Abstract from Field Return of troops commanded by Major General S. G. French, March 20, 1863.

Present for duty.

Troops. Officers. Men. Aggregate Aggregate

present. present

and

absent.

Brigadier ... ... ... ...

General M.

Jenkins'

command [no

report]

29th Regiment 36 696 732 915

Virginia

Volunteers

Moseley's 8 140 166 179

artillery

battalion

Sturdivant's 3 75 87 100

battery

Confederate 4 62 72 98

Guard

Hargrove Blues 4 103 114 125

Detachment of 1 23 24 25

cavalry

Signal Corps 9 124 137 146

Camp paroled 11 190 218 302

prisoners

On duty in 22 ... 80 80

hospitals,

Petersburg

Grand total 98 1,413 1,630 1,970

HEADQUARTERS,
Petersburg, Va., March 20, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith a rough statement* of the cavalry force in this department. As soon as I can get accurate statements of the regiments and detached companies I propose to organize the force into two brigades, and desire General Ransom's promotion as major-general, to command the cavalry. Colonel E. D. Hall is highly recommended by Major General D. H. Hill for brigadier-general of cavalry. I hope that he may be appointed to take the Second Brigade. If this force cannot be formed into a division of cavalry I desire authority to transfer General Ransom from his position in the infantry to the charge of the cavalry as a brigade. I have already explained to the Department the difficulties in the way of efficient operations of the cavalry, and desire that some action may be had which will increase its efficiency.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

JAMES LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,
Kinston, N. C., March 20, 1863.

Major General D. H. HILL,

Commanding at Goldsborough, N. C.:

GENERAL: I send up names of those who acted well in skirmishes on the 7th instant. The names of those who acted well last week I will send up as soon as the commanders can make them out. The charges against Forstler, the deserter, go up in the morning. Major Guion reported this morning, and I directed him to examine the country with a view of making a line from the work around the obstructions to Washington's Hill. I will report as soon as it can be made. I would like very much to have Coleman or some good engineer officer. The regi

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* Not found.

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