shall remain on Ross' left until I can see. Colonel Cole, in command of pickets at Lost Mountain Post-Office, reports the enemy advancing upon him. I have two regiments at that place. The enemy can only move around by the post-office or by the mountain, as the country opposite Ross' left and between his left and the mountain is impassable. A cavalry force of the enemy could get possession to the left of the mountain and the Marietta road before I can reach even my horses, were they to pass to my left. There is now no force on either side the mountain, except the picket at the post-office, composed of about 550 men.

Respectfully,

F. C. ARMSTRONG,

Brigadier-General.

Sharp skirmishing along the infantry line; also some firing upon Colvin's pickets.

[38.]

MARIETTA, June 17, 1864.

General BRAGG,

Richmond:

Is General Walthall's nomination confirmed? Little change since yesterday morning. Skirmishing during the day and a good deal of artillery firing by the enemy, as usual.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[38.]

RICHMOND, June 18, 1864.

General JOHNSTON,

Marietta:

General S. D. Lee has been fully instructed, but it is known he now has a superior force of the enemy in his front in Mississippi. It is not known here that he has any cavalry in Alabama except the part of Roddey's command you sent.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

[38.]

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Numbers 26. In the Field, June 23, 1864.

* * * * * * *

VI. The Sixth Alabama Cavalry (Colonel Colvin), and the section of Clanton's battery with it, will report to Brigadier-General Clanton and accompany him to Blue Mountain, Ala.

* * * * * * *

By command of General Johnston:

KINLOCH FALCONER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[38.]

MERIDIAN, June 27, 1864.

(Via Mobile 28th.)

President DAVIS:

I ask that 3,000 of the reserve forces be called into active service in Mississippi, 2,000 in Alabama, and 1,000 in East Louisiana, under section 3, General Orders, Numbers 26, March 1, 1864; this force to be properly