WILMINGTON, N. C., September 12, 1864.

General R. E. LEE,

Commanding, Petersburg, Va.:

Everything here is in as good condition as means and circumstances will permit. Practiced artillerists and proper infantry supports are most needed at present. No heavy guns can safely be spared from here.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[42.]

RICHMOND, VA., September 20, 1864.

Colonel W. P. JOHNSTON,

Aide-de-Camp:

COLONEL: Upon receipt of this order you will repair to the headquarters of General Breckinridge and confer with him upon the matters respecting which you have received verbal instructions. Having completed your duties, you will return to Richmond.

Very respectfully, yours,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[43.]

NEW MARKET, VA., September 21, 1864-5.30 p. m.

Colonel W. H. TAYLOR,

Asst. Adjt. General, Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia:

If the enemy intends to do more than over the head of his bridge at Deep Bottom, he will probably try to take possession of the hill at New Market. The local troops and reserves are not more than enough to hold Chaffin's Bluff and to the left as far as the New Market road. Colonel Sanford's Alabama regiment, Hankins' battery, and a portion of Gary's cavalry may hold New Market for to-night if they can be got here in time. If if is desired to hold this position, if Chambliss can be spared for the purpose, or some other brigade of cavalry or infantry, it would be well to send it.

G. W. C. LEE,

Brigadier-General.

[42.]

NEW MARKET, VA, September 21, 1864-1 p. m.

Major-General PICKETT:

Colonel Gary reports a pontoon bridge across the James River at upper edge of Curl's Neck, opposite Sweeney's, just below mouth of Bailey's Creek. A small force of infantry and artillery was seen early this morning moving from the enemy's lines in front of your position nea Howlett's toward Jones' barns.

G. W. C. LEE,

Brigadier-General.

[42.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
September 22, 1864.

Honorable JAMES A. DEDDON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: Since the fitting out of the privateer Tallahassee and her cruise from the port of Wilmington, the enemy's fleet of blockaders off that