E. Surget to E. KtrsBy Smitn, May 30, 1863

Lieut. Gen. E. KtrsBy Smitn, Commanding Department of the Trans-Mississippi :

GENERAL: General Taylor, who left at early dawn yesterday morning for the Washita River, informed me that you desired me to address you an occasional unofficial communication, detailing such news as might reach this post.

In compliance, I have the honor to forward the accompanying extras, the last received. Since the beginning of the Yankee raid in Mississippi and the interruption of communication, I have had a secret agent at Brookhaven, on the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad. He writes under date of the 25th, confirming the reported rupture between the United States and England. France has joined with England, and the combined fleets have been ordered to rendezvous at Halifax. It is true that all French and English subjects have been ordered to leave New Orleans. He further states that on the 23d, Grant was repulsed in front of Vicksburg seven times, with great slaughter to the enemy. General Johnston was at Jack son, being heavily re-enforced. General Lee was reported to bein possession of Arlington Heights, and about to advance on Washington. A gentleman who has recently run the blockade into Mobile is reported to have said that he saw at Martinique fourteen Confederate vessels of war receiving their crew and armaments. I know this gentleman well, and if he really said so, the information can be relied upon, and will probably account for the presence of the monitor fleet off the Balize.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient