J. H. Hammond to H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Ohief, October 24, 1862

Jackson, October 24, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded to Headquarters of the Army for the information of the general-in-chief, embodying as it does a policy, which I approve but have given no order for, in regard to treatment of rebel families as a punishment to prevent firing into boats; also to show the vondition of the Helena force, and for the general information contained therein. U. 8S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS, \ Hpars. First Diy., Dist. oF WEsT TENN., No. 283. Memphis, October 18, 1862.

The Forty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Walcutt, will embark to-night on board of steamboat, , and before daylight drop down to a point on the Arkansas shore about 15 miles below this, near Elm Grove PostOffice, and there disembark, He will then proceed to destroy all the houses, farms, and corn fields from that point up to Hopefield. The boat, will follow him up and communicate with him at such points as he can reach the shore. He will keep an account and exoupt from the execution of this order ull parties that he may have reason to believe have not been rendezvousing the guerrillas. This is done to let the guerrillas who attacked the Catahoula feel that certain destruction awaits the country for firing on steamboats engaged in carrying supplies needed by the planters between Memphis and Helena. Major Taylor will send a section of artillery along, subject to Colonel Walcutt’s order.

The quartermaster will at once provide a suitable steamboat to drop down to the fort by sunset.

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

Assistant-A djutant- General.

JACKSON, TENN., October 19, 1862.

We have Falkner, 3 of his officers, and 12 men. How shall they be

treated? They claim to be regulars in the army and entitled to exchange. I think the officers at least should be held.

Major-General.