lines and river front; no reserves. I do not think you should move with less than 30,000 or 35,000, and then, if possible, toward Snyder's Mill, giving me notice of the time of your approach. The enemy encompass my lines from right to left flank, occupying all roads. He has three corps; Sherman on my left, McPherson center, McClernand on my right, and Hurlbut's DIVISION, from Memphis, and Ellect's Marine Brigade(the last afloat). Enemy has made several assaults. My men are in good spirits, awaiting your arrival. Since investment, we have lost about 1,000 men; many officers. You may depend on my holding the place as long as possible. On the 27th, we sank one of their best iron-clad gunboats.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 29, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN, Comdg. DIVISION, Vicksburg:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you move Brigadier-General Green's brigade to such a point that it may support Sterling's battery upon our river front, which is now threatened with an attack from Ellet's Marine Brigade. You will direct the movement yourself.

I am, general, very respectfully,
H. C. TUPPER,

Aide-de-Camp.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 29, 1863.

General BOWEN:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to advise you that he has ordered Brigadier-General Green's brigade, of your DIVISION, to be thrown up near Sterling's battery, in order that it may be in position to support any point on our river front which may be assailed, an event which the movements of the enemy in the river indicate as probable and early.

I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,

W. H. McCARDLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 29, 1863.

Major General MARTIN L. SMITH, commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say it is probable that Ellet's Marine Brigade, just come down the river, may endeavor to assault Hoadley's battery on your left. He desires that you have a regiment in readiness to move to that point promptly in case such assault should be made.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, May 29, 1863.

Major R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-GENERAL:

MAJOR: I have the honor to again request that the SEVENTEENTH Louisiana be returned to my command, in order that there may be