HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND E. La., Bovina, May 13, 1863.

Major General W. W. LORING, Edwards Depot:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you make a reconnaissance of such a character as you may deem proper, to find out where the main force of the enemy is, and in what direction moving. If on Jackson, he thinks his move will be to fall on their rear and cut their communication, but he must have accurate information from you that he can rely on before making this move, which would leave Vicksburg, by way of Big Black Bridge and the ferries, in so critical a position. It is necessary that the lieutenant-general should be informed not only what force has moved on, but the strength of that which is left, and where.

Very respectfully, &c., your obedient servant,
J. C. TAYLOR,

Aide-de-Camp.

HDQRS. LORING'S DIV., near Edwards Depot, May 13, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

We are in line of battle, with the exception of Buford's brigade, which has not yet arrived. Depending upon the force of Stevenson to support our flank and center, of which Buford is to be our extreme right, on the road to Kidd's. Featherston is on the extreme left, extending half mile left of the road, and Bowen in the center, covering the road and the right of it for half a mile.

Respectfully,

W. W. LORING.

BOVINA, May 13, 1863-1. 30 a. m.

Major General C. L. STEVENSON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Hurry up as rapidly as possible with your two brigades to the Big Black Bridge, and place your forces in the trenches. Generals Loring and Bowen will advance.

Very respectfully, &c.,

J. C. TAYLOR,

Aide-de-Camp.

BOVINA, May 13, 1863-1. 30 a. m.

Major-General STEVENSON:

The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you also bring, as quickly as possible to this place, the two brigades at Lanier's.

Very respectfully, &c.,

J. C. TAYLOR,

Aide-de-Camp.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Bovina, May 13, 1863-2 a. m.

Brigadier-General VAUGHN:

The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you move your brigade at once to Big Black Bridge, and occupy the trenches there.

J. C. TAYLOR,
Aide-de-Camp.

EDWARDS DEPOT, May 13, 1863-1. 30 p. m.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Two heavy columns of the enemy moving down the valley on our left, in direction of Raymond road, near the position designed for two of Stevenson's brigades. I think Stevenson will get there in time. Have ordered Scott's Twelfth Louisiana and a battery there, to hold it till Stevenson arrives. This will complete our line, which I think a strong one. The THIRD brigade of Stevenson's will remain at Edwards Depot, equidistant from the different positions, and the fourth will remain near Smith's Station.

W. W. LORING.

EDWARDS DEPOT, May 13, 1863-5 p. m.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Latest information indicates the enemy have moved off from front, and have gone toward Raymond road. Have ordered reconnaissance some time since to ascertain the fact.

W. W. LORING.