Headquarters, Department of the Gulf, New=Orleans, 6 March. 1863.
To the President.
Sir.
Dr: Zacharie who brought me a letter from you at New York has been here for two months and returns tomorrow. He can explain to you fully the condition of affairs. He has during his stay here been very active and among the People. Especially among his own countrymen, who are numerous and powerful, he has exercised a beneficial influence. There have been suspicions that he has engaged in speculative operations, and some of my own officers have entertained this idea, but, he has constantly assured me, that it was not the fact, and I have fully credited his statement. I mention this because I am informed such representations have been made to you.