tween your strength as to-day reported (5,500) and that reported August 10. He would be pleased to have an explanation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[R. H. CHILTON],

Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUST 18, 1862.

General BRANCH:

If you find everything quiet you can leave a strong regiment on the mountain and return. Do not let your men show themselves. I will relieve your regiment this evening.

A. P. HILL,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS, TAYLOR'S [FARM],
Via Gordonsville, Va., August 18, 1862.

General S. COOPER:

Better not send troops by Lynchburg; it will prevent transportation of supplies from that point. Put the division on march. Send portion by Central Railroad to Orange Court-House.

R. E. LEE,

General.

RICHMOND, VA., August 18, 1862.

General R. E. LEE, Gordonsville, Va.:

The reports from below not fully confirmed, but rendered more probable. Hampton is making reconnaissance in force. Expect to hear conclusively to-day. Have urged the arrangement desired. Want of transportation detained Colquitt's brigade until to-morrow.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

HEADQUARTERS SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. VA.,
Via Dublin, August 18, 1862.

Honorable GEORGE W. RANDOLPH:

News has just reached me that the enemy have fallen back from Meadow Buff. They had previously fallen back from the Flat Top, in Mercer County. I am pushing my reconnaissance on both sides of the New River with a view to ascertain the enemy's whereabouts.

W. W. LORING,

Major-General, Commanding.

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. VA.,

Via Newbern, August 18, 1862.

Honorable GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War:

The enemy has precipitately withdrawn from Meadown Bluff and Flat Top Mountain; probably has gone to Gauley Bridge. If you promptly