J. Morris Haff to Joun H. Clybourn, September 5, 1864

Maj. Joun H. CLYBoURN, Commanding Post, Napoleonville, La. :

Sir: The general commanding is satisfied from information in his possession that the enemy are preparing forces in the neighborhood of Franklin fora raid on Painecourtville or Napoleonville, and directs that you send out a force immediately to scour the country about Grand River, Bayou Natchez, Bayou Pigeon, and Grand Lake, to destroy all boats or pirogues that may in any way serve to transport the enemy across those streams. You will keep your command concentrated and well in hand, and should they by any means get across the bayous, attack them at once, if necessary, with your whole force and send to him immediately for re-enforcements, being always careful to maintain your lines of retreat on Bayou La Fourche open and practicable. If hard pressed fall back toward Thibodeaux, but if that is impracticable retreat to the fort at Donaldsonville. The general commanding directs that you promptly inform him of any movements of the enemy that come to your knowledge, or of any collision you may have with them, so that he may re-enforce you if necessary. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,