direct a vigilant lookout to be kept by all the vessels, and co-operate with you to prevent his passage of the forts at every hazard.

Your request respecting the report of the bad condition of the engines of the Mosher will claim my attention as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding C. S. Naval Forces Lower Mississippi.

Brigadier General JOHNSON K. DUNCAN,

Commanding Coast Defenses at Fort Jackson, La.

[Inclosure G.]

CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER LOUISIANA, Off Fort Jackson, La., April 22, 1862.

GENTLEMEN: The steamers Mosher and Belle Algerine having been represented as being unfit for service, you will please to examine them carefully without delay, and report to me in duplicate their condition. In the performance of this duty please state the cause of any damage you may discover, with such recommendations as in your judgment you may deem proper.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding C. S. Naval Forces Lower Mississippi.

Lieutenant HUGER,

Asst. Engr., Commanding C. S. Steamer McRae, off Fort Jackson, La.

P. S.-Lieutenant Huger will fill up the blanks with the names of the two engineers he thinks most suitable for the service belonging to the McRae.

J. K. M.

CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER LOUISIANA, April 22, 1862.

SIR: In obedience to your order we have held a survey upon the steamer Belle Algerine and the tug Mosher. The latter has, we think, loosened the after-bearing of her shaft. This we can, I think, obviate in a few hours. The Belle Algerine leaks badly in the bows, from two holes knocked in her, the captain reports, while working at the raft and also while landing guns at Fort Saint Philip. This we can also remedy, and are now doing so. I trust by to-night both vessels will be service-able.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. B. HUGER,

Commanding the McRae.

SAMUEL BROCK,

Senior Engineer McRae.

GENERAL: Above you will see the report on the vessels reported to you as unfit for service. I send it for your information.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding C. S. Naval Forces.

Brigadier General JOHNSON K. DUNCAN,

Commanding Coast Defenses.