CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, June 29, 1864

Richmond, Va., June 29, 1864.

General 8S. D. LEE, Meridian, Miss.:

Experience of the mischiefs resulting in many ways from authority to raise new organizations within the enemy’s lines, concurring with the President’s fixed opinion, constrains me to withhold the authority you ask in your telegram of 25th.* Every effort should be made to conscribe and assign to old organizations men of military age whenever accessible.

J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, VA., June 29, 1864. Col. GEORGE B. HODGE: (Care of H. R. Davis, Woodville, Miss. )

Abuses are said to exist in relation to trade in cotton, involving the public property and Government officers. Make investigation in regard to it in the region of your inspection.

[JUNE 29, 1864.—For Anderson to Bragg, in relation to the organization and eniployment of Florida reserves, see Series I, Vol. LIII, p. 345.