to employ a certain force to aid him in enforcing the enrollment of conscripts and the securing of deserters, I feel it my duty to state that, from information daily received by me, some such step is absolutely necessary.

Should this step be delayed much longer, I fear very serious consequences will grow out of it. There is also a very large amount of public property of a most valuable character needing protection.

I will most cheerfully render very assistance in my power to bring about a prompt execution of the law, both against deserters and shirking conscripts.

I am, yours, very respectfully,

F. R. LUBBOCK,

MOBILE, ALA., July 23, 1863.

General S. COOPER:

Large naval force now assembling at Pensacola.

I expect this place will be soon attacked. Pleas hurry forward my ordnance stores - requisitions forwarded.

I will need some 12,000 to 15,000 re-enforcements.

DABNEY H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

JULY 24, 1863.

Respectfully refers to Chief of Ordnance so much as refers to hurrying forward the ordnance stores.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

MOBILE, ALA., July 23, 1863.

Colonel B. S. EWELL:

Four companies of Seventeenth Alabama are guarding bridges near Quitman, Red Bluff, Shubuta, and Bucatunna Stations, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I must withdraw them, as they are artillerists. Can you send troops to replace them?

Large naval force assembling at Pensacola.

Can't you stop sending prisoners through here? They interfere with transportation, consume supplies, &c.

DABNEY H. MAURY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Near Morton, July 23, 1863.

Major General DABNEY H. MAURY,
Mobile, Ala.:

Your communications to General Cooper and General Johnston relative to the condition of Mobile have been ready by General Johnston. He expects to visit Mobile in a few days, and will communicate with you fully upon the subject.

By command of General Johnston:

BENJ. S. EWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.