Today in History:

970 Series I Volume XXVII-III Serial 45 - Gettysburg Campaign Part III

Page 970 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.

RICHMOND, VA.,

July 5, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose two letters-one from Major Anderson, assistant adjutant-general, announcing that Major-General Hill has assumed command of all the troops for the defenses of Richmond, and the other my reply to it.

I have also the honor to inclose a communication * from Colonel [W. L.] Brown, conveying information from the bridge, and the South Anna.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARNOLD ELZEY,

Major-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]


HEADQUARTERS, & C., SUART`S FARM,
Brook Turnpike July 5, 1863.

Major-General ELZEY,

Commanding, Richmond:

GENERAL: I am directed by Major General D. H. Hill to say that, under instructions from the Secretary of War, he has assumed command of all the troops for the defense of Richmond, and is now disposing them upon the different roads.

I am further to inquire whether you desire that orders to the local troops should be sent through you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

RICHMOND, July 5, 1863.

Major ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge yours of this date, announcing that Major-General Hill, under instructions from the Secretary of War, has assumed command of all the troops for the defense of Richmond, and is disposing them upon the different roads.

In reply to your inquiry whether I desire that orders for the local troops should be sent through me, I have to say that as I have received no notification of instructions from the Secretary of War of this new arrangement, and the extent of my command under it, I am unable to answer the inquiry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARNOLD ELZEY,

Major-General.

RICHMOND, VA., July 5, 1863.

Major ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: As the Secretary of War considers the local forces as part of my command proper, my desire is that the orders for them be sent through me.

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*Not found.

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Page 970 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.