JACKSON, May 1, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Vicksburg:

Am I to issue department orders by order of Major-General Loring?

He orders me to issue orders to General Chalmers to order back Stocks' company. I await instructions.

R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Vicksburg, May 1, 1863.

Major-General LORING and Major MEMMINGER, Jackson:

I command the department from here. All orders to be issued in my name.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 1, 1863.

Major R. W. MEMMINGER:

General Bowen still holds his position, but thinks he will have to retire to this side of Bayou Pierre under cover of night. I urge him not to do so unless indispensable to his safety. Have full confidence in his judgment. A large amount of bacon which was in Port Gibson has been removed to Grand Gulf. No further demonstration from force of enemy on Chickasaw Bayou. Show this dispatch to Governor Pettus.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 1, 1863.

General A. BUFORD, Meridian:

Leave a small regiment at Meridian, and come at once with rest of your command to Jackson.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 1, 1863.

Brigadier-General BUFORD, Meridian:

General Ruggles reports the enemy yesterday evening crossing Tallahatchee at New Albany in force of 3,000. Keep your cavalry constantly in motion, operating on their flanks and rear if too strong to fight.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 1, 1863.

General A. BUFORD, Meridian:

Retain what troops you have, and endeavor to defend Enterprise as well as Meridian.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

PORT HUDSON, May 1, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Enemy 15,000 strong, with one battery; captured Summit last night.

FRANK. GARDNER.