Hd.qrs: Jefferson 24 Aug. '52 
His Exel 
Jeffr. Devis 
President C. States 
Richmond 
Mr. President 
The enemy is in force before us occupying the 
left bank of the Rapp.H. & has greatly the advantage of us in 
Artl. ~ send you an autograph letter from Gen. Pope to Gen. 
McClellan. It is of old date 4 July, but interesting as ex­
hibiting his plan of campaign when you compare it with its 
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failure. \ \ 
'',I have another letter from Gen. Pope to Gen. Halleck dated 20th Inst; placing his whole force for duty at 43,000 independent of Burnside, & stating his plan to be to hold us in check until McClellan can join him from the ~r.~Gen. Fitz John Porter is to march from Falmouth 
and is the advance of McClellan. I think I can feed the whole army here if Col. Northrop will give the necessary directions about collecting beef. If we can secure this county the millers will give us flour. At first there will be difficulties, but they will be softened as we advance. We shall relieve other parts of the county, enjoying what would be consumed and destroyed by the enemy. The theatre of war will thus be changed for a season at least, unless we are overpowered. 
This last letter of Pope' s I think makes it certain that McClellan' s destination is to join Pope. The whole army I think should be united here as soon as possible. I have ordered up Riply whom I had advancelto Culpepper, and will direct Gen. G.W. Smith to send on McLaws, D.H. Hill and other available troops. Should you not agree with me in the propriety of this step please countennand the order and let me know. Gen. Loring should also be directed to operate north­ward and descend the Valley of Shenandoah, so as to threaten their possession of the Valley, in the event of the information 
sent you about the withdrawal of Coxe (f ), proving true. Hampton' s c2valry Jarticularly re uire. The defences around Ric1TIJ.ond must be perfected.and completed with hired labor and 
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held by the fixed battalions. I shall require Gen. Pendleton' s 
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usual-battalions. 
I have the honor to be 
Your obt . servt. 
R.E. 	LE Genl. 
P . S . I advanced the troops here last night and tb.i s was ( f) , in consequence of ascert ining that the enemJt feeling secure on their left from the high water of the Ra • R. wns concentrating his force upon Gen. J"ackson. 
R.E.L ..