which it was expected would be secured by the conscription act and the vast machinery it put into operation, nor from conflicts of authority and other causes to which it is needless to refer, as they may occasion useless and unprofitable discussion, has the auxiliary service by generals commanding reserves, which recent orders of the Department were designed to afford, proved adequate to remove the difficulties or remedy the evils, which embarrass the execution of the conscript laws. It seems to be at least necessary, therefore that the existing orders defining the duties of the Bureau of Conscription, and those which prescribe the auxiliary duties to be performed under the directions of the generals of reserves, should be revised, so as to indicate the limitation of the powers conferred upon each respectively, with sufficient instructions to avoid all questions of conflicting authority or jurisdiction. With such revision, and the strict enforcement of these general orders, it is hoped that the difficulties referred to will no longer embarrass the existing system of enrollment and conscription.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
January 3, 1865.

Major General G. E. PICKETT,

Commanding Division:

General Longstreet directs that your order one of your brigades to be in readiness to move to this side of the river in relief of one of Kershaw's brigades which is about to be sent off. You will [be] notified by telegraph when to start the brigade. The change will be but temporary, and General Lee will re-enforce your line with Rodes' division.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
January 3, 1865.

Major General C. W. FIELD,

Commanding Division:

General Kershaw is going to send off his right brigade before day to-morrow morning; until its place is supplied, which will be during the day, he will require some assistance in maintaining his picket front. Will you give him all the assistance he calls for?

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
January 3, 1865.

Major-General KERSHAW,

Commanding Division:

Transportation will be ready for Conner's brigade at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning (Wednesday). You will have the brigade in Richmond, at the Danville depot, punctually at that hour. The brigade is