SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

Numbers 119.
Richmond, Va., May 27, 1862.

The troops serving under Brigadier General J. R. Anderson and Brigadier General L. O'B Branch will form a division, to the command of which Major General A. P. Hill is assigned.

By command of General Johnston:

A. P. MASON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Harrison's, Va., May 28, 1862-9 a.m.

General LEE:

GENERAL: If McDowell is approaching, of which there can be no doubt, we must fight very soon. Every man we have should be here. Major-General Holmes' troops should therefore be ordered to Richmond forthwith; they may be wanted to-morrow. I have more than once suggested a concentration here of all available forces.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON.

P. S.-I shall bring up Huger.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
May 28, 1862.

Major General B. HUGER,

Commanding Department of Appomattox, Va.:

GENERAL: I have just learned that Brigadier General J. G. Walker's brigade is at Petersburg. Being in the Department of Appomattox, it is under your orders. There are, then, four brigades under you command for the defense of Drewry's Bluff and Petersburg; at the former placed is Stuart's regiment also. I am promised eighty cars and engines to move your troops to-night; they are to be ready in Manchester by 9 o'clock. They shall receive your orders at a point opposite to Drewry's Bluff, when you can arrange the order at a point opposite to the troops. You will of course select the brigade to guard Drewry's Bluff and Weldon, counting Walker's as one of the brigades liable to your detail.

The President assured me, when General Walker's brigade left Fredericksburg, that it was still in my command; so it is in your command by a double argument.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Richmond, Va., May 28, 1862.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I have just received a telegram from General Huger, stating that General Holmes had ordered Walker's brigade back to