Catfish Point, where there is also said to be a battery established by the enemy. The same general direction applies to it.

Should any negroes accompany you, they will be left at one of the camps established either at Milliken's Bend or Young's Point.

Respectfully, yours,

U. S. GRANT.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Before Vicksburg, June 25, 1863.

The following telegram has been received at these headquarters:

McPherson will spring the mines in his front between 2 and 4 o'clock to-day, and will try to take possession of the main fort. Hold your troops in readiness to threaten an assault, to keep the enemy from marching on McPherson. As soon as you hear the explosion, open with artillery lively for about FIFTEEN minutes.

U. S. GRANT.

The general commanding Thirteenth Corps will receive a telegram about half an hour before the miners are priming, and will dispatch orderlies to each DIVISION, but when the firing begins on the right of the corps the other corps will take it up.

The trenches will be manned for an assault, and the regiments and companies not therein will be put under arms, in the best cover, for the same purpose in our front, without exposing them to fire.

E. O. C. ORD.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Before Vicksburg, June 25, 1863.

The following dispatch has been received at these headquarters:

McPHERSON'S HEADQUARTERS, June 25.

Major-General GRANT:

Major-General ORD:

The mine will be exploded about 3 p. m. to-day.

JAS. B. McPHERSON.

DIVISION commanders will listen for explosions and firing of artillery on their right, at or about 3, and take up the fire at the time it reaches them, without further orders.

E. O. C. ORD.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Vicksburg, June 25, 1863.

[General J. G. LAUMAN:]

GENERAL: The following dispatch has been receive here:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, 25TH.

Major-General ORD:

The operator at General Herron's headquarters reports that the rebels have driven in Herron's pickets. Notify General Lauman to be in readiness all night to afford any assistance necessary.

U. S. GRANT.

You will, therefore, take the necessary precautions immediately, and be particularly watchful that none of your guards or pickets are surprised. At least half your force not in the trenches should sleep on their arms, ready to move at a moment's notice.

E. O. C. ORD.