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Correspondence and orders concerning the army of Northern Virginia.
[We propose giving, from time to time, from the compilation made by the “War records” office, such letters and orders as may be of special interest and value to our readers-beginning with those concerning the Army of Northern Virginia from May 30th, to August 13th, 1862.]
General,--I had the honor to write you on Saturday,
1 expressing the opinion that it is absolutely necessary that the Department of Henrico should be included in my command.
Having received no reply, I respectfully repeat the suggestion, and ask the
President to have the proper orders in the case given.
It is needless to remind either of you of the mischief inevitable from divided commands.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
General,--The President desires to know the number of troops around
Richmond, how they are posted, and the organization of the divisions and brigades; also, the programme of operations which you propose.
The information relative to the composition and position of your army can readily be furnished, but your plan of operations, dependent upon circumstances, perhaps, yet to be developed, may not be so easily explained, nor may it be prudent to commit it to paper.
I would, therefore, respectfully suggest that you communicate your views on this subject personally to the
President, which, perhaps, would be more convenient to you and satisfactory to him.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
General,--Your letter of this morning relative to the construction of
