found nothing with them. It is worthy of note that the person who was robbed did not come to Plaquemine to identify the person or persons who robbed him. I believe the report has been got up by parties at Plaquemine interested in the speculation trade that is carried on there.

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

R. BARRETT,

Captain, Commanding Post.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, February 18, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the general commanding the department, and reference called to trade to and from Plaquemine.

EDWARD L. MOLINEUX,
Colonel, Commanding.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., February 20, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Colonel Sheldon, commanding U. S. forces at Plaquemine, La., through Brigadier-General Cooke, for explanation and report.

By command of Major-General Banks:

RICHD. B. IRWIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Third indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS, Baton Rouge, La., February 25, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Colonel Sheldon for explanation and report.

By command of Brigadier General P. St. George Cooke:

GEO. W. DURGIN, JR.,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Fourth indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Plaquemine, La., February 25, 1864.

I do not quite understand upon what subject I am to report. Captain Barrett came here, as he says. I gave it as my opinion that he could not return by the route he names. He informed me that he had found out he could; that the water had not flooded the road. He said he would like to go to Grossetete. I told him I would send other side of Bayou Grossetete, above Indian Village, for lumber, he could go to Rosedale and recross on the flats I should have there for the use of my party. On investigation I learned that there were but 20 of my horses fit for his contemplated expedition, and received information that three companies of Texas had come down near