back from Big Black River. I have heard the number variously estimated. None who were competent to judge put them down at less than 2,000 head, and many have stated that they believed there were 4,000 head. Admit, however, that there were but 1,500 head, and that they averaged 300 pounds each, there would have been 450,000 rations, or FIFTEEN days' supply of fresh beef for 30,000 men, at 1 pound to each man.

Vicksburg was invested on the 18th day of May. Presuming there was taken into Vicksburg from Bovina Station and Edwards Depot as much bacon as the army consumed between the 12th and 18th, and taking as a basis on the 18th the report of Mr. Warner of the 12th, there were on that day in Vicksburg-

Bacon, at one-fourth pound per ration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,516,000

Beef on foot, at 1 pound per ration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450,000

Total meat rations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,966,000

which is equivalent to sixty-five days' rations for 30,000 men.

The command surrender on the 4th of July, the troops having been besieged forty-seven days.

A D D E N D A.

Rations in Vicksburg when surrendered, on July 4, 1863, per report of Captain G. A. Woodward, assistant commissary of subsistence.

Rations.

Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76,482

Peas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,400,000

Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523,400

Sugar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 680,666

Soap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96,100

Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,600

Flour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 731

Vicksburg, May 12, 1863.

Major THEO. Johnston:

Supplies at Macon and Columbus need not yet be removed.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

COLDWATER, May 12, 1863-10 p. m.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS:

Dispatch from Colonel [W. C.] Falkner, just received, states the Yankees 2,000 strong, all mounted, have gone south from Buck Snort, on the Oxford road. He also states another force, 3,000 strong, advancing south somewhere east of Buck Snort. The force on the Oxford road have four pieces of artillery. My scouts will report in a few hours. I will advise you.

A. C. EDMONDSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

RICHMOND, May 13, 1863.

General PEMBERTON:

To save time, and give the exchanged prisoners opportunity to prepare for active service in Mississippi hereafter, a temporary exchange was made for an equal number of General Bragg's army. They must be on their way, and should very soon be with you.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.