I see nothing but eager soldiers trying to save their country.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, February 18, 1865. Colonel TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of Northern Virginia: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the officers and men of this corps are decidedly in favor of the voluntary enlistment of the negroes as soldiers. But few have been found to oppose it. The aversion to the measure has in no instance been found strong. The opposition to it is now confined to a very few, and I am satisfied will soon cease to exist in any regiment of the corps. I respectfully suggest that these reports be immediately forwarded to the authorities at Richmond. J. B. GORDON, Major- General, Commanding Corps.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Lieut. Col. W. II. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor respectfully to recommend the appointment of the following-named men to the positions of commissioned officers in the first negro organization raised under the late act of Congress:
Private G. M. Edwards, Company E, Fifteenth Alabama
Private J. J. Dean, Company E, Fifteenth Alabama
Private R. H. Skeelin, Company B, Fourth Alabama
Private J. D. Patrick, Company A, First South Carolina Volunteers
The three first named of these men arrested a deserter from their brigade to the enemy, who has since been tried and sentenced to be shot on 31st instant. The last-named man detected and exposed a plot of seven of his fellow soldiers to desert to the enemy. I deem it advisable to encourage such conduct as the above by every means in our power. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General.

HEADQUARTERS C. S. ARMIES, March 27, 1865. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have been awaiting the receipt of the orders from the Department for raising and organizing the colored troops before taking any action in the matter. I understand that orders have been published in the newspapers but have not seen them. In the meantime I have been informed that a number of recruits may be obtained in Petersburg, if suitable persons be employed to get them to enlist. Captain Cameron, assistant adjutant-general, Weisigers brigade, and Private Stephen H. Britton, Second Company Washington Artillery, both citizens of Petersburg, have been recommended as the best persons to be employed for this purpose. Captain Cameron is willing to do all he can to raise the troops, though he does not desire a commission. I have not heard from Britton. As time is important I have ordered Captain Cameron to be assigned to that duty, and will also order Britton if he is not averse to it. I also propose to send Lieutenant Alexander, of the Virginia battalion, now acting as provost guard, to his residence in Mecklenburg County on the same duty. He has good reason to believe he can raise some men. I respectfully ask that these measures be approved by the Department, if not contrary to any of its regulations. I think it will be nearly useless, in the present temper of our people, to send recruiting officers to districts where they are not known, and where they have no personal influence or connections favorable to the new measure. The enemies of the system will do all they can to thwart their efforts, and will deprive their appeals to the people in a great measure of effect by representing that the officers are only seeking to raise commands for themselves. As far as practicable, men should be selected for this business who are known in the communities to which they are sent and have influential connections.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

WILLIAM LYON, Esq., April 1, 1865. Demopolis, Ala.: SIR: By direction of the lieutenant-general commanding, at present, necessarily absent from headquarters, I have the honor to acknowledge through you the receipt of a proposition from certain citizens of Marengo and adjoining counties to furnish negroes for military service. General Taylor tenders to these gentlemen his thanks and his high appreciation of the patriotic motives which have thus promptly induced this offer of assistance. No orders from the proper authorities at Richmond have as yet reached him on the subject of the late legislation with regard to the employment of negroes as soldiers, but this would not prove an obstacle with the commanding general in the acceptance of this proposition could the department furnish the requisite arms, which, unfortunately, is impracticable at the present moment. He would be gratified, however, if the gentlemen who have affixed their names to the application would take steps to ascertain definitely the number of negroes that could be furnished at short notice, together with the names of officers to whom owners would be willing to intrust them. I am, sir, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General

Hon. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, April 3, 1865. secretary of War: Many negroes offered daily to volunteer. Could raise a brigade in a short time. Have telegraphed twice on the subject.
Please answer. L. VON ZINKEN, Colonel, Commanding. [Indorsement.]

APRIL 8, 1865. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: Please answer and confer authority as decided on at Richmond to raise Companies. Officers to be appointed here after. J. D.

DEMOPOLIS, May 2, 1865.
Lieut. Col. E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant- General, Meridian, Miss.:
Lieutenant Ward is here with authority to raise and organize negro troops given by General Morgan, and he wishes to know if he can do so pending the armistice. Answer immediately.
S. JONES Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post.