I answered General Williams on the 3d; “I received your note by the hand of John Mann [Mahan?], who was in my confidential service. While his information may be relied upon as correct, yet all the inferences which he draws may not be.” I farther gave reasons which I had from the movement of the enemy at Camp Moore that the attack would be delayed. “And while I would not have you relax your vigilance, I think you need fear no assault at present. When it does come I know you will be ready.” On the evening of that day I sent a confidential messenger with a copy of the enemy's order that the attack should be made on August 5 at daybreak, to Williams, with directions to destroy the copy, for if it should fall into the hands of the enemy, the source of information might be traced. That was the universal rule with me, in order to relieve the fears of my secret service men. After the battle of Baton Rouge, I issued a congratulatory order, and published and distributed to my command an appreciative notice of the lamented Williams:--
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