RICHMOND, September 2, 1862.

To the SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES:

I have the gratification of presenting to Congress two dispatches from General Robert E. Lee, commanding the Army of Northern Virginia, communicating the result of the operations north of the Rappahannock. Frome these dispatches it will be seen that God has again extended his shield over our patriotic army, and has blessed the cause of the Confederacy with a second signal victory on the field already memorable by the gallant achievement of our troops. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the skill and daring of the commanding general who conceived, or the valor and hardihood of the executed, the brilliant movement whose result is now communicated. After having driven from their intrenchments an enemy superior in numbers, and relieved from siege the city of Richmond, as heretofore communicated, our toil-worn troops advanced to meet another invading army re-enforced not only by the defeated army of the General McClellan, but by the fresh corps of Generals Burnside and Hunter. After forced marches, with inadequate transportation, and across streams swollen to unusual height, by repeated combats they turned the position of the enemy, and forming a junction of their columns in the face of greatly superior forces, they fought the decisive battle of the 30th, the crowning triumph of their toil and valor.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[12.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 206.
Richmond, September 3, 1862.

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XXIII. Brigadier General G. J. Rains will report to Major General G. W. Smith, commanding, &c., for assignment to duty at Wilmington, N. C.

* * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[18.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 208.
Richmond, September 5, 1862.

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By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[12.]