E. Kirby Smith to Richard Taylor, May 29, 1863

Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding, &e.:

GENERAL: Colonel [S. S.] Anderson brings information that a brigade is on its march to Camden, and that transportation to Monroe from Camden had been telegraphed for. General Holmes was ordered to communicate with General Hébert, and to order this brigade to Monroe, if needed there.

It is possible that the transportation of your forces may require all the steamboats on the Washita. You can then send the boats, as soon as you can spare them, for this brigade. On its arrival at Monroe, it will be subject to your orders, in your operations toward Bayou Vidal. After the completion of your operations, this brigade will remain in Northern Louisiana, in the vicinity of Monroe. If the enemy undertake the siege of Vicksburg, the garrison at Vicksburg will need supplies. General Smith suggests that you should spare no effort to throw any supplies captured into Vicksburg.

By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: