Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From January 26 To June 2, 1863.

CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#8

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RICHMOND, VA.,
May 5, 1863.

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War:

SIR: The city volunteers can only be assembled by ringing the alarm bell, which I presume you do not wish done unless the enemy are approaching. There is, however, a force available for a temporary guard at the prison. When I was organizing the volunteers, Dr.[A. G.] Lane, of the Winder Hospital, reported to me for orders with 300 convalescents able to bear arms. I armed them, and placed them under the command of Col. Joseph Selden for the defense of the River road. Doubting my authority, however, to issue further orders to these men, I deem it best to inclose the order(*) to you. My purpose was to bring them into the city to-morrow in order to have the arms returned, and then to disband and send them back to Camp Winder.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. RANDOLPH.

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