into Mississippi. Order repeated to-day. This department cannot furnish the cavalry force you ask for. Tell me by telegraph, numbers in cipher, the location and strength of your cavalry.

J. E. Johnston.

TULLAHOMA, May 6, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Let me know the location of your troops, number, and places, in cipher.

J. E. Johnston.

TULLAHOMA, May 6, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The War Department directs that General [T. H.] Taylor remain on duty under you after being relieved by General [A.] Cumming in the command of his brigade.

J. E. Johnston.

Vicksburg, May 6, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN, Bovina:

The engineer at Big Black will be subject to your order. Major Lockett is employed elsewhere. Lay outworks as you deem proper.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

EDWARDS DEPOT, May 6, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

According to your instructions, I started for Grand Gulf by way of Willow Springs, but found the enemy in possession of the road, and turned back and started for Hall's Ferry, on Big Black. Getting within about 2 miles of the ferry, I met with a party of 4 scouts, and soon discovered the enemy's cavalry. They charged and routed me. I have 13 men MISSING, but think only a few are killed or captured. On the 4th, my advance was fired into by a party of our own men, wounding 4. I captured 3 Federals near Grindstone. My horses are broken down. Sent 9 back to Jackson. What are your orders?

W. L. CROMWELL,

Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment.

PORT HUDSON, May 6, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Your dispatch in cipher is not understood. Send it again, and better send a courier from Brookhaven with duplicate.

FRANK. GARDNER.

PORT HUDSON, May 6, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Gregg's DIVISION ought to reach Brookhaven next Thursday or Friday.

FRANK. GARDNER.