I had opposed the movement strenuously, but acquiesced because it was the order of my superior at the time.

By direction of Halleck I had reinforced Banks with a corps of about ten thousand men from Sherman's command.

This reinforcement was wanted back badly before the forward movement commenced.

But Banks had got so far that it seemed best that he should take Shreveport on the Red River, and turn over the line of that river to Steele, who commanded in Arkansas, to hold instead of the line of the Arkansas.

Orders were given accordingly, and with the expectation that the campaign would be ended in time for Banks to return A.J.