Richard Taylor to E. Surge, July 14, 1863

Maj. E. SURGE, Assistant Adjutant-General :

MAgsor: Your dispatches of the 10th and 11th came to hand. I had received from New Orleans uews of the fall of Vicksburg. I trust the doubts you express may be weli founded. Port Hudson surrendered on the 9th [Sth] instant literally from starvation, The plan I had arranged for an attack on New Orleans fell through as soon as I was advised that [J. G. Walker’s division would not join me. My active force, not including the garrison of this place, is less than 4,000. That the plan referred to would have succeeded any time before the 9th instant, I do not entertain the slightest doubt. Whether the city could have been held is another question. The fall of Port Hudson and the almost certain fate of Vicksburg render my present.position in the La Fourche extremely hazardous, and not to be justified on any military grounds. The defenses of this bay are far from satisfactory, and the entrance of a hostile fleet would ruin my little army. Theenemy will doubtless throw troops across the Atchafalaya at Morgan’s Ferry, 28 miles from Washington. He has already a brigade in the Grossetéte. I cannot hope to unite with the forces now in Northern Louisiana, and the whole country between this point and Monroe is open.

Since the communications of General Johnston led me to look forward to the fall of Vicksburg, I have been forming depots on the line from Lafayette to Niblett’s Bluff. In case I abandon this country I expect to follow this line, and you will lay your plans regarding the limited amount of public property at Alexandria accordingly. I send to-day a staff officer to Morgan’s Ferry, to watch and report the enemy’s movements. The reports will be forwarded also to you. You will take steps to secure early and accurate information of the enemy’s movements on Lower Red River and at Simsport.

Where is General [C. J.] Polignac’s brigade? Is it armed and ready for service? At junction of the Huffpower and Beuf, or on the latter near Washington, as the enemy may move, would be the place for it. Communicate the contents of this to department headquarters. I have no staff officer with me, and am fatigued and jaded beyond description.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,