its georgraphical position, but from the supplies of subsistence it can furnish the Government.

While I do not pretend to know what number of troops General Lee can spare, or if he can with safety spare any for this service, I think it proper to bring the matter again to your notice, that you may take such action on it as you think proper.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[Indorsement.]

Submitted to General Lee November 9, 1863.*

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
Dublin, October 26, 1863.

Colonel B. H. JONES,

Commanding Sixtieth [Virginia] Regiment:

COLONEL: Your regiment has been ordered to Wytheville, to protect that place against the reported advance of a large body of the enemy's cavalry by way of Coal River and tence through Tazewell. The major-general commanding thinks you had best post your command at or near Walker's Mountain. The enemy may attempt to pass in the rear of Colonel McCausland. Be on your guard against this move.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

PETERSBURG, October 27, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Following dispatch just received from General Barton, at Kinston, dated October 26:

Three steamers, each with a schooner in tow, and carrying troops supposed to be Third New Cavalry, passed down Neuse River yesterday; destination given out to be Portsmouth, Va.

No report from signal corps as to their arrival at Portsmouth.

GEO. E. PICKETT.

RICHMOND, October 27, 1863.

Governor ZEBULON B. VANCE,

Raleigh, N. C.:

The Ordnance Bureau places at your disposal 600 arms at Salisbury, all that can be at once conveniently commanded in that direction. General Hoke is acting under General Lee's orders, but he will be instructed, if not inconsistent with such orders, to co-operate with you.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

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*See Lee to Secretary of War, November 11.

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