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of course, passed under the direct control of the Department of War.
To that Department I must refer you for the information which you seek of me.
There are no flint-lock muskets in the hands of my soldiers, nor have there been any since I assumed the command here.
There were five hundred such in the depot at Manassas when I arrived here from the Valley.
They were soon afterward sent to Richmond, in accordance with the general practice in such matters above specified.
Do me the favor to express to the Governor my grateful acknowledgments of his kind and patriotic message.
Nothing earthly could afford me higher gratification than the fulfillment of his good wishes by the army striking a great blow for the freedom and independence of Virginia and the South.
Most respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. E. Johnston, General. Colonel S. Bassett French, Aide-de-camp to the Governor of Virginia.
I have just had the honor to receive your letter of the 26th inst., inclosed with one to General Beauregard, assigning him to command at Columbus, Ky.
General Beauregard will be relieved from his present command to-morrow.
I regret very much that it is thought necessary to remove this distinguished officer from this district, especially at the present time, when the recent law granting bounty and furloughs is having a disorganizing effect.
I fear that General Beauregard's removal from the troops he has formed may increase this effect among them.
In this connection, permit me to urge the necessity to this army, of the general officers I have asked for more than once.
Most respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. E. Johnston, General.
