I will be pleased to have the advice of the Commanding General. In the mean time, we will do our best to watch and protect both points, Goldsborough and Wilmington.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J. R. ANDERSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Richmond, March 25, 1862.

* * * *

VI. General Wilcox's brigade will be halted at Weldon, N. C., until the object of the enemy is disclosed.

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Numbers 6.
Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1862.

I. Under instructions form the President, the undersigned assumes command of the Department of North Carolina.

II. Major Archer Anderson is announced as assistant adjutant-general.

TH. H. HOLMES,

Major-General, P. A. C. S.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Numbers 7.
March 25, 1862.

The enemy are before us and must advance at an early day. If we do not defeat him North Carolina will be under his worse than vandal despotism. Let us all, then, give ourselves up, body and mind, to the sacred duties of her defense. To effect this the strictest discipline must be preserved, and the commanders of companies, regiments, and brigades are required to enforce the most exact obedience to all orders and regulations. Until further orders no furloughs will be granted, nor will any officer or soldier be permitted to leave his camp without permission from his brigade commander. The most active system of drills will be instituted, and every commanding officer is held responsible that his command is ready to march at a moment's notice.

By order of Major General T. H. Holmes:

WM. NORWOOD,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GOLDSBOROUGH, March 27, 1862.

General R. E. LEE:

MY DEAR SIR: There appears to be no disposition on the part of the enemy to advance in this direction. From the best information I