[433] not? He is the only one from whom I receive any official orders of any importance. I beg to call your attention particularly to my letter of the 5th instant, referring to the immediate necessity of furnishing my command with belts (of any material) three (3) inches wide, red on one side and yellow on the other, to be worn with either color on the outside, and from over the right shoulder buttoned under the left arm, or from left to right, as the officer in command shall direct, for the time being. Many of my regiments are not furnished with the Confederate colors; how are they to be distinguished in battle from the enemy? especially if we attack them in flank or rear, as we ought to do whenever practicable. I feel very much concerned about these two matters. I have no doubt that, if the ladies of Richmond were called upon, belts and colors could be made in a few days. Many of my companies are entirely unprovided with cartridge and cap boxes; what are they to do, especially in wet weather? We have no ammunition to waste. I have thought it advisable to call these facts to your Excellency's attention, as they are going to play a very important part in our battles with the enemy. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, To his Excellency President Jeff. Davis, Richmond, Va.
Headquarters Department of Alexandria, camp Pickens, June 2d, 1861.Colonel,—I enclose a brief note just received from Lieutenant-Colonel Ewell, commanding our advanced forces at Fairfax Court-House, as affording the latest information of the movements of the enemy. I must urge the importance of giving all possible strength to this command at the earliest possible moment, as this section of country is difficult to defend with a small force; and I trust that any South Carolina, or other good and wellarmed, troops that may reach Virginia will be sent hither with despatch. I find that many of the troops here are badly armed and unprovided with means of transportation and camp equipage. Respectfully, Colonel, your obedient servant,
Headquarters Department of Alexandria, camp Pickens, June 6th, 1861.Special Orders, No. 9. I. Colonel J. L. Kemper is assigned to temporary special service, being charged with the duty of procuring the necessary means of transportation for this command. He is authorized to employ the necessary agents, and will be further assisted by such officers and men from this department as he may select, not to exceed four officers and twenty men. He is further authorized to require of all officers or agents, acting in the Quartermaster's Department, at any post in the department, efficient assistance in the prompt execution and accomplishment of the purposes of these orders.