Natchez, at this time, was in my command, and was held by a strong division, commanded by Brigadier-General J.W.Davidson.

In the Diana we stopped at Natchez, and I made a hasty inspection of the place.

I sent for Boyd, who was in good health, but quite dirty, and begged me to take him out of prison, and to effect his exchange.

I receipted for him; took him along with me to New Orleans; offered him money, which he declined; allowed him to go free in the city; and obtained from General Banks a promise to effect his exchange, which was afterward done.

Boyd is now my legitimate successor in Louisiana, viz., President of the Louisiana University, which is the present title of what had been the Seminary of Learning.