Reconnaissance of fleet passed below Vicksburg night of [16th]: Two iron-clads, eight guns; one iron-clad, nine guns; one iron-clad, ten guns; one iron-clad, eleven guns; one iron-clad, thirteen guns; one iron-clad, unknown; one iron-clad ram, three guns in iron casemate in front; one small tug, two large transports, and one barge, heavily laden. They are 1 mile below New Carthage.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

MOBILE, April 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The troops passed through on Saturday. They left on their return yesterday morning for this place. They will be hurried on.

S. B. BUCKNER.

GRAND GULF, April 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Everything ready, as far as means permit. Reports from enemy give his fleet over sixty guns, including some on transports. All busy above, repairing damages. General [M. E.] Green is here. Shall I assume command of DIVISION, or regard him as temporarily attached to post?

JNO. S. BOWEN.

JACKSON, April 20, 1863.

General BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

Take command of DIVISION, but retain command of your brigade. I look upon Grand Gulf as more to defend Big Black than to prevent passage down. Fire only deliberately.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, April 20, 1863.

Brigadier-General BUFORD, Montgomery:

Bring your force to this point as quickly as possible.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

SELMA, April 20, 1863.

General J. C. PEMBERTON:

Telegram received: am moving with all possible dispatch.

A. BUFORD.

SELMA, April 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

All troops have passed this point except Twelfth Louisiana and Thirty-FIFTH Alabama. Twelfth Louisiana left Atlanta last evening. Thirty-FIFTH Alabama left Chattanooga this morning. THIRD and Seventh Kentucky left Mobile yesterday evening.

A. BUFORD.

JACKSON, April 20, 1863.

Brigadier-General RUGGLES, Columbus:

I hear from several sources, but not your headquarters, that enemy is approaching Pontotoc. This is a mere raid, but should not be unmolested by you.

J. C. PEMBERTON.