tary of War assumes the responsibility of firmly sustaining General Floyd or of ordering him back to winter elsewhere. Be this as it may, it is my opinion, right or wrong, and it is a conclusion of my mind frankly expressed.

Yours, respectfully,

A. W. G. DAVIS.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Numbers 500.
November 8, 1861.

I. The First Brigade, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, will proceed to Winchester, Va., under the command of the senior colonel, and report to Major General T. J. Jackson. This command will be transported by rail, and quartermaster will furnish the transportation without delay.

II. Brigadier General R. S. Ewell, P. A. C. S., will report to General G. T. Beauregard for duty with a Virginia brigade.

* * * * * * *

By command of General Johnston:

THOS. G. RHETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

RICHMOND, VA., November 9, 1861.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD:

SIR: I have habitually neglected to keep copies of my letters and telegrams addressed to you since you entered on duty with the Army of the Potomac. Desiring now to have them, I request that my friend, C. D. Fountain, may be permitted to take such copies from the originals in your possession.

Very respectfully, &c.,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[Similar letters of same date to Generals J. E. Johnston and Gustavus W. Smith.]

HEADQUARTERS, Centreville, November 9, 1861.

General WHITING:

DEAR GENERAL: I received your letter yesterday,* but was too much pressed to answer immediately.

I like you plan much; cannot answer for the guns. I have submitted your letter, with recommendations, to the War Department.

I am mourning over the loss of Jackson's brigade, ordered to Winchester against my remonstrances. The Secretary of War will probably establish his headquarters within this department soon.

Yours, in haste,
J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

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*Not found. .

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