MOBILE, ALA., April 24, 1865.
Brig. Gen. W. P. BENTON,
Commanding at Nanna Hubba Bluff:
GENERAL: At Citronelle, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, about eighteen miles southwest of your present position, is a rebel picket of some eighty men, under Colonel Spence, three locomotives, and some cars. At Chunchula, twelve miles below, is another engine and other railroad stock. All the above mentioned pickets and property must be captured. For this object I send you 250 cavalry; this with what you have with you will be made ready at once, and by a night’s march endeavor to surprise Citronelle at daylight, capture Colonel Spence and command, and then move down the railroad to Chunchula, thence to Whistler. It may perhaps be well to strike the railroad simultaneously at or near Deer Park, so as to prevent the escape of any trains below. Another column will leave Spring Hill on Wednesday morning for Leakesville to cut Spence off in case he retreats in that direction. I will try to send up an engine on Thursday to assist in hauling down such railroad stock as your cavalry may succeed in capturing.
I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
G. GRANGER,
Major- General, Commanding.
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HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Maj. JAMES P. CURELL, April 26, 1865.
Assistant Exchange Officer, C. S. Army:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a mounted party of our troops stationed up the river has captured Citronelle and broken the railroad track north of it. The officer in charge of the party was at the time not apprised of your presence below, and that the engine and car were a part of your flag. He has received orders to leave a safeconduct at Citronelle and have everything prepared again for your use, and to respect your escort wherever he may meet you while he moves down from the railroad terminus.
Very respectfully,
P. JOS. OSTERHAUS,
Chief of Staff.
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David Upton