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time, that the order must have originated from the proper source, and consequently, did not feel authorized to countermand the order to prevent the order passing up the line to the fort, in the same way in which it had reached me. And no order could have been of any avail in counteracting the consequences, as the act had already been consummated, and the enemy had taken advantage of it before it came to my knowledge. As no white flags were displayed from the right of Wilks' Regiment to the fort, the enemy's batteries kept up their fire on this part of the line for some minutes after all firing had ceased on the left, and until they had taken possession of the fort.

Both the officers and men of the command (with but few excep- tions) exhibited commendable coolness and courage throughout the engagement. Much credit is due Lieutenant-Colonels Swearengen, of the 24th Texas Cavalry, and Nieland of the 25th, and Major Phil- lips, of the 6th Texas Regiment, for the prompt and gallant manner in which they led the reinforcements from their respective regiments, ordered from the right to the extreme left of our line, under the heaviest fire. The officers of my staff did effective service in their respective departments.

Lieutenant Marsh, of the 6th Texas Infantry, acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant Hunter, of the 24th Texas Cav- alry (dismounted), acting Aide de-camp, afforded me great assistance in the prompt transmission of orders to different parts of the line, under the hottest fire.

CASUALTIES.

6th Texas Infantry, killed 8, wounded 24, missing 21; 24th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), killed 12, wounded 17, missing 25; 25th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), killed 2, wounded 8; Hart's Battery, killed 3, wounded 13, missing 22; Denson's Cavalry, wounded 2. Total, killed 25, wounded 64, missing 68; total, killed, wounded and missing, 157. All the horses pertaining to Hart's Battery were either killed or wounded.

From all the evidence that I can obtain on the subject of the white flag, which thus treacherously deceived the command, it was raised in Wilks' 2^th Regiment of Texas Cavalry (dismounted), and the interest of the service, as well as justice, demands a thorough inves- tigation at the earliest date practicable.

R. R. GARLAND,

Colonel 6th Texas Infantry, Commanding ist Brigade, Army of Lower Arkansas and White River.