HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 19, 1863.

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

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say to you that, if you are certainly threatened, the movement of your reserve regiments will not be made, nor will they be concentrated.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. M. STAFFORD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 19, 1863.

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

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to call your attention to the vital importance of having a strong guard over the ordnance depot near the line of defense. You will, if it has not already been done, detail a company, under a vigilant commissioned officer, for that duty. The strictest watch will be kept, and no one allowed to come near except the proper officer on business.

Very respectfully, &c.,

F. M. STAFFORD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 19, 1863.

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

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs the movements of your reserve brigades or regiments, before indicated, take place so as to be in supporting distance of either General Forney or General Smith before daylight in the morning. The brigade must be a reliable one. You were instructed in the last communication to you to move one brigade a mile to the left, so as to be in supporting distance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. M. STAFFORD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP, near Vernon, MISS., May 19, 1863.

Major-General GARDNER,

Commanding Port Hudson:

GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Pemberton has been compelled to fall back to Vicksburg and abandon Haynes' Bluff, so that your position is no longer valuable. It is important, also, that all the troops in the department should be concentrated as soon as possible. Evacuate Port Hudson forthwith, and move with your troops toward Jackson, to join other troops which I am uniting; bring all the field pieces that you have, with their ammunition, and the means of transportation. Heavy guns and their ammunition had better be destroyed, as well as the other property you may be unable to remove.

In approaching Jackson endeavor to get information of the enemy. Should he prevent your approach to Jackson, cross Pearl River, and go to the railroad.

Lieutenant-General Pemberton suffered very severely in an action near Edwards Depot on the 16th. On the following day was compelled