the honor to make the following report of the forces in and about Richmond for his information:

DEPARTMENT OF RICHMOND.

Brigadier-General Wise's brigade, now occupying the Peninsula. Colonel Rhett's command (artillery, for defenses) has been ordered back, and supposed to be on its way.

Garrisons at Chaffin's and Drewry's Bluffs.

City of Richmond.-Brigadier-General Winder's command-City Battalion, seven companies; Wren's battalion of cavalry, two companies; Colonel H. H. Walker's guard forces, seven companies.

Major-General Pickett's division-South side, near Manchester.

One regiment and one battery of Brigadier-General Pettigrew's brigade, near Richmond.

One regiment of Brigadier-General Robertson's cavalry, near Richmond.

RECAPITULATION.

Department of Richmond, including Colonel Rhett's command: Effective total............................................ 4,288

Brigadier-General Winder's command......................... 1,300

Major-General Pickett, say................................. 8,000

Regiment and battalion of Pettigrew........................ 750

Regiment of Robertson (cavalry)............................ 500

------

Aggregate.................................................. 14,838

I have the honor to request that his communication be laid before the Secretary of War at your earliest convenience.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARNOLD ELZEY,

Major-General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, May 13, 1863.

General D. H. HILL, Goldsborough, N. C.:

Necessity compels me to reduce the force at Charleston very low. General Whiting, on inquiry, informs me that on a pinch he can send to the aid of Charleston in case of attack three regiments. I inform you of this, and in addition suggest if, as I believe, the enemy have nearly withdrawn, let your arrangements be made to allow in case of necessity the transfer of a larger force.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

CAVALRY CAMP,

Near Williamston, May 13, 1863.

Major ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Goldsborough:

MAJOR: I have just returned from Jamesville, the lowest point occupied by our cavalry pickets on the Roanoke.

I met Lieutenant-Colonel Towns, of the Sixty-second Georgia Regiment, on the road, who had been absent two days visiting his picket stations. He saw to-day a man from Plymouth day before yesterday.