Two divisions under A.J.Smith had been sent to Banks in Louisiana some months before.

Sherman ordered these back, with directions to attack Forrest.

Smith met and defeated him very badly.

I then directed that Smith should hang to Forrest and not let him go; and to prevent by all means his getting upon the Memphis and Nashville Railroad.

Sherman had anticipated me in this matter, and given the same orders in substance; but receiving my directions for this order to Smith, he repeated it.
On the 25th of June General Burnside had commenced running a mine from about the centre of his front under the Confederate works confronting him.