supply all the forces which you can raise. Four thousand rifles and muskets will be sent immediately from different points, the first of which should arrive in three or four days.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[24.]

JACKSON, May 5, 1863.

(Received 6th.)

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:

Enemy in force crossingBig Black on east side. I think they have around Vicksburg a large army, and no effort in the power of Federal Government will be spared to open the river this spring. We look to you for such assistance as theConfederate Government can give. Enemy reported landing in force at Chickasaw Bayou, above Vicksburg.

John J. PETTUS.

[24.]

TULLAHOMA, May 5, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,

Vicksburg:

Your dispatch of yesterday received. Orders sent to Roddey. Large mounted party from Corinth led Forrest into Alabama. He has captured it, and will go into Mississippi. Have nothing further from you of the furious fight reported on 1st. What is the result, and where is Grant's army?

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[24.]

VICKSBURG, May 6, 1863.

President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Come to Vicksburg if possible. Your presence is needed.

A. B. READING.

[24.]

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST CAVALRY CORPS, Numbers 1.
Spring Hill, Tenn., May 7, 1863.

I. Major-General Van Dorn having just died, the undersigned, being the ranking brigadier-general present, hereby assumes command of this corps.

II. Brigadier-General Cosby will assume command of the First Division until further orders.

W. H. JACKSON,

Brigadier-General.

[23.]

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST CAVALRY CORPS, Numbers 3.
Spring Hill, Tenn., May 7, 1863.

It becomes the sad duty of the brigadier-general commanding to announce to this corps the death of its late beloved and gallant commander, Major General Earl Van Dorn. He department this life at 1 p. m. to-day. The sorrow with which his death is announced will be deeply felt by the country and by this corps, for to it his loss is an irreparable