preparation of the enemy we may expect Forts Morgan, Gaines, &c., to be cut off, and even reduced. If the noncombatants will go away and leave me the place I should feel very little anxiety; but these people are to Virginians; they do not desire their city to be defended, and unless they see a pretty formidable force coming in here they will give me much trouble during my preparations. I am confident of receiving succor in time, but the length and exposed condition of my communications keeps me anxious, and I am only as "cool" as may be expected. God bless and prosper your arms. I feel absolutely confident you will beat Smith.

Your friend, sincerely,

DABNEY H. MAURY.

P. S. -Have you sent to urge Kirby Smith to co-operate with us?

D. H. M.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.] Abstract of field return of troops in the District of the Gulf:

Bri- Sta- Effectives Aggregate Aggregate Remarks

gades tions present

and

absent

Brigad Bay 1,180 1,420 1,713 All

ier forts artillery

Genera except 21st

l R. Alabama

L. Regiment and

Page two

's companies

brigad 7th Alabama

e Cavalry

Brigad Mobile 1,518 1,875 3,126 Is included

ier in General

Genera Higgins'

l E. brigade the

Higgin 1st

s' Louisiana

brigad and 1st

e MISSISSIPPI

Artillery,

now with

General S.

D. Lee, also

the local

troops, 472

effectives

Colone Pollard 838 938 1,345 Includes

l five

Patton companies

's 15th

brigad Confederate

e Regiment,

since

ordered to

Mobile 409

effectives.

DABNEY H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

MOBILE, ALA., JULY 10, 1864.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.] Memorandum of return of provisions received, issued, and remaining on hand at Mobile, Ala., from the 16th to 30th of June, 1864, by Captain H. Bright, acting commissary subsistence.

Bacon Flour Corn meal Tallow Fodder

candles

Pounds Pounds Pounds Pounds Pounds

Balance on 385,219 143,731 37,909 3,479 1,725

hand as

per last

return

Receipts 416,590 122,705 982,010 1,750 15,200

Total to 801,809 266,436 1,019,919 5,229 16,925

be

accounted

for

Issued 48,159 61,351 982,010 50 . . . .

. .

Remaining 753,650 205,085 37,909 5,179 16,925

on hand

Rye Dried beef

Pounds Pounds

Balance on hand as per last return 86,487 1,971

Receipts 3,654 . . . . .

. . .

Total to be accounted for 90,141 1,971

Issued 1,729 . . . . .

. . .

Remaining on hand 88,412 1,971