the mounted force at my disposal is totally inadequate to prevent a repetition of just such a raid. Captain Harrison, who you informed me, under date of 30th of March, had eight companies which would be assigned to me if I could arm them, turns out to have none, as officially reported me by Major [J. D.] Bradford, assistant inspector-general, who was sent into WEST Tennessee to inspect and muster them into service. An Alabama regiment of cavalry, under Colonel [J.] Cunningham, sent up to the northern counties at my request by Major-General Buckner, had just arrived with less than half his men armed, as I am informed. Barteau's command gallantly fought and repulsed a column of the enemy at Birmingham, and this raid returned to Corinth, whence it came. Chalmers was occupied with another column from Memphis, moving by the Hernando road, but there was no force to oppose to Grierson's, a well-equipped and well-mounted force. He has studiously avoided meeting our infantry, and, when last heard from was at Brookhaven, I presume en route to join General Banks at Baton Rouge.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, April 29, 1863.

General, A. BUFORD, Meridian:

Arm the mounted men at Aberdeen, and supply them with 40 rounds of ammunition from the stores now at Meridian, and cover the whole by requisition, sending them to this office for approval, taking receipts of proper officers for arms and ammunition.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, April 29, 1863.

Brigadier General John S. BOWEN, Grand Gulf:

Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, of Twentieth Mississippi Regiment, moves from here to-night with 50 mounted men to join you. Major Bradford, a good artillery officer, has left for your headquarters.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

PORT HUDSON, April 29, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Effective infantry, 8,600; artillery, 1,700, and cavalry, 1,400, including Ponchatoula force.

FRANK. GARDNER.

JACKSON, April 29, 1863.

Brigadier-General RUGGLES, Columbus, MISS.:

You misconceived my telegram. It implied, and was meant to imply, confidence and trust.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, MISS., April 29, 1863.

General [M. L.] SMITH, Vicksburg:

Send to-night to Grand Gulf projectiles and powder for 32-pounder rifle and 8-inch naval guns. Have telegraphed twice to General Stevenson. Received no reply; suppose he is not there. Answer.

J. C. PEMBERTON.