SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND EAST. La., Jackson, March 9, 1863.

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III. The two northern tiers of countries of the State of Mississippi are hereby formed into the FIFTH Military District of this department.

IV. Brigadier General James R. Chalmers will at once assume command of all the military force in said district, and will operate north of the Tallahatchee River, and thence toward the Mississippi.

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By order of Lieutenant-General Pemberton:

R. W. MEMMINGER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS, At Judge Harris' Residence, March 9, 1863-12. 30 p. m.

Brigadier General FRANK C. ARMSTRONG,

Comdg., &c., tupelo, MISS.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that in the event you do not receive orders to the contrary, that you will move to-morrow morning at daylight with your entire command, the three locomotives and trains, back to Verona, where the major-general will meet you.

Captain [J. W.] Morton, Jr., has been ordered to place his battery, harness, &c., by General Jackson's order, on the cars. The horses will go through by dirt road. The major-general will be at Verona to-night, and should any dispatches arrive, you will forward them to Verona.

The enemy are reported at Ripley. General Jackson will remain with his command at this place to-night. The major-general will go down on the train with you to-morrow morning from Verona.

Respectfully,

J. P. STRANGE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP PEMBERTON, Tuesday, March 10, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Vicksburg, MISS.:

The enemy in great force are very near our works. It is raining hard, making the weather unfavorable to us. I have but two boats ready.

ISAAC N. BROWN,

Commodore, C. S. Navy.

JACKSON, March 10, 1863.

Brigadier-General TILGHMAN, Grenada:

Hold all your force-cavalry, infantry and artillery-ready to move at a moment's notice. Draw in your cavalry, if enemy continues his advance by Tallahatchee.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

RICHMOND, March 10, 1863.

General J. C. PEMBERTON:

What are the operations which indicate that the enemy will get through the canal? Do your guns prove effective against working parties and dredging machines on canal? What is state of affairs on the