direction of Brownsville, and from its distinctness may not be more distant than near Bayou Meto. I suppose you have heard it already.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. M. FROST,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, August 25, 1863.

Brigadier-General FROST,
Commanding Division:

GENERAL: Make the necessary disposition fro a battle. Have the negroes sent back to this side of the river in time. Put a strong guard at the brigade and boats until Tappan can relieve it. The general will start to the front soon.

Yours,

THOS. J. SNEAD,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,] Shreveport, La., August 26, 1863.

Major General STERLING PRICE,

Little Rock, Ark.:

General [William] Steele has been re-enforced by General Bankhead's brigade. He should not fall back unless compelled. His line of retreat depends upon your movements; if not required in any other direction, it should be toward Bonham, in order to cover Northern Texas.

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 26, 1863.

Major General RICHARD TAYLOR,
Commanding District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria, La.:

GENERAL: By direction of Lieutenant-General Smith, I inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch just received.* He also directs me to say General Price is engaged with a superior force of the enemy near Little Rock,and disposition to meet this force will be made by you with your command.

I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

S. S. ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 26, 1863.

Major General RICHARD TAYLOR,
Commanding District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria, La.:

GENERAL: By telegram from General Price,information has been received that the enemy is advancing in force upon Little Rock. Yesterday

---------------

*Not found.

---------------