KINSTON, August 7, 1863.

General COOPER, Richmond:

Captain Brown, quartermaster at Tarborough, reports he has information, he thinks reiable, that enemy is advancing from Washington upon some point of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.

J. G. MARTIN,

Brigadier-General.

RICHMOND,

August 7, 1863.

Major General ARNOLD ELIZEY:

GENERAL: I have just received a latter from Gilmer, informing me that the Secretary of War cannot allow the slaves to be impressed until the 10th of september, and that he said he would urge you to give me details from your troops. If you can comply with his request, please give the necessary orders, and be kind enough to let me have a copy of them.

Very respectfully, yours,

W. H. STEVENS,

Colonel.

[RICHMOND,]

August 8. 1863.

General ELZEY:

GENERAL: I inclose you a dispatch just received from general Whiting, with the rough of my answer sent to him. Please be governed by it, and advise General Ransom accordingly. Please return the telegram here for file.

Yours,

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector general.

[Inclosure.]

WRIGHTSVILLE,

[August] 8, 1863.

General COOPER:

Please let me know what troops general Ransom has, and whether he will report to me. i have directed general martin, as the former moves down and occupies his position, to concentrate his own forces near Kinston, leaving the garrison of Fort Branch.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-general.

[RICHMOND,]

August 8, 1863.

[General WHITING:]

General ransom has with him his entire brigade of five regiments, besides two batteries of artillery. he is in direct correspondence with General Elzey, to whose command he belongs. He will keep you advised by reports of all matters touching his movements, &c.

S. C. [COOPER.]