If, however, this building or any other be needed for a hospital, it must be taken; but really, in my heart, I do not see what possible chance there is, under present circumstances, of filling with patients the two large hospitals now in use, besides the one asked for.

I may, however, be mistaken in the particular building asked for by Dr.Derby, and will go myself to see.
The fort is progressing well, Captain Jenney having arrived.
Sixteen heavy guns are received, with a large amount of shot and shell, but the platforms are not yet ready; still, if occasion should arise for dispatch, I can put a larger force to work.
Captain Prime, when here, advised that the work should proceed regularly under the proper engineer officers and laborers.
I am, etc., W.T.SHERMAN, Major-General commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, September 4, 1862 Colonel J.C, KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the army, Washington, D.C.
DEAR COLONEL: Please acknowledge to the major-general commanding the receipt by me of his letter, and convey to him my assurances that I have promptly modified my first instructions about cotton, so as to conform to his orders.

Trade in cotton is now free, but in all else I endeavor so to control it that the enemy shall receive no contraband goods, or any aid or comfort; still I feel sure that the officers of steamboats are sadly tempted by high prices to land salt and other prohibited articles at waypoints along the river.

This, too, in time will be checked.

All seems well here and hereabout; no large body of the enemy within striking distance.