in rear of intrenchments. Since writing the above the wagons of the enemy seem to be returning to Ferguson house, and thence down the Baldwin's Ferry road toward your left and my right. There are also columns of dust on the Jackson and Graveyard roads. Firing on my left slightly increasing.

J. H. F.

[24.]

CHARLESTON, S. C., May 26, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Jackson, Miss.:

All troops have let limits of department except detachment Ferguson's battery about to move. Efforts will be made to collect stragglers Evans' brigade.

THOMAS JORADN,

Chief of Staff.

[24.]

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION,
May 26, 1863.

Major General C. L. STEVENSON,

Commanding Division:

GENERAL: It has just been reported to me by a colonel on my line (Colonel Russell, Third Louisiana) that cavalry and infantry are moving down the Baldwin's Ferry road to the Ferguson house, and turning to their left at that point move toward your position. Some of the troops continue down the Baldwin's Ferry road without turning off at Ferguson's. He thinks there are about 400 cavalry and a division of infantry. Some of the enemy's men told some of our men yesterday during the truce that the movement of the enemy eyesterday was not troops changing position from t he left to the right, but infantry (about 3,000) moving down tot he line from Snyder's under command of a General Orme.

I am, general, very respectfully,

JOHN H. FORNEY,

Major-General.

[24.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 126.
Richmond, Va., May 27, 1863.

* * * *

XXIII. Captain J. Desha's company will be detached from the Ninth Kentucky Regiment, Helm's brigade, Breckinrdige's division, and that company which joined the Ninth Kentucky Regiment with him and proceed to Abingdon, Va., and report to General Preston, who will attach to this battalion other companies to form a battalion under command of Captain J. Desha.

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JOHN WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[23.]