HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, May 24, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 24, 1861.

Brig. Gen. M. L. BonHAM, Comdg. Manassas Junction, Va.: GENERAL: Colonel Moore’s regiment (seven companies) of Virginia volunteers has been ordered to join you to-morrow, and an additional battery of artillery. If strong defensible positions can be found on

Bull Run Creek, or in advance of it, it is advised that they be also .

occupied and strengthened; but the position of Manassas Junction, being of great importance to us, must be secured by all means in your power.* = = = ¥* = * = Lam, &c., R. 8. GARNETT, Adjutant-General.

RicHMOND, VA., May 24, 1861. General BoNHAM, Manassas Junction, Va. :

Send an express to Colonel Hunton, at Leesburg, to destroy all the bridges of the Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad as far down towards Alexandria as possible, and to keep you and General Johnston advised of the movements of the enemy towards Harper’s Ferry.

R. E. LEE, Major-General, Commanding.