GRAND GULF, April 17, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Shall I withdraw my troops from across the river, if possible, or leave them there? Please answer at once.

JNO. S. BOWEN.

JACKSON, April 17, 1863.

Brigadier-General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

Withdraw them, if it can be done safely.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

GRAND GULF, April 17, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Colonel Cockrell is on other side of river, and cannot be withdrawn until more is known of movements of gunboats, which have just passed Vicksburg.

JNO. S. BOWEN.

JACKSON, April 17, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

Take first safe opportunity to withdraw your troops from opposite side of river. Let me know what you are doing.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

GRAND GULF, April 17, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Colonel [F. M.] Cockrell safe and here; all across except a small party of skirmishers, about 70, who are provided with good yawls, and will be over by morning.

JNO. S. BOWEN.

JACKSON, April 17, 1863.

Brigadier-General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

I have ordered the Sixth Mississippi, First Confederate Battalion, and one field battery to you, from here.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, April 17, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Eight boats passed the bend. One was burned, two apparently disabled, and five gone down.

C. L. STEVENSON.