J. H. Hammond to H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, January 13, 1863

January 13, 1863.

No. 4 ; Post Arkansas, January 13, 1863.

This corps will make preparation to re-embark on the transports as near as possible at the place where we landed, viz, just below Notrib’s farm.

General Steele will move his command back to that point by the route he came, leaving one regiment on picket to destroy the cantonment now held by him when he received written orders from General Sherman to that effect ; he will also leave a regiment to destroy the enemy’s rifle-pits from our extreme right toward our left.

General Stuart will move his division back along the river bank, leaving one regiment as a picket and working party, to report to Captain Jenney, of the Engineers, who is charged with the destruction of the rifle-pits carried by our corps. This work should be done by night and all details called in and assembled at the point of embarkation. The boats will be ordered to drop down to their places as soon as the new assignment is complete.

Wagons, horses, and all camp equipage will be put on board to-night, and the men embarked at daylight to-morrow ready to make a new move.

By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MEMPHIS, TENN., January 14, 1863—12.30 a. m.

I learn by special messenger sent to the fleet in Arkansas that it will

be fifteen days before they can act efficiently again. I had hoped to

get off early next week, but will have to defer until all things are ready.

I will go down to the fleet in a day or two, and by consultation with