CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
May 1, 1864.

Major General J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Commanding Department of Southwestern Virginia:

GENERAL: I gather from the reports of scouts recently from the Valley that Averell has set out on an expedition, the design of which is either to reach some point on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, or to effect the capture of Staunton. The general impression is that he will pursue the route which he took on his last raid. I think it would be well to have everything prepared to meet him, and, in conjunction with General Imboden, to destroy him, if possible. The enemy will probably make a diversion from the Kanawha Valley to keep your forces occupied while he accomplishes his main design. I am inclined to think that his object is to move on Staunton. If so, you might move against his line of communications while Imboden holds him in front, or concoct some other plan of defeating him. These movements in the western department will probably be simultaneous with the attack by Grant here, who has recently been re-enforced by Burnside's army from Annapolis, so it will be impossible to send any re-enforcements to the Valley from this army. I have instructed General Imboden to communicate with you. A late report from a citizen places General Sigel at Martinsburg, but this conflicts with former reports.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

P. S.-I doubt the intelligence of Averell's arrival at Charleston, and think that he is nearer some point on his old route.

R. E. LEE.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 102.
Richmond, May 2, 1864.

* * * * * *

XI. Brigadier General John H. Morgan, with his brigade, is relieved from duty in the Department of East Tennessee, and will report to Major General J. c. Breckinridge, commanding Department of southwestern Virginia.

* * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE,

May 2, 1864.

Major General JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Commanding Dept. of Western Virginia, Dublin Depot:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from General R. E. Lee, commanding Army of Northern Virginia, addressed