Lient. Col. W. H. 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: Privates G. M. Edwards and J. J. Dean, Company E, Fifteenth Alabama; R. H. Skeelin, Company B, Fourth Alabama; and 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,