Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.

Colonel [EDWARD] HIGGINS,

Commanding River Batteries:

COLONEL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you prohibit any further firing at the mortar-boats of the enemy, it being regarded as a useless expenditure of ammunition.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.

Colonel EDWARD HIGGINS,

Commanding,&c.:

COLONEL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say you will send no men over the river to-night except a scout. A signal dispatch was intercepted from Admiral Farragut, showing that he anticipated an attack on the mortar-boats.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MOORE'S BRIGADE, May 23, 1863.

Major MEMMINGER,
Assistant Adjutant-GENERAL:

SIR: I have the honor to send to the lieutenant-general commanding a stand of colors taken yesterday by the SECOND Regiment Texas Infantry during the first charge on the right of my line, about 11 a. m. The color-bearer was taken with the colors and sent to you last night.

He belonged to the Ninety- NINTH Illinois.

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

JNO. C. MOORE.

DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, May 23, 1863.

Major R. W. MEMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-GENERAL:

MAJOR: I have the honor to forward a color captured on the evening of the 19th instant by the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Regiment, Shoup's brigade, being the first colors captured from the enemy on his assaulting this city, FIFTY-two stand of arms were picked up and secured in its immediate vicinity and some 10 prisoners captured.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. L. SMITH.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.

Major General C. L. STEVENSON:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding direct me to inform you that the enemy are erecting batteries with the intention of enfilading a portion of the line of Generals Shoup and Hebert, and at the same time they will probably make a heavy assault. You will, therefore, have to support the line of Generals Moore and Lee, and you are directed to hold a portion of your command in reserve for that purpose.