HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, May 3, 1863-10 p. m.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Comdg. FIFTH Military District:

GENERAL: The enemy being about twenty-four hours ahead of me, in rapid retreat, I shall return to Okolona with my troops to-morrow morning, when I shall be glad to see you with or without your command.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DANIEL RUGGLES.

RICHMOND, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant General J. C. PEMBERTON, Jackson, MISS.:

Then thousand men have been ordered from General Beauregard. Five thousand and some batteries are probably on the way. General Beauregard doubts his ability to part with more than the 5,000, the enemy still threatening him.

J. A. SEDDON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

General S. COOPER, Richmond:

Last night two large barges, laden with hospital and commissary stores, with small tug between them, attempted to pass here; were burned to the water's edge, and 24 prisoners taken from them, among whom were one correspondent New Your World, two New Your Tribune, and one Cincinnati Times.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. Johnston, Tullahoma:

The following just received from Captain [Sam.] Henderson:

Lieutenant [J. S.] Carman reports near Corinth, 2nd instant, a force of 1,600 and four pieces artillery gone toward Okolona. Have chain of pickets around Corinth. No passing. Enemy burned over Tuscumbia, Danville road.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, DEPT. Mississippi, &., near Bovina, May 4, 1863-10. 45 p. m.

Major J. THOMPSON,
Assistant Inspector-GENERAL:

SIR: I have the honor to report that the encampment of this DIVISION is on Clear Creek, 1 mile northeast of Bovina, within supporting distance of the bridge, and on the only water near here. The train is all in, and the men will be here during the night. They are exceedingly broken down with the heat and long-continued fatigue, and will not be collected well together before to-morrow afternoon.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. S. BOWEN.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN:

You will halt your command at some convenient point in supporting distance of General Stevenson's DIVISION. You will notify Major-General