VIII. Brigadier General Goode Bryan, Provisional Army, C. S., will report to Lieutenant General J. Longstreet, commanding First Corps, for assignment to the command of the brigade formerly commanded by General Semmes.

By command of General R. E. Lee:

R. H. CHILTON,

Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General.

RICHMOND, September 8,[1863].

General R. E. LEE:

Have considered your letter. Believe your presence in the western army would be worth more than the addition of a corps, but fear the effect of your absence from Virginia. Did not doubt your willingness to do whatever was best for the country, and suggest your aid to determine that question. Have sent you all additional information, to aid your further consideration of problems discussed with you here.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

ABINGDON, September 8, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War, Richmond:

Labor is needed to construct defensive works at Saltville. Governor Letcher says he can give me no authority to impress slaves, because you have called out all available slave labor for public defense. May the slaves called out in this and adjoining counties be employed on works at Saltville?

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, N. C., September 8, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Richmond, Va.:

I have reason to believe the enemy designs an attempt to occupy Bald Head and Smith's Island. It is all important that we should anticipate him. Can you send me troops? I have none.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S.,

Richmond, Va., September 8, 1863.

Major General W. H. C. WHITING,

Commanding, &c., Wilmington, N. C.:

GENERAL: I have received your several communications relative to the condition of the defense at Wilmington, and the necessity for more troops, with much interest, and have likewise had the advantage