Unknown to J. A. Seddon, September 30, 1864

About 260 prisoners, foreigners, at Florence have volunteered for our service. In consultation with General Beauregard I recommend and ask that Maj. Henry Bryan, assistant adjutant-general, and Capt. J. H. Brooks, of Nelson’s battalion, Hagood’s brigade, be ordered to Florence without delay to organize them into a battalion. Many others may be obtained. I will await your instructions before taking any other steps in matter.

Major-General. (Indorsement. ]

Order these two officers to report to General Jones for the purpose indicated. In sending the order transferring Captain Brooks, explain to his superior officer the purpose for which his services are required.

J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.

* This in reply to Wright, of September 29, 1864, reporting that a number of Catholic Irish prisoners, 1,000 or more, desired to enlist in the Confederate service, and asking ” Shall it be done?” The paper is not found, but the foregoing purport is taken from the War Department telegrams-received book.