intention to take Jackson. I myself heard drums northeast of this place three hours since. No enemy have appeared here to-day. Will send out a scout to-night.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

THOS. M. SCOTT,

Colonel, Twelfth Louisiana.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF Mississippi AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Vicksburg, May 11, 1863.

Major General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you will immediately relieve General Buford by placing a portion of your command in the position he now holds. The movements of the enemy on the other side of Big Black render it necessary that this be promptly carried out.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF Mississippi AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Vicksburg, May 11, 1863.

Major General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding,&c.:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say to you that he has received information from General Loring that there is a strong force opposite Baldwin's Ferry, and that it is probable the movement purported about to be made against Jackson is in reality against Big Black Bridge, in co-operation with the force opposite Baldwin's Ferry, and that in such an event you will be prepared to act in conjunction with General Loring.

I am, general, very respectfully, &c.,

F. M. STAFFORD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FORCES ON THE RIGHT, R. Gibson's, May 11, 1863.

Major MEMMINGER,
Assistant Adjutant-GENERAL:

MAJOR: A prisoner just brought in reports that he belonged to the wagon guard of the train of the THIRD DIVISION of the troops now advancing on Jackson. He represents two DIVISIONS as being in advance of his own, and the whole army in motion for Jackson. He represents the force as 40,000.

I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. STEVENSON.

[P. S.]-I do not know the circumstances under which he was taken. He may have been sent on.

Vicksburg, May 11, 1863.

Major-General STEVENSON:

I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that he informed you this evening, through General Loring, that he [Loring]