor.

[4.]

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*Preceding.

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