RICHMOND, May 4, 1864.

Lieutenant General L. POLK:

The President directs, in consequence of the movements of the enemy in front of General Johnston (concentrating his forces from North Alabama), that you move with Loring's division, and any other available force at your command, to Rome, Ga., and there unite with General Johnston to meet the enemy. Major General S. D. Lee will command in your department, and you will send to him the needful instructions for that purpose.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

DEMOPOLIS, May 4, 1864.

(Received 4 o'clock 5th.)

General S. COOPER:

Your dispatch of to-day in cipher received. Will act upon it immediately, and advise you.

L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General.

DALTON, May 4, 1864.

Lieutenant-General POLK,

Demopolis, Ala.:

Can you not send Loring's division to Rome immediately? I have every reason to believe that his assistance may be of vital importance at the earliest moment at which he can get into that position. If you have a brigade nearer to Rome, send it, I entreat you, in advance of Loring.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

DALTON, May 4, 1864.

General POLK:

I thank you for your prompt attention to my request.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ALA., MISS., AND EAST LA.,
Demopolis, Ala., May 4, 1864.

Major General S. D. LEE,

Commanding, &c., Tuscaloosa:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to order you to suspend the movement of General Jackson's division until further orders. The lieutenant-general directs me furthermore to request that you will meet him at Montevallo, where he desires to see you immediately.

Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

DOUGLAS WEST,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.