HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, April 12, 1864.

Major General G. E. PICKETT,

Commanding Department of North Carolina:

GENERAL: Inclosed I send you copies of instructions to Brigadier-General Hoke and Brigadier-General Ransom, both sent direct to save time, which is an essential element in the operations contemplated. Please send the regiment of Clingman's brigade designated, to report to Brigadier-General Ransom at Weldon immediately, so that it may march with him. The conduct of this expedition is intrusted tio Brigadier-General Hoke, so as not to withdraw you from a supervision of your whole department at this critical time. Please do all you can consistent with proper secrecy to carry out promptly the movements indicated. When this expedition is moving, it may be well to make such demonstrations both from Petersburg and Kinston as will distract the enemy's attention from the main movement, whilst it will also withdraw his attention from our weakened points.

Very respectfully, &c.,

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

[33.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, April 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General RANSOM,

Weldon:

GENERAL: You are to proceed immediately to Tarborough, N. C., for special service with your brigade. Leave only such force as may be absolutely necessary as guards, &c., and march as early as practicable, notifying Brigadier-General Hoke at Kinston and at Tarborough when you will start. You must carry at least five days' provisions and ammunition, &c., for active field service. These orders are sent direct to save time and a copy will be sent to General Pickett. Secrecy and expedition must be observed. The Eighth Regiment North Carolina, Clingman's brigade, Petersburg, is ordered to report to you in time to march with you. If you should move before it arrives leave orders for it to follow.

Very respectfully, &c.,

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

[33.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, April 12, 1864.

Brigadier General ROBERT F. HOKE,

Kinston, N. C.:

GENERAL: You are assigned to the special command of the land forces for an expedition against Plymouth, &c., in Eastern North Carolina. Your force will be composed as follows and immediately assembled at Tarborough, viz: Brigadier-General Ransom's brigade from Weldon, N. C.; Brigadier-General Hoke's brigade (except one regiment) from Kinston, N. C.; Eighth North Carolina Regiment, Clingman's brigade, near Petersburg, Va.; Brigadier-General Kemper's brigade, now at Tarborough; such artillery as can be spared from Kinston, N. C., on the requisition of Brigadier General R. F. Hoke; one regiment cavalry, or as