SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND EAST. La., Number 150. Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

DIVISION commanders will immediately cause all intrenching tools and axes, except two for each company, on and about their lines, to be collected and turned over to the engineer officer in charge on their respective lines.

By order of Lieutenant-General Pemberton:

[W. H. McCARDLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.]

JACKSON, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,

Commanding Vicksburg:

Have ordered 50,000 rations sent from here to Bovina and balance to Vicksburg, except 20,000 rations. Have ordered all stores from WEST Point and Okolona sent to Vicksburg. Do you wish stores at Meridian, Macon, and Columbus sent there also? This place can be supplied from points above on Mississippi Central and Mobile and Ohio Railroads.

THEO. Johnston,

Major and Commissary of Subsistence.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Major THEO. Johnston:

Let stores at Meridian, Macon, and Columbus remain there, and continue to accumulate them at those points.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 4, 1863.

Major THEO Johnston:

Impress all the bacon and beef you can get, and send it here at once.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

OKOLONA, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The dispatch concerning Forrest just received. Would it not be best to unite the Confederate cavalry of this district with mine, and move to meet and co-operate with Forrest? Please answer immediately, as forage is scarce, and your answer will determine my direction.

JAMES R. CHALMERS.

OKOLONA, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

From Rocky Fork I could not cross Mud Creek, and had to go below Pontotoc for forage. I moved toward Okolona, where the enemy was reported to be. Made forced marches, and was starting again at 2 o'clock this morning when General Ruggles informed me the enemy was gone. My horses and men need rest very much.

JAMES R. CHALMERS.

OKOLONA, May 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

I have been unable to overtake the enemy. I am now proceeding to Verona, to attack a body of enemy reported at 500 strong at Tupelo last