Vicksburg, May 3, 1863.

Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS, Okolona and Oxford:

Following just received.

Scout [J. V.] Richards left near Byhalia 10 a. m. yesterday; reports a Federal force infantry and cavalry crossed Coldwater that morning; could not learn number; burned Birby's Bridge. Scout watching, and will report movements.

SAM. HENDERSON,

Commanding Scouts.

General Featherston has left Grenada, so you must be on your guard.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 3, 1863.

Commanding Officer or Operator, Hazlehurst:

Send word to Colonel [W.] Adams and Colonel [R. V.] Richardson at once to collect all the different squads of cavalry at Raymond. The cavalry belonging to Port Hudson must return. Colonel Adams will operate from Raymond toward Port Gibson, and keep headquarters advised of movements of enemy.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 3, 1863.

Gov. John J. PETTUS, Jackson:

Four thousand cavalry from Army of Middle Tennessee are ordered to operate in Mississippi with Ruggles' and Chalmers' cavalry. I think we can dispense with troops at Grenada. Bowen has evacuated Grand Gulf; will make his way to Jackson or Vicksburg. I must concentrate my whole army to beat Grant's. Am notified from Richmond that heavy re-enforcements will be sent here.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 3, 1863.

Brigadier-General RUGGLES, Columbus:

General Johnston says enemy reported falling back. Forrest moving west. Four thousand cavalry ordered to operate in Mississippi. You must co-operate with all your mounted force, and keep my supplies and communications safe. Report to Brigadier-General Chalmers at Okolona.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, Prairie Mound, May 3, 1863.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Comdg. FIFTH District:

GENERAL: I have just received your dispatch in duplicate, and am gratified to learn you are in our vicinity. We are now at Prairie Mound with cavalry force, and shall move to the junction of the Red Land and Camargo road with the Cotton Gin, Pontotoc, and Camargo roads, distant 8 miles hence, where we hope to unite with you to-night. We are moving with a view of flanking the enemy, now reported between Chiwapa and Town Creeks. If circumstances favor our movements, we may not await you at point indicated, in which event you are requested to follow our march with the utmost expedition.

I am, general, respectfully, your friend,

DANIEL RUGGLES.