that conscripts and deserters will form its larger propertion. Although the adjutant- general of the State has been very explicit in regard to receiving conscripts, his orders are ignored. I do not make this statement in consequence of the many and servere newspaper attacks made on me, as I was simply a mark for these men who were striking at higher game. I know that htese slanders have not injured me with the Exzceutive, but I do it to place at the disposl of the President facts which he can use when, in his judgment, nit is advisable to do so. Hoping the day is not far distant when all such unpatriotic and bad men may meet th3eir desert, I sm, very sincerely, your friend,

H. HETH,

Brigadier General, C. S . Army.

[16.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 155.
Richmond, July 5, 1862.

* * * *

X. The battalion of Florida Volunteers under Lieut. Colonel William Miller will proceed at once to Tupelo, Miss., and report for duty to General Braxton Bragg, commanding.

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[17.]

VICKSBURG, July 12, 1862.

(Recieved 13th.)

President DAVIS:

Bombardment of Vicksburg I think given up. Mortar - boats have gone down the river. Fleet still here, part above, part below city. Enemy at work still on canal across neck opposite city. Will fail, I am told by river engineers. Can put up batteries opposite outle, within mile and half range. City can only be taken by an army. Nothing yet to indicate intention. This department now reduced to districxt subordinate, which has been don [sic]. I assumed command. Ihave been ever thus trammeled and cannto help but feel it.*

EARL VAN DORN,

Major-General.

[15.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 162.
Richmond, July 14, 1862.

* * * *

IV. Captain H. B. THompson's company Alabama Volunteers will repot to Major General E. K. Smith, commanding, &c., at Knoxville, Tenn., for duty as a part of Colonel John T. Morgan's regiment Partisan Rangers (Fifty- first Alabama).

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[16.]

For reply, see VOL. XV, p. 778.