Unknown to Joseph H. E. Johnston, June 10, 1863

General JOSEPH H. E. JOHNSTON:

GmNERAL: Your letter of May 31 has just been received. All the disposable infantry of the department is now opposite Vicksburg, under General Taylor’s command; his force includes General Walker’s division and Tappan’s brigade, just ordered from Arkansas. General Mouton, with his cavalry command and such infantry as could be collected within the district, has been ordered to operate opposite Port Hudson. General Taylor has instructions to spare no exertions in throwing supplies into Vicksburg; he was not to hesitate in crossing his force, if he could effect any good by so doing.

I have but little hopes of affording any assistance to the garrison at Port Hudson; the enemy will draw their supplies by the Mississippi and from Baton Rouge by the opposite bank.

The effective force at my disposal has been ordered to Vicksburg; that is the most important point; the stake there contended for is both the Valley of the Mississippi and the Trans-Mississippi Department. It was supposed Grant would be compelled in part to draw his supplies across the peninsula opposite Vicksburg, and, in the event of disaster, would withdraw at least a portion of his force by the same line. I shall spare no exertions in co-operating with you in the defense of those two important positions.

respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH,