RICHMOND, May 7, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Lieutenant-Colonel [S. W.] Ferguson has been appointed to temporary rank of colonel of cavalry, to report to General Ruggles, at Columbus, MISS., for the purpose of bringing into a proper state of organization and taking command of the cavalry now under General Ruggles. The President desires that orders be immediately sent to Colonel Ferguson as above.

S. COOPER.

Vicksburg, May 7, 1863.

Brigadier General John ADAMS, Jackson:

From information received, I have reason to believe the enemy will make a raid on Jackson at the same time they will make attack on Big Black Bridge. Give orders to chiefs of staff departments to move all valuable stores to the east as far as they can be conveniently moved, even if to Alabama.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

Vicksburg, May 7, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN, Bovina, MISS.:

Information received makes it probable that enemy will move on Big Black Bridge, and, when their advance is certain, give information to General Loring, who is directed to re-enforce you.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 7, 1863.

Major General W. W. LORING,
Commanding, &c.:

The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you move to-morrow with your DIVISION and occupy the line between the Baldwin's Ferry and Hall's Ferry road, resting your right at D. Whittaker's; your left at J. Whittaker's.

Very respectfully, &c.,

J. H. MORRISON,

Aide-de-Camp.

Vicksburg, May 7, 1863.

General C. L. STEVENSON,

Commanding, &c.:

I have the honor to inform you that General Loring is directed to keep his present position, as from information received here it is probable enemy will move on Big Black Bridge.

Very respectfully,

J. C. TAYLOR,

Aide-de-Camp.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, Numbers 18. Pontotoc, May 7, 1863.

In case of an engagement with the enemy, the following will be the order of battle, and will, with such instructions as are herewith given