will not leave at least 250 men in his camp. He has been ordered to take possession of the line now held by Colonel Smith, and throw up a defensive work there.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.

Colonel DICKEY,

Commanding Brigade, U. S. Infantry (Colored):

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you advance your command of the line now held by Colonel Smith with two regiments of infantry, being the narrowest point between Red River and the Bayou Rapides. You will take up position there and throw up a defensive work along the line. As soon as you have taken up this new position you will report by letter to these headquarters the fact that you have done so, and any other facts in relation to the position which you may deem of importance.

Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.-Orders have been sent to the officers making details from your command to make on detail which will not leave at least 250 men in your camp. You will fill no details in excess of this.

Respectfully,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.

Colonel WILLIAM H. DICKEY,

Commanding Colored Troops:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to communicate for your information the following extract from the report of Colonel George L. Beal, on duty as commandant of outposts yesterday:

The hedges and trees in front of line on the right, between the river and Bayou Rapides, should be cut down, as the observation is very poor, and they afford shelter for the enemy.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. N. LIEBER,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.

Major General JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to send one regiment of your command to the north side of Red River to cover the building of the dam. The commanding officer should be