Hdqrs. Department of Northern Virginia,
August 11, 1862
General S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General:
General: I am informed by General Longstreet that all the conscripts that have arrived from South Carolina have been assigned to General Kershaw’s brigade, McLaw’s division, and that they constitute nearly all that will arrive from the State. The other South Carolina brigades will consequently be without recruits. I had desired that they should have been divided between Kershaw’s and Jenkins’ brigades, to equalize them with the others from the State as far as possible. Please inform me if it can be so arranged without injury to the service.
I am very anxious that the vacancies among the regimental officers should be filled as soon as possible. Some of the regiments are now moving, and it is of great importance that they should have, if possible, their complement of officers, many being absent sick. Recruits are arriving for some of the regiments that remain, which also require all their officers, Can this be attended to today? All the reports and recommendations on this subject have been forwarded to your office that have been received by me.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
R E Lee,
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 11, Part 3, pp. 671-672
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 January 22
