Jackson, is assigned to the command of the Valley District and of all the troops operating in that region not embraced in the Department of Western Virginia.

* * * * * *

By command of General Lee:

W. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va., December 29, 1862.

Colonel H. B. DAVIDSON,
Commanding at Staunton:

COLONEL: I have received your letter of the 24th instant. Directions will be given for the baggage of the different brigades of this army, and the men guarding it, to be recalled from Staunton as soon as possible. I also direct that Jenkins' cavalry brigade be ordered to the valley, if they can be spared from the Department of Western Virginia.

I have directed General W. E. Jones to concentrate the troops in the Valley District, and to drive the enemy, if possible, beyond the Potomac. I am glad to find that you consider our forces sufficient for the purpose. I hope the troops under General Jones, those under you and Colonel Imboden, with such other aid as can be obtained, will be able speedily to rid that section of country of the presence of the enemy, and prevent the oppression of the inhabitants which they seem to premeditate. I rely greatly upon the co-operation of yourself and Colonel Imboden.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Dublin, W. Va., December 29, 1862.

GENERAL S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

Negroes are needed in this department for roads and fortifications. May I hold from this and adjoining counties such as are necessary to me, and drafted, instead of sending them to Richmond? Please answer immediately.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Camp near Fredericksburg, Va., December 29, 1862.

Major General SAMUEL JONES,

Commanding Department of Western Virginia:

GENERAL: It is reported by General W. E. Jones, in command of the Valley District, that General Milroy has established himself at Petersburg and in the valley of the South Branch of the Potomac, and has issued orders with a view of bringing the citizens of that section under the government of the so-called State of Western Virginia. From