[525]
nearest communication would be through Raymond.
I wish very much I could join my reenforcements.
Whether it will be most practicable for the reenforcements to come by Raymond (leaving it to the right, if the march cannot be made through Raymond), or to prove them west along the line of railroad (leaving it to the left and south of the line of march) to Bolton's Depot or some other point west of it, you must determine.
In either movement, I should be advised as to the time and road, so that cooperation may be had to enable the reenforcements to come through.
I send you a map of the country, which will furnish you with a correct view of the roads and localities.
Pursuant to the plan laid down in this dispatch, the army was put in motion on the 15th, about 1 P. M., in accordance with the following order, viz.:
Headquarters Department Mississippi and East Louisiana, Edwards's Depot, May 14, 1863.
Special Order, No. —.
This army will move to-morrow morning, 15th instant, in the direction of Raymond, on the military road, in the following order:
Special Order, No. —.
- 1. Colonel Wirt Adams's cavalry will form the advance-guard, keeping at least one mile in advance of the head of the column, throwing out one company in front of his column, and a small detachment in its advance, besides the flankers upon his column, when practicable.
- 2. Loring's division will constitute the right and the advance in the line of march. He will throw a regiment of infantry, with a section of artillery, at least two hundred yards in his front, with a company of infantry at least seventy-five yards in its advance-all with the necessary detachments and flankers.
- 3. Bowen's division will constitute the centre, and will follow the leading division.
- 4. Stevenson's division will constitute the left, bringing up the rear of the column.
