[435] I applied a few days ago for a certain number of colored belts (red on one side and yellow on the other) for the purpose of distinguishing the soldiers of my command from those of the enemy. I earnestly call the attention of the War Department to my letter on that subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Richmond, June 17th, 1861.My dear General, —I have yours of 15th instant; all you ask for has been attended to so far as in my power. The Zouaves have gone some days to Yorktown. The 5th Regiment Alabama Volunteers, a fine regiment, has been ordered to you. I shall try for Colonel Jenkins's South Carolina regiment to be sent also. No bunting here. Have sent to Norfolk for some. Hope it can be had. Nothing here for flags. Cartridge-boxes Gorgas will see to, and Major Smith will send you pay-rolls. In reference to the badges, immense numbers are being made—but I understand the President thinks them too conspicuous—so do I. A small rosette of the same stuff pinned or attached on the arm or breast will be less notable, and quite enough distinguishable, I think. I wish I were with you in the conflict. May God give you his protection; your battle is righteous, and your victory undoubted. Yours truly,
Appendix to Chapter VII.
Headquarters Department of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, Va., June 15th, 1861.General,—Since my arrival here I have made careful reconnoissance of the coast, and sought in every way possible to possess myself of the enemy's movements and intentions; there is no evidence of a disposition on his part to land in this vicinity, and I am obliged to think the force here is unnecessarily large. To all appearances the Federal forces will be directed against Manassas and Harper's Ferry; if those places fall, this position will be unnecessary, as he will have opened for himself a more direct road to Richmond. I beg, therefore, respectfully to suggest that, after leaving a sufficient guard for the batteries, say five hundred men, it will be better for me to march with the great body of my command to Manassas, or some other point, where they can be made available to resist the first great onslaught of the enemy. It may be the time for this move has not yet arrived, but my only object now is to inform you that if you agree with my opinion as to the enemy's intentions, I can, at very short notice, march from here with three regiments of volunteers and two batteries of artillery. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
