given to send all the boats that can be controlled. It is impossible to do more than has been done.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 24, 1863.

General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

Notify at Rodney and Natchez if either of the Federal gunboats passes down, as my object is that boats may run from Red River into

Big Black with subsistence.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 24, 1863.

G. W. KOONTZ, Natchez:

Send courier up Red River to notify the boats Charm, Texas, and J. H. Tucker that I wish them to go up Big Black. They should stop at Rodney, and obtain all information in regard to movements of Federal gunboats.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 24, 1863.

General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

I have ordered the boats Charm, Texas, and J. H. Tucker, loaded with subsistence, up Big Black River.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 25, 1863.

Major-General STEVENSON, Vicksburg, MISS.:

The Charm is at Natchez, loaded with meat. Can she run for Big Black with safety? Answer immediately, and, if so, telegraph Lieutenant-Colonel [W. S.] Lovell at Natchez.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

JACKSON, March 25, 1863.

Brigadier-General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

The Charm is at Natchez, loaded with meat. Will it be safe to lather run up to Big Black? If so, telegraph Lieutenant Colonel W. S. Lovell at Natchez. Answer immediately.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.