CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

[AUGUST 4, 1864.- For Lee to Davis, relating to certain operations in the Shenandoah Valley, &c., see Vol. XLII, Part II, p. 1161.]

HEADQUARTERS,
August, 8, 1864. (Via Staunton, Va.)

General J. A. EARLY:

Enemy has detached a division of cavalry with a body of infantry to Washington. General R. H. Anderson, with infantry and cavalry, is in Culpeper to observe their movements.

R. E. LEE,

General.

RICHMOND, VA., August 9, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Dunn's Hill, Va.:

Who shall relieve General Ransom in the Valley? Can General F. Lee; or would it [be] better to send his senior brigadier? We have unofficial intelligence that Generals McCausland and Johnson were surprised and routed near Moorefield, dispersing with heavy loss.

JEFF'N DAVIS.

DUNN'S HILL, VA., August 9, 1864.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:

Dispatch of to-day received. General Early reports on the 8th that McCausland had arrived in Hardy, having sustained very little loss; statements in Northern papers of his defeat untrue. Some commander should relieve Ransom. I think it best to send Fitz Lee's senior brigadier; will do so if you approve.

R. E. LEE,

General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
August 9, 1864.

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

SIR: When applied to some time ago to devise some mode to relieve the people of the Northern Neck and the south side of the Rappahannock from outrages by the enemy, I advised that all citizens capable of bearing arms be organized for the defense of their property and families. At the same time I inquired of Colonel Mosby if he could recommend some one, experienced in the kind of service which the necessities of the exposed districts will require, to aid in organizing the citizens and controlling their operations. He has recently replied to my letter and recommended very highly the bearer of this, Mr. Thomas W. Richards, as a man of approved courage, of good character, and fitted by experience for the duty. I therefore respectfully advise that you send Mr. Richards to the country in question with a letter to the most