Field Telegrams.
[A deeply interesting volume might be made by collecting together the field telegrams and letters sent by our leading Generals on the eve of or during important battles. Unfortunately the full material for such a volume has been destroyed, or is scattered so widely that it would be almost impossible to collect it. We have in our archives, however, a large amount of such material, and propose, from time to time, to give some specimens of it. We have recently received from Mr. K. M. J. Paynter, of this city, the loan of files of telegrams sent principally from army headquarters on the south side of the James during the summer of 1864. The telegrams themselves (written generally on scraps of Confederate paper, and frequently in the autograph of the officer sending them), possess a curious interest. They are valuable as giving the information received of the movements and intentions of the enemy, and the consequent orders in reference to the movements of our troops. We give the following selections from these telegrams.]
| Headquarters Drewry's Bluff, | |
| May 10—1 P. M. | |
His Excellency Jefferson Davis,
President C. S. A., Richmond:
I have just received the following dispatch from General Ransom: "Thus far we are doing well; the fight is progressing." This is about all the information I can give you.
Very respectfully,
| Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, | |
| 12 K. 45, P. M. 1, via Mc2d. | |
General G. T. Beauregard:
It would be disadvantageous to abandon line between Richmond and Petersburg; but as two-thirds of Butler's force has joined Grant, can you not leave sufficient guard to move with balance of your command to north side of James river and take command of right wing of army?
Official: W. H. Taylor, A. A. G.
| Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, | |
| 7 K. A. M. | |
General R. E. Lee:
I have ordered a forced reconnoisance to ascertain more of enemy's position and condition. Have ordered Ransom's brigade to Bottom's bridge, as requested by General Bragg. I am willing
