Operations in Trans-Mississippi Department in June, 1863.
[Our readers will be glad to see the following reports, which have never been published, and which will be followed by other reports of the Trans-Mississippi Department.]
Report of General E. Kirby Smith.
Headquarters Department Trans-Mississippi,
Shreveport, La., June 17, 1863.
General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond, Va.:
General—I have the honor to forward herewith Major-General Taylor's report of the operations of his forces in North Louisiana from the 3d to the 8th of June. I respectfully call the attention of the War Department to the ability and energy displayed, by that gallant officer in the discharge of his duties as District Commander.
Major-General Walker's division, Tappan's brigade, together with Colonel Harrison's and Colonel Bartlett's commands of the cavalry, are still in the country opposite Vicksburg. Major-General Taylor, with his forces in lower Louisiana, is personally superintending the operations on this side of the Mississippi, for the relief of Port Hudson. He has been instructed to throw provisions into Port Hudson and Vicksburg whenever it is possible to do so. Under my instructions he has placed himself in communication with General Johnston, and he will use every effort to co-operate with him in his operations for the defence and relief of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.
I have the honor to be, General, your obedient servant,
E. Kirby Smith,
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
The original, of which the foregoing is a copy, bears the following endorsement, to wit:
Headquarters Trans-Mississippi Department,
Shreveport, June 17, 1863.
E. Kirby Smith, Lieutenant-General Commanding.
General Taylor's Report.
Forwarding Major-General Taylor's report of the operations of his forces in North Louisiana, from 3d to 8th June, 1863.
Received Adjutant and Inspector-General's office July 6, 1863.
Respectfully submitted to Secretary of War.
H. L. Clay, Assistant Adjutant- General.
Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office, July 8, 1863.
