Reports of Col. O. P. Lyles, Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry, of operations May 31-July 3.

PORT HUDSON, LA.,
May 31, 1863.

MAJOR: The enemy has dismounted our large gun and wounded 5 men. I think by getting a new wheel -------. The shots thrown upon the enemy's intrenchments with our gun before it was dismounted did good work.

 O. P. LYLES,

Colonel, Commanding Right Wing.

 [Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.]

-----

PORT HUDSON, LA.,
June 30, 1863.

MAJOR: On yesterday I succeeded in burning the cotton of the enemy that he was rolling before him. He approached within a few yards of the works, when Captain Lindsey, of the Twelfth Arkansas, threw brands of fire on him, and destroyed his cotton. Early in the night last night, the enemy approached, and attempted a sort of feeble charge, throwing a few hand-grenades into my trenches, but did no harm. I repulsed him and drove him off, killings considerable number of his men. I am sure he was quite demoralized--so reach so that his sharpshooters fell entirely back out of range. Later in the night his sharpshooters returned, and killed and wounded several of my men (new men of my regiment, Twenty-third Arkansas, who were not acquainted with the place). He is now rolling before him a hogshead filled with sticks. I must arrest his progress before 3 p.m., or he will throw his hand-grenades into my trenches again. I am certain I can stop him. I now have Major [E. L.] Black, with 125 men of Twenty-third Arkansas, on the extreme right. Colonel [W. N.] Parish, with the Eighteenth Arkansas, came just before daylight this morning. I think I could have held the place even without this re-enforcement, and feel sanguine that I can with it. I will hold it.

I am, major, very respectfully, &c.,

 O. P. LYLES,

Colonel, Commanding Right Wing.

 Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

-----

 JUNE 30, 1863.

MAJOR: It is the Twenty-third Arkansas that I want. The Eighteenth Arkansas has gone to General Beall. The little fight, think, has pretty well blown over, though he is still making demonstrations. He got in my trenches and got 1 officer. I whipped him (the enemy) out again, killing some. Watch on General Beall's line; I think they intend something there.

 O. P. LYLES. Colonel,

 Commanding Right Wing.

 [Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.]

-----

PORT HUDSON,
June 30, 1863.

MAJOR: I said to you that the enemy charged me on the extreme right. So he did, and a few of his men got into my trenches. I killed 6 in my trenches, and as to the number outside killed and wounded, I do not know, but his loss must be considerable. It was rather a small business, as usual (I mean his charge). He took 1 captain and 3 of my men out of my trenches, and killed 1, making my loss 5 in the aggregate. I repulsed him very handsomely, and all is now quiet. I can repulse him every time, and will do it. During the skirmish, I discovered he was marching a large force toward General Beall's line, and hence the suggestion to watch in that direction. The Twenty-third Arkansas has not got here yet, but it will, no doubt, soon be here. I sent the Eighteenth Arkansas off long before night.

I am, major, very respectfully, &c.,

 O. P. LYLES,

Colonel, Commanding Right Wing

 Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant- General.]

PORT HUDSON, LA., July 1, 1863.

MAJOR: I am unable as yet to check the enemy in his march with his trenches. I am of opinion that he will reach my trenches to-night. He has shelled my troops at the extreme right very much to-day, with the view, I think, of trying to demoralize them, so as to storm my rifle-pit to-night. He has almost ruined my rifle-pit with his artillery. I am wide awake.

Respectfully, &c.,

 O. P. LYLES,

Colonel, Commanding Right Wing.

 [Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.]

-----

PORT HUDSON, LA., July 3, 1863.

MAJOR: All is well down herein the Devil's Elbow. Last night was unusually quiet. The enemy keeps coming with his trench. I think he is filing a little to the right. I am ready for him; let him come. I can whip him in four minutes if he shows himself. I do not think his trench will do him any good. I can hold the point, and intend to do it.

This little report is made simply to inform you that I am still in life and spirits.

I am, major, very respectfully, &c.,

 O. P. LYLES,

Colonel, Commanding Right Wing.

 Maj. T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.--We throw our hand-grenades on him, &c.