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.
General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond, Va.:
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,
headquarters Trans-Mississippi Department, Shreveport, June 17, 1863.Forwarding Major-General Taylor's report of the operations of his forces in North Louisiana, from 3d to 8th June, 1863.
E. Kirby Smith, Lieutenant-General Commanding. General Taylor's Report.Received Adjutant and Inspector-General's office July 6, 1863.
Respectfully submitted to Secretary of War.