Island, and having her masts taken down she would not be seen from outside sufficient to recognize her. At that point I may be able to assist Captain Barney with the Sappers and Miners to fit near out as the major-general commanding desires.

Since my residence in Galveston (February last) there have been several days with such state of the atmosphere that a sortie, as suggested by the major-general commanding, would have in all probability succeeded.

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

V. SULAKOWSKI,

Chief Engineer.

PORT HUDSON, April 3, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

I is reported that the enemy have only one division at Baton Rouge. The rest are at Plaquemine, Donaldsonville, and New Orleans. Rumored movement toward Texas.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General.

JACKSON, April 4, 1863.

Major-General GARDNER,

Port Hudson:

As the enemy is not threatening you I want Rust's brigade sent here at once. Say when he will be at Osyka.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

PORT HUDSON, April 4, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Rust's brigade will start to-morrow, but his wagons come to Clinton.

FRANK. GARDNER,

Major-General.

JACKSON, April 4, 1863.

Major-General GARDNER,

Port Hudson:

Let General Rust take all infantry he brought to Port Hudson if you can spare it.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., April 4, 1863.

Major General S. B. BUCKNER,

Commanding:

GENERAL: The Chief of Ordnance has telegraphed your ordnance