RICHMOND, March 16, 1862. General T. H. HOLMES, Fredericksburg, Va.: GENERAL: In answer to your letter of the 14th, respecting the militia called out by the recent proclamation of the governor of Virginia, I have to state that it is the intention of the governor to use them for the purpose, either by draft or voluntary enrollment, to fill up the maximum organization of the several companies of the Virginia regiments now in service. In the mean time you can make use of such as have reported to you in such manner as your necessities may require. The Government will proceed as rapidly as possible to arm volunteers engaged for the war, but cannot undertake to furnish arms to the militia serving as such. Very respectfully, &c., S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. S. COOPER, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE NORTHWEST, March 17, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that from reliable sources I have information that the enemy beyond this, in the vicinity of Beverly, at Cheat Mountain, and other points, do not exceed about 3,000 in number. It is reported further that the transportation of their supplies is exceedingly difficult, by reason of the condition of the roads, and that their provisions are running short. They have recently-within the last two or three weeks-made raids into Pendleton County for the purpose of plundering. Although they have spoken and still speak of a move in this direction, I hardly think they will attempt it for the present. If it is in contemplation to move this command, may I request timely intimation of it? I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, General T. H. HOLMES, E. JOHNSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. RICHMOND, VA., March 17, 1862.. Should Commanding Aquia District, Fredericksburg, Va.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 17th instant has been, received. General Johnston have selected no place for the depot on your line, I would designate the junction of the Central and Richmond aud Fredericksburg Railroads as a convenient position to which to send back your surplus stores. A portion of these stores by railroad could from this point, if required, be sent to General Johnston's army, for which, I understand from your letter, they were originally intended. Some shelter could doubtless be procured at the Junction and other provided. In my former letter, on the subject of drawing stores from the exposed country in your front, it was intended to draw your attention to the matter if stores were required. It was not intended for you to accumulate more than you could consume or take care of, and was based upon the supposition that you could hold the line of the Rappahannock. If that line cannot be held, it alters the case. You must therefore follow your good judgment. Very respectfully, &c., R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 17, 1862. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, GENERAL: General Magruder has applied to be re-enforced in cavalry, and asks that the Lunenburg Cavalry from Fredericksburg be sent him, in addition to other companies which he names. Can you spare the services of this company, or is there any cavalry in your command whose services you could dispense with for this purpose? There is none unassigned with which to re-enforce him. I am, &c., General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. RICHMOND, VA., March 17, 1862. Commanding, &c., Culpeper Coart-House, Va.: GENERAL: I received yesterday from General Holmes a letter dated 14th instant, of which the accompanying is a copy. I presume he has already communicated with you on the subject, but as the matter is briefly and distinctly stated, I have thought it might be convenient to you to consider it in the manner presented. In a letter of the 16th General Holmes also reports that Hooker's division had crossed the Potomac at Evansport, and that a column of 5,000 or 6,000 of the enemy had reached Brentsville from the direction of Manassas. Dumfries was occupied in force, but whether from Evansport or via Occoquan he did not know. He states that the enemy landed a part of his force below Chopawamsic, and marched up that creek to where it is crossed by the Telegraph road. He considers these movements indicate a purpose of the enemy to concentrate hiз force for an attack on Fredericksburg, and that unless he can be defeated before reaching it, the town could not be held an hour after the occupation of the hills on the opposite bank of the river. From what is stated of the condition of the roads I hardly think an immediate movement against Fredericksburg can be made; nor am I aware of anything that indicates with any degree of certainty what route the enemy will adopt in his march towards Richmond. You have doubtless considered the subject with reference to your operations, and made your arrangements as to the points to be held and defended. I am, &c., R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. 70 R R-VOL V [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS AQUIA DISTRICT, General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army: GENERAL: Since the withdrawal of Generals Whiting and French from Evansport and its vicinity the enemy have crossed the river in large force, and have also advanced from the direction of Manassas as far as Brentsville. This would seem to indicate that their efforts against Richmond will be via Fredericksburg. Last night I called Generals Whiting and French and Colonels Hampton and Pettigrew in consultation. These gentlemen had served all the fall and winter between Aquia and the Occoquan, and were thus perfectly conversant with the coun try and everything belonging to its defense. The unanimous result of the conference was 1st. Fredericksburg per se is untenable; it can only be defended by a force strong enough to attack the enemy's advance north of the Rappahannock. 2d. The present disposition of the enemy's forces would seem to indicate that his advance will be in three columns; i. e., from Manassas, Evansport, and from below Potomac Creek. The two first are most serious, and if they move simultaneously absolutely necessitates the assistance of our main body to the force now about Fredericksburg; and this assistance should be given as soon as it is ascertained there is no mistake in this programme. You are aware that at Fredericksburg there is a large depot, well supplied with everything necessary for troops, which, independently of the interests of its noble, zealous, and truehearted people, makes its preservation and defense a matter of much importance, and which can only be effected by winning a battle before the enemy arrive, the town being perfectly commanded by the heights on the opposite bank of the river. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. H. HOLMES, INDEX. Brigades, Divisions, Corps, and Armies are "Mentioned" under name of commanding officer; State and Report of operations opposite Edwards Ferry, October 22-24, 1861........ 336 705 705,706 23 Accomac County, Virginia. Expedition through, November 14-22, 1861. (See Virginia, Eastern Shore.) Accotink, Va. Scout to, August 18, 1861. Reports of Boyd, William H Franklin, W. B Adams, Captain. Mentioned.... Adams, Captain. Mentioned.. Adams, Alfred W. Mentioned Adams, Alonzo W. Report of skirmish at Annandale, Va., Dec. 2, 1861... Adams, John Q. Mentioned ... Adams, P. B. Correspondence with W. W. Loring Adjutant-General's Office, U. S. A. 113 113 860 990 422 453 235 1046 Orders, General, series 1861: No. 80, 604; No. 94, 639. Series 1862: No. 25, 346 Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, C. S. A.—Continued. Correspondence with Harman, M. G Heth, H. Holmes, Th. H....... 809, 828,834, 893, 903, 959, 962, 963, 967, 992, 993, 1018, 1096, 1097, 1104 891, 897, 909, 910, 922, 934, 940, 954, 960, 962, 963, 966, 971, 974, 985, 986, Orders, General, series 1861: No. 15, 913; No. 18, 960. Series 1862: No. 1, Orders, Special, series 1861: No. 134, 809; No. 147, 905; No. 157, 866; No. 737, 825, 1029; 6th, 737, 825, 1029; 9th, 1029; 10th, 475, 480, 490, 491, |