has arrived, and in the present state of uncertainly our farmers do not know what to do. Some of them talk of planting but ten or twenty acres, as they are determined no to contribute to the support of the enemy. If they had any intimation that they could do so with security, they would make It seems to me also that a strong demonstration in the lower Valley would create a beneficial diversion in favor of Richmond. I hope you will pardon the freedom of this communication. It is dictated by an earnest desire to promote the public intersects, and I offer that as my apology.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALEX. H. H. STUART.

[12.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Rcihmond, May 1, 1862.

The Honorable JUDGES OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, THE COURTS OF HENRICO, AND THE JUNTINGS COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:

GENETLEMAN: In order to prevent the interference of martial law with necessary business, I think it will be well for your courts to grant injunctions as usual where it is necessary to prevent irreparable mischief, to make orders necessary to enforce the same, and to secure the custody of infants in persons entitled thereto; to decide suits for divorce, and to make the necessary orders for alimony and personal safety of the parties; to recover rents and the possession of real estate and slaves. And where the officers of the court cannot execute the judgments, decrees, and orders in the cases above mentioned they may be certified to the provost-marshal, who will receive instructions to carry them into effect. I should be happy to receive suggestions as to such further steps as may be properly taken to facilitate the transaction of business indepensable to the public welfare.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

[11.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 101.
Richmond, May 2, 1862.

* * * * *

II. Major James Barbour, assistant adjutant-general, will report for duty to Major General R. S. Ewell, commanding Army of [the] Potomac.

* * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[12.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 102.
Richmond, May 3, 1862.

* * * * *

VI. Captain Carroll's company sappers and miners, now at the Fair Grounds, will proceed at once to Drewry's Bluff and report to the commanding officer.

* * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[11.]