I know nothing of the two regiments referred to in the inclosed letter. Shall I order anything to them?

Respectfully,

J. GORGAS,

Colonel, P. A. C. S.

HEADQUARTERS,
Richmond, Va., May 21, 1862.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Commanding Army of Northern Virginia:

GENERAL: The President desires to know the number of troops around Richmond, how they are posted, and the organization of the divisions and brigades; also the programme of operations which you propose. The information relative to the composition and position of your army can readily be furnished, but your plan of operations, dependent upon circumstances perhaps yet to be developed, may not be so easily explained, nor may it be prudent to commit it to paper. I would therefore respectfully suggest that you communicate your views on this subject personally to the President, which perhaps would be more convenient to you and satisfactory to him.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

Strength of the several brigades of the Army of Northern Virginia near Richmond, as shown by General Johnston's memorandum of May 21, 1862.

FIRST (SMITH'S) DIVISION.

Whiting's brigade...................................... 2,398

Hood's brigade......................................... 1,922

Hampton's brigade...................................... 2,225

Hatton's brigade....................................... 2,030

Pettigrew's brigade.................................... 2,017

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10,592

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SECOND (LONGSTREET'S) DIVISION.

A. P. Hill's brigade................................... 2,512

Pickett's brigade...................................... 2,460

R. H. Anderson's brigade............................... 2,168

Wilcox's brigade....................................... 2,616

Colston's brigade...................................... 1,750

Pryor's brigade........................................ 2,310

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13,816

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THIRD (MAGRUDER'S) DIVISION.

McLaw's brigade........................................ 2,084

Kershaw's brigade...................................... 2,567

Griffith's brigade..................................... 2,534

Cobb's brigade......................................... 3,796

Toomb's brigade........................................ 2,357

D. R. Jones' brigade................................... 2,342

Cabell's reserve artillery............................. 240

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15,920

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