Today in History:

711 Series I Volume LII-II Serial 110 - Supplements Part II

Page 711 Chapter LXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- CONFEDERATE.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., July 21, 1864.

Governor J. W. BROWN,

Atlanta, Ga.:

Your telegram of the 19th, received by President and referred to me, excites surprise. Your late proclamation recognizes the necessity of details in larger measures, it is believed, than is allowed by Confederate law. The several companies for local defense referred to by you are organizations under special law and cannot be called for service beyond the terms of their enlistment. They are believed to be essential for the guard of the important points where they now exist. Detailed men are in the military service of the Confederate States and cannot be enforced to militia duty. Under exigency these details may be suspended or revoked and they called to duty with the reserves forces. General Cobb as commander of reserves is instructed and had discretion in this matter. Disclosure of the views or military plans of the Department is not deemed expedient. While your judgment of its means or the modes of applying them cannot be allowed to control, the best judgment of the Department will be exercised so to employ the military resources of the Confederacy as to defend to the utmost of its ability Georgia as well as the other States.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[38.]

MONTGOMERY, July 22, 1864.

General B. Bragg:

The order for General Smith has not been received by me.* Several dispatches from you alluding to it and urging promptness have been received. Send order to me.

S. D. LEE,

Lieutenant-General.

[39.]

MONTGOMERY, July 22, 1864.

General BRAGG:

Have received orders with reference to General Smith. Have forwarded every precaution as to their transmission.

S. D. LEE,

Lieutenant-General.

[39.]

MONTGOMERY, July 22, 1864.

General Bragg:

I have suggested to General Kirby Smith to send at least horses, mules, and harness across the river if he cannot send the trains entire.

S. D. LEE,

Lieutenant-General.

[39.]

MONTGOMERY, July 22, 1864.

General BRAGG:

Have received your order to report to General Hood. Have ordered General Maury to this point to give him special instructions. Can I

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* See VOL. XXXIX, Part II, p. 721.

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Page 711 Chapter LXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- CONFEDERATE.