J. a. Johnston to Lieutenant-Colonel Deas, June 26, 1861

Lieutenant-Colonel DEAS, Richmond, Va.: COLONEL: I have just had the honor to receive your lene of the 24th instant. You ask on the part of the governor if Brigadier-General Meem has been authorized by me to raise two regiments from the Third Division of Virginia Militia. I respectfully reply he was ordered to do so by me. Permit me to remind you that in calling out the militia lam compelled to use the officers set over them, and in the absence of any means of knowing their character must suppose that in times like these none but competent persons are left in high military places. If General Meem is such a person as you describe, let me suggest that the authorities in Richmond hold the remedy in their own hands, not I. I think — that the belief you express “that the population from which these regiments would be taken is by no means loyal” is erroneous. Your — strictures upon my order to General Meem imply strong disapproval— — I suppose that of General Lee. If I am correct in so understanding — you, would it not be well to countermand the order in question at headquarters ? Most

respectfully, your obedient servant,