HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, May 26, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 26, 1861.

Col. DANIEL RUGGLES, Commanding, Fredericksburg, Va. : COLONEL: Your letter of the 24th instant is at hand. The commanding general desires you to report what number of companies you have called out and mustered into the service in the lower counties of the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, what description of troops they are, and where they are now stationed. If, after the arrival of the Second Regiment Tennessee Volunteers and the battery of four 6pounders, you deem your force still insufficient to hold the enemy in check until other re-enforcements could reach you, itis suggested that you might draw from the counties before mentioned such companies as might be best spared from their present localities. If your mounted force is not already sufficient, and the service of Captain Cauthorn’s company is deemed indispensable, you can muster it into service. I am, &ce., k. 8S. GARNETT, Adjutant-General.