J. E. Johnston, July 29, 1861

Manassas, July 29, 1861.

General S. CooPER, Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: I had the honor to write to you on the 24th instant on the subject of my rank compared with that of other officers of the C. S. Army. Since then I have received daily orders purporting to come from the ‘‘ Headquarters of the Forces,” some of them in relation to the internal affairs of this army. Such orders I cannot regard, because they are illegal.

Permit me to suggest that orders to me should come from your office.

Most respectfully,

your obedient servant,

General, OC. S. Army.