desirable, but if they only increase the number of men now employed by those departments it should by all means by forbidden. I respect fully ask that you will cause inquiry to be made on the subject, and if the case be as I suppose prohibit the continuance of the system. I would also ask that where such additional details have been made they be revoked, or that some able-bodied men in the office where they exist be sent to the army in lieu of the detailed reserve, if the latter is competent to perform the office duty.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[Indorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 14, 1864.

Noted. The details referred to are intended to substitute able-bodied men and are in conformity with the law directing details to be made preferably from the infirm and reserve classes. Instructions have been given and will be renewed in consonance with General Lee's view.

J. A. S[EDDON],

Secretary.

WILMINGTON, September 12, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

Everything here is in as good condition as means and circumstances will permit. Practical artillerists and proper infantry supports are most needed at present. I will leave here on Wednesday on my return to Petersburg, via Danville.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[Indorsement.]

Respectfully referred to General Bragg.

JOHN W. RIELY,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

PETERSBURG, September 12, 1864.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Wilmington, N. C.:

Unusual quiet. Yesterday 3 killed and 2 wounded in the trenches.

GEORGE WM. BRENT,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS HAMPTON'S CAVALRY CORPS, September 13, 1864.

Major H. B. McCLELLAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: In accordance with the instructions of the commanding general. I have the honor to apply for the detail of forty men and two commissioned officers from General Butler's division and the same from