inform me what position relative to yours it is desirable for him to take. I will ask that a regiment of cavalry be ordered to report to you. Give all diligence to the execution of this order, and report progress at short intervals.

Very respectfully,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General, Commanding.

(Copy to General Cameron.)

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Alexandria, La., May 5, 1864.

Brigadier General M. K. LAWLER,

Commanding Expedition:

GENERAL: I will be out to camp in the morning. You will report to me at the earliest practicable period concerning your expedition of to-day, and all that pertains to it. I expect, however, to see you before it is completed.

Respectfully, yours,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Alexandria, La., May 5, 1864.

Brigadier-General DWIGHT,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: For several days I have been very sick, yet in view of the armed demonstrations mean time ordered by the general commanding the department, I did not feel at liberty to withdraw my headquarters from the body of my forces; but now, since the successful issue of those demonstrations, I will, in compliance with the urgent entreaty of my physician, take a house in town for two or three days, still keeping up official communications with my command, if there be no objection. I trust the exemption from personal interviews in camp for three or four days will suffice to restore my health.

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

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General, Commanding.

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

Major General JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general accepts with pleasure the suggestion contained in your letter regarding the change of your headquarters to town. He wishes me to say that any arrangements