Loring and Major-General Stevenson where you may encamp; also send immediate notification to these headquarters where you may be found.

By order of Lieutenant-General Pemberton:

J. THOMPSON,

Assistant Inspector-General.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN:

Keep yourself ready to move at a moment's warning to take Loring's position at Edwards.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Brigadier-General BUFORD, Jackson:

Bring your troops to Edwards Depot, and telegraph me on your arrival there, before you leave the cars.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Commanding Officer, Brookhaven:

The following dispatch must be sent by courier to General Gardner direct, and by courier to the nearest telegraph office on Natchez line. Act promptly, and send energetic and reliable courier.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Major General FRANK GARDNER, Port Hudson:

You must come and bring with you 5,000 infantry. Leave Beall in command. Bring Maxey. Call in outposts, except cavalry. Bring cavalry enough to protect your flanks on march, leaving sufficient artillery for defense of Port Hudson.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Major General W. W. LORING, Big Black Bridge:

If you are at Bovina, remain there. If at Edwards Depot, prepare to return with your DIVISION. Strengthen works at bridge and Edwards as expeditiously as possible, as I wish to change your position to support Stevenson. Send me an informal field return. More cavalry are expected hourly to join you.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HEADQUARTERS, near Hankinson's Ferry, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,
Commanding, &c., Vicksburg:

GENERAL: The enemy is now at Hankinson's Ferry, and with pontoons are preparing to cross the river. Your reiterated order to proceed with dispatch to Edwards Depot makes it my duty to comply with it, though I may be forced, whether I wish it or not, to give this enemy battle here.