You are desired to open any official communications sent to me, and, if necessary, act upon them, according to the dictates of your good judgment.

Very respectfully, your obedient, servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

RICHMOND, June 5, 1863.

General R. E. LEE,

Fredericksburg, Va.:

Two regiments of [J. R.] Davis` brigade left here yesterday; the others will be pushed forward immediately.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

RICHMOND, June 5, 1863.

General D. H. HILL.

Petersburg, Va.:

[J. R.] Cooke`s brigade is to come to Richmond. Please send it on.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

PETERSBURG, VA., June 5, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON.

Secretary of War, C. S. A.:

General [J. G.] Martin writes from Greenville, N. C., that the Yankees are fitting out three expeditions to cut the railroad.

I have no doubt that they will attempt that or devastating raids. In view of these threatened movements, and the deficiency of transportation and consequent inability to move troops rapidly, I must renew the opinion that the line of the Blackwater ought to be abandoned, and the troops brought back to Petersburg and Weldon.

I can see no possible good of keeping them in their present position, and we may sustain a heavy disaster by it.

Respectfully,

D. H. HILL,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, June 5, 1863.

Major-General McLAWS,
Commanding Division:

GENERAL: Your note of this date is received. The commanding general desires you to move your command to this point. If you find that General Ewell`s corps is in your way, you may wait until it has passed, and then follow on without delay.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. MOXLEY SORREL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.