TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 25 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1889 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 ThE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PIIEPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF TIlE SECRETARY OF ~VAR, BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACTS (IF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. PART II-~COIRRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. I SS9 Page 2 1 -~ -~ / ~ ~~\\ Li U ~A~\ Page 3 PAART 11.VOL. XXVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGiNiA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM JANUARY 26 TO JUNE 2, 1863. UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 20. Washington, January 25~ 1863. I. The President of the United States has directed: 1. That Maj. Gen. A. E. Buruside, at his own request, be relieved from command of the Army of the Potomac. 2. That Maj. Gen. E. V. Sumner, at his own request, be reUeved from duty in the Army of the Potomac. 3. That Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin be relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac. 4. That Maj. Gen. J. Hooker be assigned to the command of the Army of the Potomac. 11. The officers relieved as above will report in person to the Adju- taut-General of the Army. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: The President directs me to say that he wishes an inter- view with you at the Executive Mansion as early as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON, Washington, .D. C., January 26, 1863. General H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chiqt; Washington: GENERAL: There does not appear to be much connection between the Army of the Potomac and the troops for the deft~nse of Washington. Scarcely an order issued from the headquarters of the Army of the Poto. mac applies here. Oii the contrary, the commander acts nn(ler orders from the General-in-Chief or from the War I)epartment. The duties being so difl~rent, cannot the defenses be~ made into a separate (lel)art (3 Page 4 4 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP.. ~XXVJI. ment, with such limits as may be convenient ~ Now the command vir- tually extends on this side of the Potomac from Piscataway Creek to the Annapolis Junction and mouth of the Monocacy, and on the south side along Goose Creek, Aldie, the Bull Run Mountains, Cedar Run, and the Occoquan. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. IIEINTZELMAN, Major- General. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D. 0., January 26, 1863. Major.General HOOKER: GENERAL: I have l)laced you at the head, of the Army of the Poto- mac. Of course I have done this upon what appears to me to be suf ficient reasons, and yet I think it best for you to know that there are some things in regard to which I am not quite satisfied with you. I believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier, which, ot course, I like. I also believe you do not mix politics with your profession, in which you are right. You have confidence in yourself, which is a valuable, if not an indispensable, quality. You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, does good rather than harm but 1 think that dur- ing General Burusides command of the army you have taken counsel of your ambition, and thwarted him as much as you could, in which you did a great wrong to the country and to a most meritorious and honorable brother officer. I have heard, in such a way as to believe it~ of your recently saying that both the Army and the Government needed a dictator. Of course, it was not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. Only those generals who gain successes can set up dictators. What I now ask of you is military success, and I will risk the dictatorship. The Government will support you to the utmost of its ability, which is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for all commanders. I much fear that the spirit which you have aided to infuse into the army, of criticising their commander and with- holding confidence from him, will now turn upon you. I shall assist you as far as I can to put it down. Neither you nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get any good out of an army while such a spirit prevails in it. And now beware of rashness. Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories. Yours, very truly, A. LINCOLN. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 9. ~ Came near Fairnouth, Va., January 26, 1863. By direction of the President of the United States, the commanding general this day transfers the command of this army to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker. The short time that he has directed your movements has not been fruitful of victory, or any considerable advancement of our lines, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, patience, and endurance that under more favorable circumstances would have accomplished great results. Continue to exercise these virtues; be true in your devo- tion to your country and the principles you have sworn to maintain; give to the brave aiA skillful geiwral who has so long been identifie Page 5 Caip. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC~UNION. 5 with your organization, and who is now to command you, your full and cordial support and co-operation, and you will deserve success. In taking an affectionate leave of the entire army, from which he separates with so much regret, he may be pardoned if he bids an especial farewell to his long-tried associates of the Ninth Corps. His prayers are that God may be with you, and grant you continual success until the rebellion is crushed. By command of Major-General Burnside. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, II.DQRS. AR1~LtY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 1. Camp near Palmouth, Va., January 26, 1863. By direction of the President of the United States, the undersigned assumes command of the Army of the Potomac. He enters upon the discharge of the duties imposed by this trust with a just appreciation of their responsibility. Since the formation of this army he has been identified with its history. He has shared with you its glories and re- verses with no other desire than that these relatioiis might remain unchanged until its destiny should be accomplished. In the record of your achievements there is macli to be proud of, and, with the blessing of God, we will contribute something to the renown of our arms and the success of our cause. To seenre these ends, your commander will require the cheerful and zealous co-operation of every officer and soldier in this army. In equipmeut, intelligence, and valor the enemy is our inferior; let us never hesitate to give him battle wherever we can find him. The undersigned only gives expression to the feelings of this army when he conveys to our late commander, Major-General Burnside, the most cordial good wishes for his future. My staff will be announced as soon as organized. JOSEPH IIOOKEiR, Major- General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. MID. DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 9. BaltimQre, Mid., January 26, 1863. I. The following named troops of this army corps shall constitute a separate brigade: The First Regiment Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. James Wallace. The Second Regiment Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Lient. Col. E. E. Massey, commanding. Company A, Purnell Cavalry, Capt. II. E. Duvall. Capt. G. W. P. Smiths Independent Company Maryland Cavalry. Companies A, B, and C, Scotts 900 New York Cavalry. Companies A, B, and E, Independent Battalion New York Volun. teers, and generally all forces that now are or may be hereafter as- signed for service in any of the counties of the Eastern Shore of Mary. land, and in the counties of Northampton and Accomack, of Virginia, and on the Western Shore of Maryland between the Potomac and Pa- tuxent Rivers, as fir up as the Piscataway River and Upper Marl- borough, and in the county of Calvert, and in the State of Delaware Page 6 3 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIIAI-. XXXVII. excepting those employed as guards on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. H. Brig. Gen. Henry B. Lockwood, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to the command of this brigade. By command of Major-General Schenek: WA. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, No. 1. Near Falmouth, TTa., January 26, 1863. in imrsuance with General Orders, No. 20, from the Adjutant-Gen- erals Office, War Department, Washington, January 25, 1863, I an- nonuce to the Right Grand Division that I have becit relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac, by order of the President of the United States. I have only to recall to you the memory of the past, in which you have fought so many battles with credit and honor alwaysin which you have captured so many colors, without losing a single gun or -standaidand to urge that, keeping this recollection in your healts, you prove always worthy of it. it is only in so (loing that you can retain lot- yourselves a reputation well won, and which I fhel will be preserved under the gallant and able commander, Major-General Couch, to whom I confide you. E. V. SUMNER, Brevet Major- General, U. ~3. Army. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 2. Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 29, 1863. The following-named officers are announced on the genel-al staff of this army: Maj. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, chief of staffi Brig. Geti. Seth Williams, assistant adjutant-general. Lient. Col. Jose1)h Dickinson, assistant adjutant-general. Brig. Gen. James A. ilardie, judge advocate-general. Brig. Gen. ileitry J. Hunt, chief of artillery. Brig. Gen. A. H. Patrick, provost-marshal-general. Col. Ruins Ingalls, chief q a artermaster. Licut. Col. F. Myers, deputy chief quartermaster. Col. H. F. Clarke, chief com missaty. Surg. Jonathan Letterman, medical director. Capt. Samuel T. Cushing, chief signal officer. Lieut. D. W. Flagler, chief orditance officer. Maj. William II. Lawrence, aide-dc-camp. Capt. William L. Candler, aide-dc-camp. Capt. Alexander Moore, al de-de-camp. Capt. harry Russell, aide-dc-camp. Staff officers absent from the command will report for duty -without delay. By comm and of Major-General Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, 4ssistant Adjutant- General Page 7 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 7 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MiDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CoRPs, No. 10. Baltimore, Aid., January 29, 1863. The following orders from the War Department are l)ubLished for the information of all concerned: By command of Major-General Schenek: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 43. Washington, January 27, 1863. * * * * * * * XVIII. Lieut. Col. Thomas C. Sullivan, captain and commissary of subsistence, is hereby relieved from duty as chief commissary of the Eighth Army Corps, with rank of lieutenant-colonel. He will continue in the performance of his duties as depot commissary at Baltimore. XIX. Licut. Col. William D. Whipple, additional aide-dc camp, major and assistant adjutant-general, is here by relieved from (lilty as assistant adjutant-general of the Eighth Army Corps, and will report to Major- General Sehenck, commanding Eighth Army Corps, for duty as aide- dc-camp. XX. In accordance with section 10 of the act al)proved July 17, 1862, amid with General Orders, No. 212, from the War Department, dated Dc- cember 23, 1862, the President oi-ders the following assiguments of officers to the staff of the army corps named, to wit: Assistant A djutants- General.First Lient. William H. Chesebrough, Eleventh Infantry, to the Eighth Army Corps, with rank and pay of lieutenant-colonel from January 27, 1863. Conmmissaries.Qapt. Joseph G. Crane, commissary of subsistence of Volunteers to the Eighth Army Corps, with rank and pay of lieutenant- colonel from January 27, 1863. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Marietta, Ohio, January 29, 1863. Maj. N. H. MCLEAN, Chief of staff, Department of the Ohio: MAJOR: I have the hoiior to inclose a copy of a telegram received to-day from General Scainmon, at Charleston, stating indirect receipt of information as to the purposes of the enemy in the direction of the Kanawha. Mr. Thomas N. Ayers, to whom the dispatch refers, is the superin- tendent of the coal-oil manufacturing company, which has works at Cannelton, 10 miles below Gauley Bridge, and which has its chief place of business at Maysville, Ky. Reports of this sort have not been infrequent, and I attach little im- portance to them. I have given General Scammon directions to use his force with such activity as to compensate for its weakness as far as possible, and to look toward a concentration of it, with the determina. tion to make a persistent stand at Gauley Bridge, even if the enemy ad- vance by way of Sandy River, through Logan and Boone Court-House, to the Kanawba, below him. By keepimig himself thus in their rear, the impossibility of keeping up supplies would make their stay short7 whils Page 8 8 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. the withdrawal of Crooks command leaves a considerable surplus of subsistence stores in the upper valley. Forage, however, is not abun- dant. In view, therefore, of the diminution of the force in the Kanawba, I have the honor to request from the general commanding a statement of his views of the policy to be pursued in the contingency referred to by General Scammon, or any other similar one which may arise. I believe I have before stated to the general that the chief embar- rassment of the officer commanding in the Kanawha is-not in reference to his direct front, but as to his flanks, raids of cavalry being l)ossible, either by the route taken by [A. G.] Jenkins last season, i. e., through the mountains between Suminerville and Beverly, thence down the Little Kanawha Valley to the Ohio, reaching the Great Kanawha anywhere between Charleston and the mouth; or by the valley of the Big Saiidy, and thence, as above stated, to the Kanawha above Charleston, at the Salines~ or anywhere below. In either case it will be important to know what policy it is desired to have pursuedwhether to attempt to hold Gauley Bridge, leaving the enemy to occupy the .lower valley, or pene- trate into Ohio, trusting to the necessity of their making but a brief visit, or to retreat to the Ohio. Of course these questions could only arise when the enemy is in greatly superior force. The line is not one which would be available to the enemy for permanent operations on a large scale. but they would, no doubt, be very glad to repossess the valley on account of the salt, as also on account of the diversion it would make in behalf of their forces elsewhere. Pblitical reasons also weigh with them in the desire to keep a foot- hold in Western Virginia. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. COX, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS DiSTRICT OF KANAWIJA, Charleston, January 29,1863. Colonel Paxton is directed to send oiie or two companies of cavalry on the road leading south from Cannelton. There are rumors of ami approach of the enemy from Tazewell. Their force is said to be cav- alry and light artillery, under [Henry] ileth. This reconnaissance must be made with all speed, and with special reference to the selection of points where an enemy could be most successfully opposed by inferior force. No time must be lost. It is reported that the enemy intends to strike the river near Mr. Ayers works, at Cannelton. You will readily understand the route by which they would approach. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MARIETTA, Oulo, [January 29, 1863.] Brigadier-General SCAMMON, Charleston: The possibility of a move of the nature you speak of has made me in- cline to the opinion that a force small as yours can be best used against one greatly superior by holding Gauley instead of Fayette; but this, Qf coarse, implies that the crests around that post are held with tenacity Page 9 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 as suggested in my former communicatioii on that subject. A large cavalry force cannot subsist in the Kanawlia, and I cannot believe any- thing more than a raid would be attempted, during the winter, at least. To be exceedingly watchful, keeping scouts everywhere in front and flanks, and prepared to concentrate at Gauley, seems to me the true course. For this reason, industry should be used in making that posi- tion defensible, as before suggested. I fear we cannot calculate upon much aid, for there is nothing within reach, and the removal of Crook in the face of reports hereto- fore made by me shows that the necessity elsewhere must be great. To do the very best thing possible with the means we have is now our duty. Let me know your views as to the use of your force, if left for a time without help. Your dispatch will be forwarded to General Wright. J. D. COX, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 29, 1863. Major.General HOOKER: Will you be in Washington soon, or shall I arrange to meet you at Aquia on business ~ H. W. HALLECK, General in. Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, JalLuary 30, 1863. General-in- Chief: Have no business requiring my presence in Washington, but will meet you there or at Aquia, as you may desire. JOSEPH HOOKER, Miajor- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: As some of the matters on which I wish to meet you may require a reference to the War Department or to the President, I will meet you here at your earliest convenience. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Ohief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 30, 1863. Major-General HALLECK: I will be in Washington to-night, and report in the morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, commanding Page 10 ]CHAI. XXXVII. 10 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF WASHiNGTON, Washington, D. C., January 30, 1863. General II. W HALLECK, General-in- Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: in relation to the exchange of the Pennsylvania Reserves for new regiments of the same State, from in and around Washington, I have the honor to state Aggregate present. Under General Hays command, One hundred and fifty-first Pennsylvania 825 Under Colonel Gibsons command, One hundred and forty-third Pennsylvania - - 779 Under General Martindales command, Company B, Twenty-sixth Pennsyl- vania . - -. Under General Martindales command, Company F, Twenty-seventh Pennsyl- vania 80 -Under General Martindales command, One hundred and thirty-fifth Penns~l- vania General Martindales command, One hundred and forty-ninth Pennsyl vania 913 Under General Martindales command, One hnndred and fiftieth Pennsylvania. 684 Total 4,194 Present sick 481 3, 713 Two of the companies (B, Twenty-sixth, and F, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers) belong to regiments now with the Army of tbe Potomac, with an aggregate of 175 men. To make this change, it will be necessary to break up the division of Pennsylvania Reserves, as one regiment is in the front on the south side of the river, another on this side, and the remainder, under Gen- eral Martindale, in the city. One great objection to this change is that some of the companies are commanded by sergeants and corporals. As most of the i-egi- ments are doing provost duty in the city, this is a most serious objec- tion. Tbose are the only regiments I have from this State, and 1 fear that the exchange cannot be made with any benefit to the service in my command. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. HEJNTZELMAN, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in- Chief: By General Orders, No. 61, War Department, 1862, leaves of absence cannot be granted in the field, except to prevent death or permanent disability. This rule never has been strictly regarded in this army. it is understood that the Adjutant-General gave a construction of this order to General Burnside that permitted leaves for a short period. The order organizing grand divisions gave to the grand division com- manders the authority usually exercised by the general commanding the army. Grand division commanders had no nnifortnity of action in the premises, and I have thought proper to issue the inclosed order. I believe by it much desertion will be stopped, and a more contemite Page 11 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11 feeling pervade the army. At the same time I desire, in view of ex- isting orders, that it should receive proj~er sanction. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, 3ift~jor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.I GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 3. Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 30, 1863. The following rules will govern officers empowered to grant leaves of absence: 1. No leave will exceed fifteen days. LI. Leaves to commanders of corps, divisions, and cavalry brigades will only be granted UPOD approval at these headquarters. One bri- gade commander only in a corps to be on leave at one time. III. Not more than One field officer of a regiment to be absent on leave at one time, where the full eoml)lelnent of field officers are l)resent. When less than that number, leaves to be granted only iu extreme cases. lV. Not more than two line officers to be given leave from any regi. ment at the same time; not more than one from any battery or de- tachment. V. Leaves not to exceed ten days, except to residents of the follow. ing States, when it may be given for fifteen days, viz: Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont; Ohio, Michigan, and the States west of these last named. VI. Furloughs to enlisted men mnst in no case exceed two for every 100 men present for duty in the regiment, battery, or detachment, and not to be granted to any men but those having the most excellent record for attention to all duties. VII. In case of the failure of any officer or soldier to return before their leave expires, leaves will not be granted to others from the same commands until their return. All applications will, by indorsement or otherwise, state the number of officers or men absent on leave from the command, and the failure to return of any person will be notified mi- mediately to the provost-marshal-general, with a memoranda of the leave, residence of the party, and description of enlisted men. VIII. A return from each regiment, battery, and detachment will be forwarded to these headquarters within eight days from the date of this order, showing the number of officers and men absent from duty from any cause whatever.* This return will be made out in form as follows: Name. Rank. Regiment. Company. Remarks. I I IX. Under the head of Remarks for all enlisted men absent will be given a complete description, age, height, & c., where enlisted, whether or not dropped from the rolls, when and where deserted, where sul)posed to be, furloughed, detailed at hospital, where, & c. X. Under the head of Remarks for officers when the absence is of such a nature as to canse dismissal from the service, it should be so stated, that action may be taken thereon. * See Hooker to Kelton, February 15, p. 77 Page 12 12 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [GeAr. XXXVII. XI. The officers will be placed at the head of the list. The enlisted men in the following order: 1st, furloughed meli; 2d, detached; 3d, absent, sick and wounded, in hospital; 4th, deserters. The list will be aggregated at the end as follows: Total absentOfficers Furloughed men . Detached Absent, sick and wounded, in hospital, & c Deserters Total Tables of these retnrns will be consolidated by brigades and divis- ions, aII(l accompany them. By command of Major-General Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, January 31, 1863. Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The Ninth Army Corps, now under your command, will l)e sent to Fort Monroe, to report to Major-General Dix. The troops at Harpers Ferry and in the Shenandoah Valley have been placed under the conimaiid of Major-General Scheuck, h eadqnarters at Baltimore. Brigadier-General Kelley, headquarters at Harpers Ferry, is in the im- mediate command. Major-General Heintzelman is in command of the troops in the immediate vicinity and for the defense of Washington. These officers will cordially co operate with you to the full extent of the means at their command. Their forces, however, are not sufficient to resist a strong attack from the main army of the rebels, and we must, tl~erefore, look to the Army of the Potomac to either cover these places or to succor them in case they should be seriously threatened by the enemy. On your recommendation, the Pennsylvania Reserves will be ex- changed with General Heintzelman for an equal number of Pennsyl- vania troops. Requisitions will be made on the Quartermaster~s De- partment for transportation to effect this exchange and to transport the Ninth Army Corps to Fort Monroe. In regard to the operations of your own army, you can best judge when and where it can move to the greatest advantage, keeping in view always the importance of covering Washington and Harpers Ferry either directly or by so operating as to be able to punish any force of the enemy sent against them. I inclose herewith a copy of my letter of the 7th instant to Major- General Burnside, in answer to an inquiry from him if I approved his crossing the Rappahannock with his army. That letter was submitted to the President and approved by him. It embodies my views in regard to the duty of the- Army of the Potomac to act against the enemy in its front whenever circumstances will permit. All requisitions for snpplies will, of course, be made on the proper departments, but should any one fail to duly respond to such requisi- tions, you will report the fault to these headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 13 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tJNION. [Inclosure.] WASHINGTON, D. C., January 7, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE, Gommanding, d~c., Falmouth: GENERAL: Your communication of the 5th was delivered to me by your aide-de-camp at 12 m. to-day. In alt my communications and interviews with you since you took command of the Army of the Po- tomac, I have advised a forward movement across the Rappahannock. At our interview at Warrenton, I urged that you should cross by the fords above Fredericksburg rather than to fall down to that place, and when I left you at Warrenton it was understood that at least a consid- erable part of your army would cross by the fords, and I so represented to the President. It was this modification of the plan proposed by you that I telegraphed you had received his approval. When the attempt at Fredericksburg was abandoned, I advised you -to renew the attempt at some other point, either in whole or in part, to turn the enemys works, or to threaten their wings or communications; in other words, to keep the enemy occupied until a favorable opportunity offered to strike a decisive blow. I particularly advised you to use your cavalry and light artillery upon his communications, and attempt to cut off his supplies, and engage him at an advantage. In all our interviews 1 have urged that our first object was not Richmond, but the deI~at or scatter- iig of Lees army, which threatened Washington and the line of the Upper Potomac. I now recur to these things simply to remind you of the general views which I have expressed, and which I still hold. The circumstances of the case, however, have somewhat changed since the early part of No- vember. The chances of an extended line of operations are now, on account of the advanced season, much less than then. But the chances are still in our favor to meet and defeat the enemy on the Bappahan- nock if we can effect a crossing in a position where we can meet the enemy on favorable or even equal terms. I therefore still advise a movement against him. The character of that movement, however, must depend upon cir- cumstances, which may change every day and almost every hour. If the enemy should concentrate his forces at the place you have selected for a crossing, make it a feint and try another place. Again, the cir- cumstances at the time may be such as to render an attempt to cross the entire army not advisable. Iu that case theory suggests that, while - the enemy concentrates at that point, advantages can be gained by crossing smaller forces at other points, to cut off his lines, destroy his conununications, and capture his rear guards, outposts, & c. The great object is to occupy the enemy, to prevent his making large detachments or distant raids, and to injure him all you can with the least injury to yourself. If this can be best accomplished by feints of a general crossing and detached road crossings, take that course; if by an actual general crossing, with feints on other points, adopt that course. There seems to me to be many reasons why a crossing at some point be attempted. It will not do to keep your large army inactive. As you yourself admit, it devolves on you to decide upon the time, place, and character of the crossing which you may attempt. I can only ad- vise that an attempt be made, and as early as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 1 Page 14 14 N. VA., W. VA., MD., ANP tA. (CHAP. ~XVIt. HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT, U. S. INFANTRY, Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 31, 1863. bent. E. E. SELLERS, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. 2d Brig., Sykes Div.: SIR: I have the honor respectfully to apply for orders to consolidate the companies of my regiment from nine to six. The average number for duty, including non-commissioned officers, is 21 to each. There are but 7 officers disposable for company duty with the regimeimt. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SALEM S. MARSH, Captain Second Infantry, Commanding Regiment. [Indorsernents.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH Coups, February 1, 1863. Approved, and respectfully forwarded. This step will have to be taken in all the old regiments under my command. It will promote efficiency and discipline. GEO. SYKES, Major. General, Comdg. Division and Fifth Corps. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DlYISIoN, February 2, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the action of the War Department, and most strongly recommended. Some similar step is absolutely required to give efficiency to the skeleton force of Regulars now in the field. I would most respectfully request that authority be given to consolidate all the regiments each into the number of companies which the number of men on their muster-rolls would make at the war standard. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, I). C., February 7, 1863. Respectftilly referred to the commanding general of the Army of the Potomac for such orders as he may consider most conducive to the interest of the service. By order: ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [FEBRUARY] , 1863. Granted. J. H. [HOOKER.] MARIETTA, [OHIO,] January 31, 1863. General E. P. SCAMMON, Charleston: SIR: Mv own view has been that the best arrangement is that which keeps the trool)s as nearly as possible in one concentrated body, having detachments only to watch the line of communications, and act as ad- vanced ])05t5 and scouts. I still think so, but have written General Wright for his opinion, in view of the reduction of the force, and vilI communicate with you as soon as I hear from him. A (50r(IOII of troop Page 15 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. is always liable to be cut in two before it can be concentrated, and, with the facilities of the enemy for getting information, is dangerous. Until I hear from General Wright, carry out the suggestious hereto- fore made. J. p. cox. Abshact from consolidated morning report of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker commanding, for January 31, 1~63; headquarters, camp near Falmoutli, Va. Present forduty. a a ~ a a a4.~ ~ a, Command. a as -~ b~ ~e 0 a a a ~I a p.. p~ p.. a a as as as bL 115 bS ~ .~ .~ p~ General and staff 61 2 63 63 65 Escort to headquarters, Capt. T. L. Motley 3 71 83 101 - -. Squadron of cavalry, Capt. J. B. McIntyre. 215 Provost-guard, Brig Gen. XI. R. Patrick 160 2, 670 3, 374 4, 520 4, 633 Regular Engineer Battalion, Lient. Charles E. 1 360 430 486 491 Cross. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P. 25 492 630 2, 102 2, 114 Woodhury. Chief quartermaster, Lient. Gol. Rufus Ingalls. 28 451 608 687 686 U. S. Signal Corps. Capt. S. T. Cushing 27 81 138 2t)2 201 Artillery Reserve, Capt. (1. A. De Essay 47 1, 381 1, 632 1, 886 1, 866 62 Right Grand Division, Maj. Gen. U N. Couch.. 1, 862 33, 406 42, 827 64, 7110 65, 755 98 Center Grand Division, Maj. Gen. George G. 1, 844 34, 129 42, 970 62, 616 62, 826 60 Meade. Left Grand Division, Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith... 2, 183 40, 817 50, 282 71, 368 73, 301 112 Grand Reser~e Division, Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel. 3, 541 27, 881 34, 306 47, 814 48, 467 76 Defenses of Washington, Maj. Gen. S. P. 2, 028 42, 510 62, 077 70, 205 69, 475 640 Eeintzelman.* Total 9, 810 184, 251 239, 420 326, 750 330, 095 1, 048 Present for duty, equipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Command. a.. p.. p.. a . 5 ~ a Q a a a 0 0 General and staff Escort to headquarters, Capt. T. L. Motley Squadron of cavalry, Capt. J. B. McIntyre Provost-guard, Brig. Gen. XI. R. Patrick Regular Engineer Battalion, Lieut. Charles E. Cross. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P. Woodhury. Chief quartermaster. Lient. Col. Rufus Ingalls. B. S. Signal Corps, Capt. ~. T. Cushing Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. De Russy Right Grand Division, Maj. (len. D. N. Couch.. Ceiter Grand Division, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade. Left Grand Division, Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith... Grand Reserve Division, Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel. Defenses of Washington, Maj. Gen. S. P. Reintzelman.* 134 1 25 2 1, 589 1, 582 1, 918 1, 303 949 Total 7,503 1, 900 360 3 19 7i 656 492 27, 960 28,878 34, 599 23, 833 20, 206 138, 315 14 133 172 147 40 681 437 3,423 2, 940 3, 162 2, 250 452 44 57 68 41 358 1,294 1, 574 2, 033 2,311 1,434 8,341 13, 391 613 16, 981 * But see abstract from returns of the Defeuses for same period. 1 Page 16 Ii; N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICUAP. XXXVTh Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Miaj. Gen. Joseph flooker, U. f~. Army, commanding, January 31, 1863. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. RSCORt, RTC. 1st Massachusetts Cavalry (one company), Capt. T. L. Motley. 1st U. S. Cavalry (detachment), Capt. M. T. Carr. 4th U. S. Cavalry, Compaflies A and E, Capt. James B. McIntyre. PROVOST GUARD. Brig. Gen. MARSENA R. PATRICK. McClellan (Ill.) Dragoons, Company A, Capt. George W. Shears. McClellan (111.) Dragoons, Company B, Capt. David C. Brown. 21st New York,* Lient. Col. Chester W. Steinberg. 2:141 New Yo,k,* Col. H. C. Hoffman. :35th New York,* Lient. Col. John G. Todd. 80th New York,* Col. Theodore B. Gates. 93d New York, Col. J. S. Crocker. 2d U. S. Cavalry, Capt. Thomas Right. 8th U. S. Infantry (five companies), Capt. E. W. H. Read. VOLUNTEER ENGINEER BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. D. P. WOODBURY. 15th New York Engineers, Col. C. G. Colgate. 50th New York Engineers, Col. C. B. Stuart. REGULAR ENGINEER BATTALION. Lient. CHARLES E. CROSS. ORDNANCE DETAChMENT. Lient. JOHN R. EDIE. ARTILLERY. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery. ARTILLERY RESERVE. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM HAYS. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Company B, Capt. A. F. Brooker. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Company M, Capt. F. A. Pratt. 1st New York Battalion, Battery A, Capt. Otto Diederichs. 1st New York Battalion, Battery B, Lient. A. von Kleiser. 1st New York Battalion, Battery C, Lient. C. Carrolien. 1st New York Battalion, Battery D, Capt. C. Kusserow. 5th New York Battery, Capt. E. D. Taft. 6th New York Battery, Capt. W. M. Bramhall. 15th New York Battery, Lieut. A. ~icivianon. 1st United States, Battery K, Capt. W. M. Graham. 2d United States, Batteries B and L, Capt. J. M. Rohertson. 4th United States, Battery G, Lieut. M. P. Miller. 5th United States, Battery K, Lieut. Charles Holman. 32d Massachusetts Infantry, Company C, Lient. R. Hamilton. * These regiments constituted a provisional brigade, under command of Col. William F. Rogers Page 17 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 17 RIGHT GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. DARIUS N. CoucII.* SECOND ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD. ESCORT. 6th New York Cavalry, Companies D and K, Capt. B. E. Ellerbeck. FIRST DIVISION. Col. SAMUEL K. ZooK.t First Brigade. Col. GEORGE W. VON SCHACK. 5th New Hampshire, Capt. J. E. Larkin. 7th New York, Capt. G. A. von Bransen. 61st New York, Lieut. Col. K. 0. Broady. 64th New York, Capt. H. T. Hunt. 81st Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col.R.M. Lee, jr. 145th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. D. B. Mc- Creary. 148th Pennsylvania, Col. J. A. Beaver. Third Brigade. Col. B. P. ROBERTS. 27th Connecticut, Lient. Col. H. C. Merwin. 2d Delaware, Lient. Col. D. L. Stricker. 52d New York, Capt. F. Benzler. 57th New York, Capt. J. W. Britt. 66th New York, Col. 0. H. Morris. 53d Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. R. McMichael. Second Brigade. Col. PATRICK KELLY. 28th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. George W. Cartwright. 634 New York, Lient. Col. R. C. Bent- ley. 69th New York, Capt. Jasper M. Whitty. & ~th New York, Maj. John Smith. 116th Pennsylvania, Capt. J. McNamara. Artillery. 1st New York, Battery B, Lient. A. S. Sheldon. 4th United States, Battery C, Lient. Evan Thomas. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOSHUA T. OWEN. First Brigade. Col. FREDERICK D. SEWALL. 19th Maine, Maj. H. W. Cunningham. 15th Massachusetts, Maj. T. W. Baird. 1st Minnesota, Lient. Col. William Col- viii, jr. 34th New York, Maj. J. Beverly. 824 New York, Lient. Col. J. Huston. Second Brigade. Col. DR WITT C. BAXTER. 69th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. D. OKane. 71st Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. J. Mar- koe. 724 Pennsylvania, Maj. Samuel Roberts. 106th Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. W. L. Curry. * Relieved Maj. Gen. E. V. Sumner, January 26. Major-General Hancock absent on leave, U UVOL XXV, PT I Page 18 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII Third Brigade. Col. J. R. BROOKE. 19th Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. A. F. Devereux. 20th Massachusetts, Maj. G. N. Macy. 7th Michigan, Capt. A. E. Steele, jr. 42d New York, Lient. Col. G. N. Bomford. 59th New York, Lieut. Col. William Northedge. 127th Pennsylvania, Col. W. W. Jennings. Artillery. 1st Rhode Island, Battery A, Capt. W. A. Arnold. 1st Rhode Island, Battery B, Capt. J. G. Hazard. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM H. FnENcII. First Brigade. Col. W. B. ROBERTSON. 14th Indiana, Maj. E. II. C. Cavins. 24th New Jersey, Licut. Col. F. L: Knight. 28th New Jersey, Maj. S. K. Wilson. 4th Ohio, Ma.j. L. W. Carpenter. 8th Ohio, Lient. Col. F. Sawyer. 7th West Virginia, Lieut. Col. J. H. Lockwood. Second Brigade. Col. DwIGHT MORRIS. 14th Connecticut, Capt. I. R. Bronson. 12th New Jersey, Col. R. C. Johnson. 108th New York, Maj. Francis E. Pierce. 130th Pennsylvania, Capt. William M. Porter. fhird Brigade. Col. JOHN D. MACGREGOR. 1st Delaware, Col. John W. Andrews. 4th New York, Maj. Charles XV. Kruger. 10th Ne~v York, Col. John E. Bendix. 132d Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Charles Albright. Artillery. 1st New York, Battery G, Lient. Nelson Ames. 1st Rhode Island, Battery G, Lient. C. Allen, jr. ARTILLERY RESERVE. Lieut. G. A. WOODRUFF. 1st United States, Battery I, Lient. G. A. Woodruff. 4th United States, Battery A, Licut. S. Canby. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK.* ESCORT. 6th New York Cavalry, Companies B and C, Capt. William L. Heermance. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. BURNS. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM M. FENTON. 2d Michigan, Maj. C. Byington. 8th Michigan, Maj. R. Ely. 17th Michigan, Col. William H. Withing- ton. 20th Michigan, Col. A. W. Williams. 79th New York, Lient. Col. David Mor- rison. Second Brigade. Col. GEORGE W. MINDIL. 29th Massachusetts, Licut.. Col. J. 11. Barnes. 27th New Jersey, Col. George W. Miudil. 46th New York, Col. Joseph Gerhardt. 50th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. T. S. Bren- holtz. * Relieved Brig. Gen. 0. B. Wilicox, January 16. 1 Page 19 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 Third Brigade. Col. THOMAS WELSh. 36th Massachusetts, CoL Henry Bowman. 45th Petinsylvania, Capt. F. M. Hills. 100th Pennsylvania, Maj. M. M. Dawson. Artillery. 1st New York, Battery D, Capt. Thomas W. Osborn. 3d United States, Batteries L and M, Lient. William C. Bartlett. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL D. STu1~GIS. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES NAGLE. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERRERO. 2d Maryland, Col. Thomas B. Allard. 21st Massachnsetts, Col. W. S. Clark. 6th New Hampshire, Maj. Phin P. Bixby. 35th Massachusetts, Col. E. A. Wild. 9th New Hampshire, Col. H. B. Titus. 11th New hampshire, Col. Walter Har- 48th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Henry riinau. Pleasants. 51st New York, Col. R. B. Potter. 7th Rhode Island, Col. Zenas R. Bliss. 51st Pennsylvania. Col. John F. Har- 12th Rhode Island, Col. George H. trauft. Browne. Artillery. Pennsylvania Light, Battery D, Capt. George W. Durell. 1st Rhode Island, Battery D, Lient. George C. Harkness. 4th United States, Battery E, Lient. Samuel S. Elder. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. GETTY. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. Rusu C. HAWKINS. Col. EDWARD HARLAND. 10th New Hampshire, Col. Michael T. 8th Connecticut, Lient. Col. J. E. Ward. Donohoc. 11th Connecticut, Col. G. A. Stedman, jr. 9th New York, Maj. Edward Jardine. 15th Consecticut, Lient. Col. Samuel ~9th New York, Col. Harrison S. Fair- Tolles. child. 16th Connecticut, Lient. Col. J. H. Burn- 103d New York, Maj. B. Ringold. ham. Third Brigade. Col. AARON F. STEVENS. 21st Connecticut, Lient. Col. Thomas F. Burpee. 13th New Hampshire, Maj. Jacob J. Storer. 25th New Jersey, Col. Andrew Derrom. 4th Rhode Island, Lient. Col. Martin P. Buffuni. Artillery. 2d New York, Battery L,* Capt. Jacob Roemer. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery E, Lient. William P. Graves. 5th United States, Battery A, Lient. Geor~ e W. Crabh. * Reported on original as in both S~eor~d ~tnd Third Divisions Page 20 20 First Brigade. Col. WiLLIAM GAMBLE. 8th Illinois, Lient. Cob D. R. Clendenin. 1d I1I(liana, Maj. XVillia.in S. McClure. 8th New York, Maj. Edmund M. Pope. N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAVALRY. Brig. Gen. ALFRED PLEASONTON. Second Brigade. Col. ThOMAS C. DEvIN. 6th New York, Lient. Col. Dulican Mc- Vicar. ~th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Amos E. Griffiths. 6th United States, Capt. George C. Cram. Artillery. 2d United States, Battery M, Lieut. R. H. Chapin. CENTER GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE.* THIRD ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. DANIEL E. SIcKLEs. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DAVID B. BIRNEY. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. SAMUEL B. HAYMAN. Col. P. REGIS DE TROBRIAND. 20th Indiana, Maj. J. H. Shannon. 3d Maine, Lieut. Col. M. B. Lakeman. 63d Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. W. S. 4th Maine, Col. Elijah Walker. Kirkwood. 38th New York, Maj. Augustus Funk. 68th Pennsylvania, Col. A. H. Tippin. 40th New York, Col. T. W. Egan. 1(15th Pennsylvania, Col. A. A. McKnight. 57th Pennsylvania, Licut. Col. Peter 114th Pennsylvania, Maj. J. S. Chandler. Sides. 141st Pennsylvania, Col. H. J. Madill. 99th Pennsylvania, Capt. J. W. Moore. Third Brigade. Col. THOMAS A. ROBERTS. 17th Maine, Lieut. Col. C. B. Merrill. 3d Michigan, Lient. Col. B. R. Pierce. 5th Michigan, Maj. E. T. Sherlock. 1st New York, Col. .J. F. Pierson. 37th New York, Lient. Col. G. Riordan. Artillery. 1st Rhode Island, Battery E, Capt. G. E. Randolph. 3d United States, Batteries F and K, Lient. J. G. Turnbnll. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH B. CARE. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM BLAISDELL. 1st Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. C. B. Baldwin. 11th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. P. D. Tripp. 16th MassachusettS, Lient. Col. Waldo Merriam. 2d New Hamphsire, Capt. J. W. Carr. 11th New Jersey, Lient. Col. Stephen Moore. 26th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. B. C. Tilghinan. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH W. REVERE. 70th New York, Col. J. Eghert Farnuni. 71st New York, Lient. Col. Henry L. Potter. 72d New York, Col. William 0. Stevens. 73d New York, Col. William H. Brew- ster. 74th New York, Capt. Henry M. Alles. 120th New York, Col. George H. Sharpe. *Assigned, January 26 Page 21 CHAr. XXXVIT.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. G. MOTT. 5th New Jersey, Col. W. J. Sewell. 6th New Jersey, Col. G. C. Burling. 7th New Jersey, Col. L. R. Francine. 8th New Jersey9 Col. A. J. Johnson. 2d New York, Col. S. W. Park. 115th Pennsylvania, Col. F. A. Lancaster. Artillery. Capt. J. E. SMITH. New Jersey Light, 2d Battery, Capt. A. J. Clark. New York Light, 4th Battery, Lieut. C. H. Scott. 1st United States, Battery H, Lient. H. L. Pike. 4th United States, Battery K, Lieut. F. W. Seeley. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. AMIEL W. WHIPPLE. Fsr8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. A. SANDERS PIATT. 86th New York, Col. B. P. Bailey. 124th New, Lieut. Col. F. M. Cum- mlfls. 122d Pennsylvania, Col. E. Franklin. Second Brigade. Col. JoSEPh H. POTTER. 12th New llarnpshire, Maj. G. D. Savage. 84th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Milton Opp. 110th Pennsylvania, Maj. D. M. Jones. Artillery. 10th New York Battery, Capt. John T. Bruen. 11th New York Battery, Capt. A. A. von Puttkammer. 1st Ohio, Battery H, Capt. J. F. Huatington. Sharp8hooters. 1st and 2d United States, Col. Hiram Berdan. FIFTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. GEORGE SYKES. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CHARLES GRIFFIN. Fir8t Brigade. Col. JAMES BARNES. 2d Maine, Lient. Col. G. Varney. 18th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. J. Hayes. 22d Massachusetts, Col. W. S. Tilton. 1st Michigan, Lient. Col. Ira C. AU. hott. 13th New York, Lient. Col. F. A. Schoef- fel. 25th New York, Col. C. A. Johnson. 118th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. J. Gwyn. Second Brigade. Col. JACOB B. SWEITZER. 9th Massachusetts, Maj. G. W. Dutton. 32d Massachusetts, Col. G. L. Prescott. 4th Michigan, Limit. Col. G. W. Lum- bard. 14th New York, Lient. Col. T. M. Davies. 62d Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. J. C. Hull. 2 Page 22 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. Third Brigade. Col. T. B. W. STOCKI~ON. 20th Maine, Col. A. Ames. 16th Michigan, Lient. Col. N. E. Welch. 12th New York, Col. H. A. Weeks. 17th New York, Col. N. B. Bartram. 44th New York, Col J. C. Rice. 334 Pennsylvania, Col. S. Vincent. Artillery. Capt. AUGUSTUS P. MARTIN. Mansachusetts Light, 3d Battery, Capt. A. P. Martin. Massachusetts Light, 5th Battery, Capt. C. A Phillips. 1st Rhode Island, Battery C, Capt. R. Waterman. 5th United States, Battery D, Lient. C. E. Hazlett. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. GEORGE SYKES. First Brigade. Maj. RICHARD S. SMITH. 3d United States, Capt. J. D. Wilkins. 4th United States, Capt. H. Dryer. 12th United States, First Battalion, Capt. M. M. Blunt. 12th United States, Second Battalion, Capt. T. M. Anderson. 14th United States, First Battalion, Capt. H. W. Keyes. 14th United States, Second Battalion, Capt. H. DeB. Clay. Second Brigade. Maj. GEORGE L. ANDREWS. 1st and 2d United States, Capt. S. S. Marsh. 6th United States, Capt. J. McCIeary. 7th United States, Capt. G. Chapin. 11th United States, Capt. H. L. Chipman. 17th and 19th United States (battalion). Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. G. K. WARREN. 5th New York, Lient. Col. George Duryea. 140th New York, Col. P4trick H. ORorke. 146th New York, Col. Kenner Garrard. Artillery. Capt. FRANK C. GIBBS. 1st Ohio, Battery L, Capt. Frank C. Gibbs. 5th United States, Battery 1, Capt. S. H. Weed. THIRD DIVISION. Col. E. M. GREGORY.* First Brigade. Second Brigade. Lient. Col. DAVID W. ROWE. Col. P1~TE1~ H. ALLABACH. 91st Pennsylvania, Capt. J. H. Sinex. 123d Pennsylvania, Col. J. B. Clark. 126th Pennsylvania, Capt. A. R. Davi- 131st Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. W. B. son. Shaut. 129th Pennsylvania, Maj. J. Anthony. 133d Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. W. A. Mc- 134tl~ Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. E. Cartiiey. OBrien. 155th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. J. H. Cai ii. * Brig. Gen. A. A. Hnmphreys on leave. 2 Page 23 (IHAF. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Artillery. Capt. ALANSON M. RANDOL. 1st New York, Battery C, Capt. Almont Barnes. 1st United States, Battery E, Capt. Alanson M. Randol. CAVALRY. Col. JAMES K. KERR. 1st Massachusetts (seven companies), Col. H. B. Sargent. 3d Pennsylvania. Col. J. B. McIntosh. 4th Pennsylvania, Maj. George H. Covode. 16th Pennsylvania, Col. J. Irvin Gregg. 1st Rhode Island, Col. A. N. Duffi6. 5th United States, Capt. James E. Harrison. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery A, Capt. J. C. Tidball. LEFT GRAND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH.* EScORT, ETC. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. R. H. Rush. FIRST ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS. ESCORT, ETC. 1st Maine Cavalry, Company L, Capt. C. Taylor. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Companies A and D, Capt. W. P. C. Treichel. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAMES S. WADSWORTH. Fir8t Brigade. Col. WALTER PHELPS, Jr. 22d New York, Capt. L. Ormsby. 24th New York, Lient. Col. S. R. Beards- ley. 30th New York, Col. W. M. Searing. 84th New York (14th Militia), Col. E. B. Fowler. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES GAVIN. 7th Indiana, Capt. W. C. Banta. 76th New York, Col. W. P. Wainwright. 95th New York, Col. G. H. Biddle. 56th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. J. W.JIof- mann. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. GABRIEL R. PAUL. 22d New Jersey, Maj. A. G. Demarest. 29th New Jersey, Lient. Col. W. 11. Tay- lor. 30th New Jersey, Lient. Col. J. J. Cladek. 31st New Jersey, Col. A. P. Berthond. 147th New York, Col. A. S. Warner. 137th Pennsylvania, Col. H. M. Bossert. Fourth Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. MEREDITH. 19th Indiana, Lient. Col. S. J. Williams. 24th Michigan, Col. H. A. Morrow. 2d Wisconsin, Col. L. Fairchild. 6th Wisconsin, Col. L. Cutler. 7th Wisconsin, Col. W. W. Robinson. Artillery.t Capt. JOHN A. REYNOLDS. New Hampshire Light, 1st Battery, Lient. Frederick M. Edgell. 1st New York, Battery L, Capt. John A. Reynolds. 4th United States, Battery B, Lient. James Stewart. * Relieved Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin. Col. C. S. Wainwright, chief bf corps artillery. 2 Page 24 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (ChAr. XXX~IL SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. ROBINSON. First Brigade. Col. T. F. McCoy. 16th Maine, Liout. Col. C. W. Tilden. 94th New York, Maj. De Witt C. Tom- linson. 104th New York, Col. G. G. Prey. 105th New York, Col. J. W. Shedd. 107th Pennsylvania, Maj. J. MacThomson. Third Brigade. Col. SAMUEL H. LEONARD. 13th Massachusetts, Maj. J. P. Gould. 83d New York, Maj. D. W. Diggs. 97th New York, Col. C. Wheelock. 11th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. N. W. Batchelder. 88th Pennsylvania, Maj. B. F. Foust. Second Brigade. CoL PETER LYLE. 12th Massachusetts, Col. J. L. Bates. 26th New York, Col. R. H. Richardson. 90th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. W. A. Leech. 136th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Isaac Wright. Artillery. Capt. DUNBAR R. RANSOM. Maine Light, 2d Battery, Capt. J. A. Hall. Maine Light, 5th Battery, Capt. G. F. Leppien. Pennsylvania Light. Battery C, Capt. James Thompson. 5th United States, Battery C, Capt. D. R. Ransom. THIRD DIVISION. Col. H. G. SICKEL. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM MCCANDLESS. 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. W. C. Talley. 2d Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. P. McDonough. 6th Pennsylvania Reserves, Maj. W. H. Ent. 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (1st Rifles), Capt. C. F. Taylor. 121st Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. E. W. Davis. Second Brigade. Col. ROBERT P. CUMMINS. 3d Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Jacob Lenhart, jr. 4th Pennsylvania Reserves, Lient. Col. R. H. Woolworth. 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, Maj. C. A. Lyman. 8th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. J. G. Henry. 142d Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. A. B. Mc- Cahuont. Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH W. FISHER. 5th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Alfred M. Smith. 9th Pennsylvania Reserves, Maj. James McK. Snodgrass. 10th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Ira Ayer, jr. 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. D. S. Porter. 12th Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. A. G. Oliver. Artillery. Maj. J. BRADY. 1st Pennsylvania, Battery A, Lieut. William Stitt. 1st Pennsylvania, Battery B, Capt. J. H. Cooper. 1st Pennsylvania, BatteTy F, Lient. R. B. Ricketts. 1st Pennsylvania, Battery G, Capt. F. P. Amsden. 2 Page 25 Onip. XXXVII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. SIXTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON. ESCORT, ETC. 6th Pennsylvania Vavalry, Companies I and K, Capt. F. C. Newhall. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. H. BROOKS. Fir8t Brigade. Col. HENRY W. BROWN. 1st New Jersey, Maj. William Henry, jr. 2d New Jersey, Lient. Col. Charles Wiebecke. 3d New Jersey, I~ieut. Col. James N. Duffy. 4th New Jersey, Col. William Birney. 15th New Jersey, Lient. Col. EdW. L. Campbell. 23d New Jersey, Lient. Col. E. B. Grubb. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. DAVID A. RUSSELL. 18th New York, Col. George R. Myers. 31st New York, Col. Frank Jones. 32d New York, Col. Francis E. Pinto. 95th Pennsylvania, Col. Gus. W. Town. Artillery. Maryland Light, Battery A, Capt. James H. Rigby. Massachusetts Light, 1st Battery, Capt. William H. McCartney. New Jersey Light, 1st Battery, Capt. William Hexamer. 2d United States, Battery D, Lieut. William Borrowe. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. A. P. HOWE. 25 Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH J. BARTLETT. 6th Maine, Lient. Col. C. S. Edwards. 16th New York, Col. Joel J. Scaver. 27th New York, Col. Alexander D. Adams. 121st New York, Col. Emory Upton. 96th Pennsylvania, Capt. W. H. Lessig. Fi~8t Brigade. Col. ROBERT F. TAYLOR. 33d New York, Lient. Co]. J. W. Corn ing. 49th Pennsylvania, Maj. Thomas M. Hul- ings. 119th Pennsylvania, Col. P. C. Ellmaker. Second Brigade. Col. HENRY WHITING. 26th New Jersey, Col. A. J. Morrison. 2d Vermont, Lient. Col. J. H. Wal- bridge. 3d Vermont, Col. Thomas 0. Seaver. 4th Vermont, Col. C. B. Stoughton. 5th Vermont, Col. Lewis A. Grant. 6th Vermont, Col. 0. 5. Tuttle. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. T. H. NEILL. 7th Maine (five companies), Col. E. C. Mason. 21st New Jersey, Col. G. Van Houtcn. 20th New York, Col. E. von Vegesack. 49th New York, Col. D. D. Bidwell. 77th New York, Col. J. B. MeKean. Light Brigade. Brig. Gen. CALVIN E. PRATT. 6th Maine, Capt. J. A. Haycock. 43d New York, Col. B. F. Bakei. 5th Wisconsin, Capt. Theo. B. Catliii. 3d New York Battery, Lient. Edward H. Underhill. Artillery. Maryland Light, Battery B, Capt. Alonzo Snow. 1st New York Battery, Capt. ~tndrew Cowan. 5th United States, Battery F, Capt. R. B. Ayres Page 26 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CHARLES DEVENS, Jr. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN COCURANE. Col. WILLIAM H. BROWNE. 65th New York, Lieut. Col. Joseph E. 7th Massachusetts, Li.,ut. Col. F. P. Hamblin. Harlow. 67th New York, Col. Nelson Cross. 10th Massachusetts, Col. H. L. Eustis. 122d New York, Col. Silas Titus. 37th Massachusetts, Col. Oliver Edwards. 23d Pennsylvania, Col. John Ely. 36th New York, Maj. E. J. Faxon. 61st Pennsylvania, Col. G. C. Spear. 2d Rhode Island, Lieut. Col. N. Goff,jr. 82d Pennsylvania, Col. D. H. Williams. Third Brigade. Col. FREDERICK H. COLLIER. 62d New York, Lieut. Col. Theodore B. Hamilton. 93d Pennsylvania, Col. John M. Mark. 98th Pennsylvania, Capt. Louis Voltaire. 102d Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Joseph M. Kinkead. 139th Pennsylvania, Maj. William H. Moody. Artillery. 1st Pennsylvania, Battery C, Capt. J. McCarthy. 1st Pennsylvania, Battery D, Capt. M. Hall. 2d United States, Battery G, Lieut. J. H. Butler. CAVALRY. Brig. Gen. DAVID McM. GREGG. District of Columbia (independent company), Lient. William H. Orton. 1st Maine, Lieut. Col. C. S. Douty. 1st New Jersey, Maj. M. H. Beaumont. 2d Now York, Col. J. Kilpatrick. 10th New York, Maj. M. H. Avery. 1st Pennsylvania, Maj. D. Gardner. 3d U. S. Artillery, Battery C, Capt. H. G. Gibson. GRAND RESERVE DIVISION. Maj. Gen. FRANZ SIGEL. HEADQUARTERS. li2d Ohio, Lient. Col. D. Thomson. 1st Indiana Cavalry, Companies A and B, Capt. Theodore Ma,jtheny. 3d West Virginia Cavalry, Companies A and C, Capt. Seymour B. Conger. ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. JULIUS STAHEL. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. N. C. MCLEAN. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. GEORGE VON AMSBERG. Col. WILLIAM P. RICHARDSON. 8th New York, Col. Felix Prince SaIm. 17th Connecticut, Col. W. 11. Noble. 41st New York, Lieut. Col. E. W. HoIm. 25th Ohio, Maj. J. Will jams. stedt. 55th Ohio, Lieut. Col. G. H. Safford. 45th New York, Lieut. Col. E. C. Wratis- 75th Ohio, Capt. A. L. Harris. law. 107th Ohio, Col. S. Meyer. 54th New York, Lieut. Col. Charles Ashby. 153d Pennsylvania, Col. C. Glanz. 2 Page 27 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LJNION. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM L. DE BECK. 2d New York Battery, Capt. Louis Schirmer. 13th New York Battery, Capt. Julius Dieckmann. 1st Ohio, Battery K, Capt. William L. De Beck. SECOND DIVI SION. Col. A. BUSCITBECK. Fir8t Brigade. Col. CLEMENS SOEST. 29th New York, Maj. Ulrich Gullmann. 154th New York, Col. P. H. Jones. 27th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Lorenz Cantador. 73d Pennsylvania, G. A. Muhleck. Second Brigade. Col. ORLAND SMITH. 33d Massachusetts, Lient. Col. A. B. Underwood. 134th New York, Col. Charles R. Coster. 136th New York, Col. James Wood, jr. 73d Ohio, Lient. Col. Richard Long. Artillery. 1st New York, Battery I, Capt. M. Wiedrich. 12th Ohio Battery, Capt. A. C. Johnson. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CARL SCHURE. First Brigade. Col. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG. 82d Illinois, Col. F. Hecker. 68th New York, Capt. Robert Rother. 157th New York, Col. P. P. Brown, jr. 61st Ohio, Licut Col. W. H. H. Bown. 74th Pennsylvania, Maj. Adolph von Hartung. 1st Ohio Artillery, Battery I, Capt. Hubert Dilger. Second Brigade. Col. WLADIMIR KRZYZANOWSEI. 58th New York, Capt. Frederick Braun. 119th New York, Col. E. Peissner. 75th Pennsylvania, Col. F. Mahier. 26th Wisconsin, Col. W. H. Jacobs. West Virginia Artillery, Battery C, Capt. Wallace Hill. CAVALRY. Col. LOUIS P. DI CESNOLA. 1st Maryland, Col. Eugene von Kielrnansegge. 4th New York, Maj. Anton von Penehelstein. 9th New York, Maj. Charles McL. Knox. 6th Ohio, Col. XVilliam R. Lloyd. 17th Pennsylvania, Maj. Reuben Reinhold. TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. HENRY W. SLocuM. ESCORT. 12th Illinois Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Philip E. Fisher. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALPHEUS S. WILLIAMS. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. JOSEPH F. KNIPE. Brig. Gen. T. L. KANE. - 5th Connecticut, Maj. XV. W. Packer. 20th Connecticut, Col. Samuel Ross. 10th Maine, Lient. Col. J. S. Fillebrown. 123d New York, Col. A. L. McDougall. 28th New York, Maj. T. Fitzgerald. 124th Pennsylvania, Col. .J. W. Hawley. 46th Pennsylvania, Maj. Cyrus Strous. 125th Pennsylvania, Col. Jacob Higgins. 128th Pennsylvania, Col. J. A. Mathews. 2 Page 28 28 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA, Third Brigade. Col. JOHN K. MURPHY. 27th Indiana, Maj. G. W. Burge. 2d Massachusetts, MKj. Charles R. Mudge. 13th New Jersey, Col. R. S. Swords. 107th New York, Maj. N. T. Colby. 29th Pennsylvania, Mnj. Michael Scott. 3d Wisconsin, Col. T. H. Huger. Artillery. * Maj. L. KIEFFER. 1st New York, Battery K, Capt. R. H. Fitzhugh. 1st New York, Battery M, Lieut. J .D.Woodbury. 4th united States, Battery F, Lient. F. B. Crosby. Cavalry. 1st Maine, Company H, Capt. George J. Summat. 1st Michigan, Company L, Capt. Melvin Brewer. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN XV. GEARY. [CHAP. XXXVII. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. CHARLES CANDY. Brig. Gen. N. J. JACKSON. 5th Ohio, Col. J. H. Patrick. 3d Maryland, Col. Joseph M. Sudsburg. 7th Ohio, Col. W. R. Creighton. 60th New York, Lieut. Col. J. C. 0. Red- 29th Ohio, Col. L. P. Buckley. ington. 66th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell. 145th New York, Maj. R. L. Van Wagenexi. 28th Pennsylvania, Capt. L. F. Chap- man. 147th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Ario Par- dee, jr. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE S. GREENE. 78th New York, Maj. H. C. Blanchard: 102d New York, Col. J. C. Lane. 137th New York, Col. David Ireland. 149th New York, Col. H. A. Barnum. 109th Pennsylvania, Col. H. J. Stainrook. 111th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. G. A. Cobham, jr. Artillery. Capt. JOSEPH M. KNAP. 6th Maine Battery, Lieut. E. B. Dow. Pennsylvania, Battery F, Capt. H. B. hampton. Pennsylvania, Battery E, Lieut. C. A. Atwell. Cavalry. 1st Maine, Company M, Capt. G. M. Brown. ~Capt. C. L. Best, chief of corps artillery Page 29 (hIAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Abstract from return of the Defenses of Washington, Maj. Gen. S. P. Heinizelrnan, U. S. Army, commanding, for January 31, 1863; headquarters, Washington, D. C. Present for ~ Pieces of a duty. ~ artilh ry. ~ .~. ___ Command. a a a~ a . V a General headquarters: Staff Company I, 5th New York Cavalry, Capt. G. C. Morton. Total Abereronibies division, Brig. Gen. I. J. Aber- crumbie: Staff and infantry Artillery 13 2 35 13 38 13 44 15 . 47 . 15 35 51 57 62 . ... . - 330 45 Total 375 Caseys division, Brig. Gen. Silas Casey: Staff and infantry 348 Artillery 17 Cavalry (Pi ovisional Brigade) 81 Total 446 Cavalry brigade, Col. R. Butler Price . - . 180 I)istrict of Alexandria, Brig. Gen. J. P. Slough. - 160 Artillery defenses of Alexandria, Brig. Gen. R. 205 0. Tyler. District of Washington. Brig. Gen. J. H. Martin. 155 dale. Military Governor. Defenses North of the Potomac, Lient. Col. J. A. 289 Haskin. Artillery Camp of Instruction, Brig. Gen. Will- 32 lam F. Barry. Jewetts Brigade, Col. A. B. Jewett. 137 Annapolis Junction, Md., Col. B. F. Tracy 28 Fort Washington, Md., Col. C. S. Merchant 4 Total Defenses of Washington... 2,026 7,~l70 8,817 10,263 10,480 1,14:1 1,336 1,382 1,372 36 8, 513 7, 295 498 1, 326 9, 119 3, 352 4,407 3, 886 2, 569 6, 514 840 2, 947 727 84 10, 153 8, 892 560 1, 846 11, 298 4, 171 13, 051 5, 223 4, 097 8, 263 996 3, 660 898 118 11, 6i5 10,177 614 2, 205 12, 996 4,915 13, 530 6, 445 5, 271 9, 240 1, 068 3, 995 939 118 11, 852 7,410 152 7,562 ..... 26 3, 888 13, 857 4,217 5,493 8, 596 1,287 4, 138 967 119 264 284 70 42,993 61,979 70,219 62,038 654 204 29 36 25 25 2 24 78 40 6 Page 30 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Troops in the Defenses of Washington, Maj. Gen. S. P. Jleintzeiman, U. S. Army, commanding, January 31, 1863. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. 5th New York Cavalry, Company 1 Capt. G. C. Morton. ABERCROMBIES DIVISION. * Brig. Gen. J. J. ABERCEOMBIE. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. R. COWDIN. 22d Connecticut, Col. George S. Burn- ham. 40th Massachusetts, Col. Burr Porter. 141st New York, Col. S. G. liathaway,jr. 16th Virginia, Col. J. T. Close. Third Brigade, Col. WILLIAM GURNEY. 127th New York, Lieut. Col. S. L. Wood- ford. 1424 New York, Lieut. Col. N. M. Curtis. 143(1 New York, Col. D. P. De Witt. 144th New York, Col. R. S. Hughston. Provisional Brigade. Col. CLARENCE BUELL. 118th New York, Lient. Col. 0. Keese, jr. 1524 New York, Lient. Col. Alouzo Ferguson. 169th New York, Maj. Alouzo Alden. Artillery. 9th Massachusetts Battery, Lient. Cli. Erickson. 4th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. T. D. Doubleday. 17th New York Battery, Capt. G. T. Anthony. CASEYS DIVISION. Brig. Gen. SILAS CASEY. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. FRANK FESSENDEN. Brig. Gen. E. H. STOUGHTON. 25th Maine, Lient. Col. C. E. Shaw. 12th Vermont, Col. Asa P. Blunt. 27th Maine, Lient. Col. M. F. Went- 13th Verinout, Col. F. V. Randall. worth. 14th Vermont, Col. William T. Nichols. 15th Vermont, Col. Redfield Proctor. 16th Vermont, Col. W. G. Veazey. Artillery. 24 Connecticut Battery, Capt. John W. Sterling. 1st Rhode Island Artillery, Battery H, Capt. Jeffrey Hazard. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER HAYS. 39th-New York, Col. Frederick G. DUtassy. 111th New York, Lieut. Col. Clinton D. MacDougall. 125th New York, Col. George L. Willard. 126th New York, Col. Eliakim Sherrill. 151st Pennsylvania, Col. Harrison Allen. Keystone (Pa.) Battery, Capt. Matthew hastings. 11th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Edward J. Jones. Provi8ional Brigade. Col. JOSEPH T. COPELAND. 5th Michigan Cavalry, Lient. Col. Freeman Norvel]. 6th Michigan Cavalry, Col. George Gray. 30 * At Chain-Bridge, Miners Jill], and Uptons Hill. At Centreville, Fairfax Court-House, Fort Albany, Union Mills, Wash and Wolf Run 8ho~l~, ington Page 31 CHAr. XXXVII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 CAVALRY BRIGADE.* Gol. R. BUTLER PRICE. 1st Michigan, Col. C. H. Town. 1st New Jersey (detachment), Sergt. Vandergrift. 5th New York, Lient. Col. Robert Johustone. 1st Ohio (detachment), Lient. Noah Jones. 2d Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Joseph P. Brinton 18th Pennsylvania, Col. Timothy M. Bryan, jr. 1st Vermont, Col. E. B. Sawyer. 1st West Virginia, Lieut. Col. John S. Krepps. DISTRICT OF ALEXANDRIA. Brig. Gen. JOhN P. SLOUGH. 1st District of Columbia, Licut. CoL L. Towers. 26th ~v1ichigan, Col. J. S. Farrar. 153d New York, Lient. Col. Thomas Armstrong. 11th Rhode Island, Col. H. Rogers, jr. Convalescents, Lient. Col. S. MeKelvy. Paroled and exchanged prisoners, Col. G. de Korponay. Recruits and stragglers, Capt. J. J. Upham. ARTILLERY DEFENSES OF ALEXANDRIA.t Brig. Gen. ROBERT 0. TYLER. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Lient. Col. N. L. White. 19th Connecticut, Lient. Col. E. S. Kellogg. 14th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery,t Col. Thomas R. Tannatt. 34th Massachusetts, Col. George D. Wells. 2d New York Heavy Artillery,t Lieut. Col. Jeremiah Palmer. 3d New York Heavy Artillery Battalion, Lient. Col. Adam Senges. 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery Company, Capt. A. J. Langworthy. DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON. Brig. Gen. JouN H. MARTINDALE (Military Governor). 2d District of Columbia, Col. C. M. 27th Pennsylvania, Company F, Capt. Alexander. C. Spering. 10th NewJersey,Col.WillianmR.Murphy. 135th Pennsylvania, Col. J. R. Porter. lit Ii New York Cavalry, Col. J. B. Swain. 149th Pennsylvania, Col. R. Stone. 26th Pennsylvania, Company B, CaPt. J. 150th Pennsylvania, Col. L. Wister. B. Adams. U. S. Arsenal, Lieut. Col. George D. Ramsey. DEFENSES NORTH OF TIlE POTOMAC. Lient. Col. J. A. HASKIN. Fir8t Brigade. I Second Brigade. Col. A. A. GIBSON. Col. L. 0. MoRRIS. 3d Maine Battery, Capt. James G. 16th Indiana Battery, Lient. C. R. Dem Swett. ing. 2(1 Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Col. 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, Col. D. A. A. Gibson. Chaplin. 143(1 Pennsylvania, Col. Edmnnd L. 7th New York Heavy Artillery, Maj. E. Dana. W. Smith. 11th Vermont, Col. James M. Warner. 9th Nev York Heavy Artillery, Col. J. Welling. 22d New York Battery, Capt. J. D. Nu. man. 117th New York (2d Battalion), Lient. 1 Col. A. White. At Centreville, Chantilly, Drancsville, and Occoquan. t 1orts Barnard, Bleriker, ElIs~vortb, Lyon, Richardson, Scott, Ward, and Worth. Brigaded under Col. Milton Co~swell. A battalion of the Fourteenth Massachw ~etts at Maryland Heights Page 32 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Third Brigade. Col W. R. PEASE. 5th New York Heavy Artillery (3d Battalion). Maj. G. F. Merriam. 10th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. A. Piper. 117th New York (1st Battalion), Col. W. R. Pease. ARTILLERY CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. BARRY. 1st Delaware Battery, Capt. Benjamin 19th New York Battery, Capt. William Nields. H. Stahl. 9th Michigan Battery, Capt. J. J. 27th New York Battery, Capt. John B. Daniels. Eaton. 12th New York Battery, Capt. William Pennsylvania Battery, Capt. John I. H. Ellis. Nevin. 16th New York Battery, Lient. Frederick 1st West Virginia Artillery, Battery A, L. Hiller. Capt. John Jenks. Jewett8 Brigade. Col. A. B. JEWETT. 23d Maine, Col. William W. Virgin. 10th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. J. 39th Massachusetts, Col. P. S. Davis. Henry Sleeper. 14th New Hampshire, Col. Robert Wilson. 11th New York Cavalry (detachment), 10th Verniont, Lieut. Col. William W. Maj. J. C. Kenyon. Henry. ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, MD. 109th New York, Col. B. F. Tracy. FORT WASHINGTON. Col. CHARLES S. MERCHANT. 9th New York Battery, Capt. Emil Schubert. 4th U. S. Artillery (regimental headquarters). Abstract from return of the Middle Department (or Eighth Army Corps), Maj. Gen. Robert C. Sc/ienck, U. S. Army, commanding, for month of January, 1863; head- quarters, Baltimore, Md. Present for .~ Pieces of ~ duty. ~ artillery. Command. .~ -~ Ii ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ General head narters 25 25 25 26 Annapolis, Ma 26 654 759 1, 036 1, 037 Baltimore, Md 149 3, 676 4, 519 5, 545 5,050 (t) (~) Eastern Shore, Md. and Va 64 1, 254 1, 501 1, 599 1,405 Frederick, Md 97 1, 731 2, 248 2, 657 2, 661 Fort Delaware, Del 11 283 407 419 420 47 6 Philadelphia, Pa 20 363 419 648 398 .. -. Defenses of the Upper Potomac 980 20, 580 23, 955 27, 949 25, 634 16 59 Total 1, 372 28, 541 :13, 533 39, 878 36, 631 63 65 * At Offutts Cross-Roads, Md. t Not accounted for on the original returns. 3 Page 33 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33 Troops in the Middle Military Department (or Eighth Army Corps), Maj. Gen. Robert C. Sehenck, U. S. Army, commanding, January 31, 1863. ANNAPOLIS, MD. Col. JOHN F. STAUNTON. 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, Col. William P. Manisby. 3d Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, Lient. Col. Charles Gilpin. Purnell Cavalry, Company B, Capt. Thomas H. Watkins~ 67th Pennsylvania, Col. John F. Staunton. BALTIMORE, MD. Bvt. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. MORRIS. 1st Connecticut Cavalry (battalion), Capt. Charles Farnsworth. 18th Connecticut, Col. William G. Ely. Patapsco (Maryland) Guards,* Capt. Thomas S. McGowan. Purnell Cavalry, Company C, Capt. Theodore Clayton. 5th New York Heavy Artillery, Lieut. Col. Edward Murray. 8th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. Peter A. Porter. 150th New York, Col. John H. Ketcham. 151st New York, Col. William Emerson. 179th Pennsylvania (two companies), Capt. Amos Drenkle. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery I, Lient. Thomas Grey. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery L, Capt. Samuel F. Chalfin. EASTERN SHORE, MD. AND VA.t Brig. Gen. HENRY H. LocKwooD. 1st Maryland Eastern Shore, Col. James Wallace. 2d Maryland Eastern Shore, Lieut. Col. Elijah E. Massey. Maryland Cavalry (Smiths independent company), Capt. G. W. P. Smith. Parnell Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Robert E. Duvall. FREDERICK, MD. Ccl. WILLIAM S. TRUEX. 3d Delaware, Lient. Col. Samnel H. Jenkins. Purnell Legion, Col. Samuel A. Graham. 14th New Jersey,I Lient. Col. Caidwell K. Hall. FORT DELAWARE. Lient. Col. DELAVAN D. PERKINS. 1st Pennsylvania Battery, Capt. Stanislans Mlotkowski. 2d Pennsylvania Battery, Capt. John J. Young. 1st Pennsylvania Marine and Fortification Artillery, Batteries A and B, Capts. John S. Stevenson and Franz von Schilling. PhILADELPhIA, PA. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM 1?. MONTGOMERY. Detachments. RELAY HOUSE, MD. 138th Pennsylvania, Col. Charles L. K. Snmwalt. * Reported at York, Pa. But see General Orders, No. 9~ January 2~, p. 5. Reported at Monocacy Bridge, Md, 3 u i~vo~ XXV, PT I Page 34 34 [CHAP. XXXVIL N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. WINCHESTER, VA. Brig. Gen. ROBERT H. MILROY. 1st New York Cavalry, Lient. Col. Frederick von Schickfuss. 110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William N. Foster. P22d Ohio, Col. William H. Ball. 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. James A. Galligher. 87th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. John W. Schall. 9th West Virginia, Col. Isaac H. Duval. 10th West Virginia, Col. Thomas M. Harris. 12th West Virginia, Col. John B. Klunk. 1st West Virginia Cavalry, Company K, Capt. Weston Rowand. 3d West Virginia Cavalry, Company D, Capt. James R. Utt. 1st West Virginia Artillery, Battery B, Capt. John V. Keeper. 1st West Virginia Artillery, Battery D, Capt. John Carlin. DEFENSES OF THE UPPER POTOMAC.* Brig. Gen. BENJAMIN F. KELLEY. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA. Brig. Gen. JOHN R. KENLY. 1st Maryland, Col. Nathan T. Dushane. 4th Maryland, Lieut. Col. Richard N. Bowerman. 6th Maryland, Col. George R. Howard. 7th Maryland, Lient. Col. Charles E. Phelps. 8th Maryland, Col. Andrew W. Denison. 1st Maryland Cavalry, Companies H and I, Maj. Charles H. Rnssell. Maryland Battalion Petomac Home Brigade Cavalry, Maj. Henry A. Cole. 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. James N. Schoonmaker. 17th Indiana Battery, Capt. Milton L. Miner. 4th Maine Battery, Capt. ONeil W. Robinson, jr. Baltimore (MarylandT Battery, Capt. Frederic W. Alexander. 14th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery (battalion), Maj. Frank A. Rolfe. 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. William H. Morris. MARTINSBURG, W. VA. Col. ANDREW T. MCREYNOLDS.t 106th New York, Col. Edward C. James. 126th Ohio, Lient. Col. William H. Harlan. 2d Maryland Cavalry Potomac Home Brigade, Companies B and F, Capts. William Firey and George D. Summers. 6th Virginia, Company C4 Capt. Thomas A. Manisby. NEW CREEK, W. VA. Col. ANDREW S. CORE. 23d Illinois, Maj. Charles E. Moore. 14th West Virginia, Col. Andrew S. Core. Mnlligans (Illinois) battery, Capt. John Rourke. * Headqnarters at Harpers Ferry, W. Va. General Kelleys retnrn nsed in prefer- ence to department return for same period, discrepancies being noted. t Col. Benjamin F. Smith commanding, according to department return. ~ Serving as artillery; one section reported on department return as at North Mountain Page 35 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. NORTH MOUNTAIN, W. VA. C~o1. JACOB M. CAMPBELL. 54th Pennsylvania, Col. Jacob M. Campbell. 1st West Virginia, Lient. Col. Jacob Weddle. ROMNEY, W. VA.~ Capt. GEORGE T. WORK. Riuggold (Pennsylvania) Cavalry Battalion, Capt. George T. Work. 1st West Virginia Artillery, Battery E, Capt. Alexander C. Moore. CLARKSBURG, W. VA. 6th West Virginia, Col. Nathan Wilkinson. CUMBERLAND, MD. 2d Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, Col. Robert Bruce. GRAFTON, W. VA. 15th West Virginia, Company G, Capt. Sidney F. Shaw. KEARNEYSYILLE, W. VA. 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Lewis B. Pierce. PARKERSBURG, W. VA. Lient. Col. DANIEL FROST. 3d West Virginia Cavalry, Company H, Lient. W. H. Flesher. 11th West Virginia (eight companies), Lieut. Col. Daniel Frost. POINT OF ROCKS, MD. Col. WILLIAM LOUIS SCHLEY. 5th Maryland, Col. William Louis Schley. Loudoun (Virginia) Rangers, Capt. Samuel C. Means. SIR JOHNS RUN, W. VA. 15th West Virginia (eight companies), Col. Maxwell MoCaslin. SPRINGFIELD, W. VA. Washington (Pennsylvania) Cavalry, Capt. Andrew J. Greenfield. WHEELING, W. VA. City Guards, M~j. B. H. Hill. * According to department return, the troops at Romney were the One hundred and sixteenth and One hundred and twenty-third Ohio; one company First New York Cavalry; one independent company Pennsylvania cavalry; five companies Ringgold Battalion; one company Third West Virginia Cavalry, and one section Batteiy D, First West Virginia Artillery; Col. James Washburn commanding post. 3 Page 36 N: VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCHAr. XXXVII. Abstract from return of the Department of the Ea8t,* Maj. Gen John E. Wool, U. S. Army, commanding, for month of January, k63. F Present for ~ - Pieces of ~0 e artiery. 0 n, ~ Command. co Cs CS a Qa ~ ~5 ~. ,~ Department staff t 42 5 Si 51 Fort Hamilton, Bvt. Brig. Gen. H. Brown 11 352 450 540 6 Fort Lafayette, Lent. C. 0. Wood 2 63 81 83 70 Fort Schuy]er, Capt. C. H. Millard. . 5 200 337 365 116 Fort Richmond, Capt. A. Cleghorn. - - 9 351 489 550 83 Camp Washington, Col. James W. Savage 21 476 661 876 Fort Ontario, Maj. S. Coolidge 4 152 193 224 17 2 Fort Independence, Maj. J. W. Gordon 7 208 265 270 Fort Warren, Col. J. Dimick ... 15 441 522 542 85 Fort Preble, Lient. Col. J. D. Greene 8 171 231 291 42 4 Fort Trumbull, Col. W. Gates 2 103 143 158 58 4 Fort Adams, Lient. Col. J. P. Sanderson 3 94 140 161 200 4 TotaI 129 2,616 3,563 1 4,111 733 20 Troop8 in the Department of the Ea8t, January 31, 1863. Massachusetts Heavy Artillery (three companies), Fort Warren, Mass. 7th New York Artillery Battalion (one company), Fort Schuy]er, N. Y. 10th New York Heavy Artillery (four companies), Fort Richmond,~S N. Y. 20th New York Battery, Fort Schuyler, N.Y. 28th New York Battery, Fort Schuyler, N. Y. 12th New York Cavalry, Camp Washington, Staten Island, N. Y. 1st U. S. Artillery, headquarters, Fort Warren, Mass. 5th U. S. Artillery, headquarters and Batteries B and E, Fort Hamilton. 11th United States, headquarters and recruits, Fort Independence, Mass. 12th United States, headquarters (Companies F and H), Fort Hamilton, N. Y. 14th United States, headquarters and recruits, Fort Trumbull, Conn. 15th United States, headquarters and recruits, Fort Adams, R. I. 16th United States, headquarters and recruits, Fort Ontario, N. Y. 17th United States, headquarters and two companies, Fort Preble, Me. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 1, 1863. Lieutenant.Commander MAGAW, Comdg. Potomac Flotilla: SiR: General Hooker desires that you should use every exertion to stop the passage of small boats conveying deserters from the army across the Potomac. It is believed that large numbers cross the Po- tomac in small boats above and below Aquia Creek. Any person detected in this occupation by your efforts, he requests may be turned over to the provost-marshal at Aqnia Creek, with Written memoranda of the circumstances attending their capture. It is believed that spies arid (0I~traband information are conveyed * This department re-established January 3, 1863, to consist of the New England States and the State of New York. Maj. Gen. Wool assumed command January 12, 1863. See Series I, Vol. XXI, p. 967. t Embracing all officers of the staff, corps, and departments on duty within terri- torial limits of the department. ~ Troops being organized and yet under eontr9l of the Stt~te authorities not av- counted for. ~ Now Fort Wadewo 3 Page 37 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~L1NION. across the Rappahannock below the lines of our army. If you can destroy the small boats and means of traffic across the Rappahannock at any or all points where your boats can reach, you will render an im- portant service. Information has been received that below Port Royal two light bat- teries, with four regiments of cavalry, have been stationed. Informa- tion has also been received that the enemy have placed torpedoes in the river below, or in the vicinity of, Port Royal. The information with regard to the torpedoes is not fully confirmed nor entirely reliable. The general would like to have your views as to how or what you could accomplish in the premises; also if any steps have been taken with regard to this matter, and with what success. Very respectfully & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Col. J. C. KELTON, February 1, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter received from Gen- eral Robert E. Lee, commanding the enemy~s forces. I desire to know if there are any instructions from the War Department pertaining to this question, or if the matter is left entirely at my discretion. I also desire to know if the requirements of Orders, No. 7, headquarters of the Army, January 29, 1862, are to be enforced. A different custom had arisen in this army previous to my assuming command of it. Very respectfully, yours, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. [Inclo8ure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, Commanding United States Forces: GENERAL: Lord Huntington and Colonel Leslie, of England, who are now in Richmond, have requested me to make application to you for a pass through your lines for them. I have the honor to submit their application to you, and on receipt of your answer will make it known to them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. LEE, General. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 2, 1863. Major-General DIX, Fort Monroe: The Ninth Army Corps has received orders to report to you at Fort Monroe. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 3 Page 38 38 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 2, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: General Orders, No. 19, February 22, 1862, provide for the inscrip- tion upon the colors of all regiments and batteries in the service of the United States the names of the battles in whicli they have borne a mer- itorious part. Most, if not all, the regiments and batteries now in the service with this army are entitled to distinction. Boards have been organized, and have reported upon the claims for these honorable in- scriptions. There are no records at the headquarters of these proceed- ings, but 1 am reliably informed that the recommendations of the boards have been forwarded to the headquarters of this army, although they are not now here. I desire information as to what the instructions of the Department are in carrying out this order. If these records are on file at the head- quarters of the Army or of the War Department, 1 trust that they may receive prompt and immediate action. If there are no records there, I would respectfully request proper instructions that these much to be desired ends may be accomplished at once. No better incentive could be given to this army for future, effort than this honorable recognition of their past services. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Miajor.General, Commanding. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., February 2, 1863. Capt. 0. E. lINE, Fiftieth New York Engineers, Washington, D. C.: CAPTAIN: The pontoQn train constructed by Booz & Brothers, of Baltimore, having been committed to the charge of Brigadier-General Woodbury, by order of Brigadier-General Totten, Chief Engineer, he directs that you bring it round by Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac to the Engineer depot at Washington whenever the weather becomes sufficiently settled to allow its safe passage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, February 26, 1863. The pontoon boats, & c., referred to in this communication will be turned over to Captain Hines orders for transportation to the Army of the Potomac. The Quartermasters Department will furnish the neces- sary transportation to Captain line, and one assistant to carry out this order. By command of Major-General Halleck: J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 39 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 39 HEADQUARTERS GRAND RESERVE DIVISION, Stafford Court-House, Va., February 2, 1863. Lient. Col. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: Pursuant to orders of the 28th instant, I have the honor to report that the troops of the Reserve Grand Division are located as follows: The extreme right is formed by a brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Di Cesnola, numbering about 1,000 men, stationed at Allcock, near Hartwood Church. This brigade draws its supplies from the Falmouth Depot, and by foraging toward the west and northwest. The left of this brigade connects with the right of the Third Division, Eleventh Corps, Brigadier-General Schurz commanding, stationed between llartwood Church and Maria, drawing its supplies over the same roads as the Cavalry Brigade from Falmouth. The lett of the Third Division connects with the right of the Second Division of the same corps, Brigadier-General Steinwehr commanding, stationed at Falmouth, in the immediate vicinity of the supply depot. One brigade of the First Division, Eleventh Corps, is stationed at Brookes Station, and the other brigade of the same division at Belle Plain, both brigades being snpplied by the depot at their respective stations. The greater portion of the Twelfth Corps, consisting of one division and one brigade, are stationed near Stafford Court-House, fronting west, drawing their quartermasters supplies from Hope Landing, a distance of 5 miles, over a passable road, and their commissary snpplies from Brookes Station, a distance of 4 miles, over a road partly corduroyed. One brigade of the Second Division of the Twelfth Corps is stationed at Aquia Creek Landing, within a very short distance of the principal supply depot, and the other brigade at Dumfries, being supplied by the river from Otterbacks Wharf, about 4 miles from Dumfries. The road leading to the landing is at times impassable, but constant exertions keep it in such repair that the force now stationed at Dumfries can be easily supplied. In addition to the infantry and artillery, there are about 300 cavalry at Dumfries, for patrolling and scouting purposes. A regiment of cavalry (Seventeenth Pennsylvania), under Colonel Kellogg, is stationed between Aquia Church and Stafford Court-House. Six companies of this regiment are guarding our fiont, patrolling prin- cipally to the west. Three companies are with Colonel Cesnola, and three at Occoquan City. The accompanying diagram, marked A,* shows the location of the different commands of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps. Commencing again on the extreme right, the cavalry at Allcock has its pickets to the front and right, especially connecting on the left with the infantry pickets of the Third Division near Hartwood, the latter having their pickets to the front, right, and left, connecting on the left with those of the Second Division, near Falmouth. The brigades at ~ Station, Belle Plain, and Aquia Creek Land- ing are picketing their own position; the brigade at Brookes Station guarding the railroad, and the Potomac Creek railroad bridge besides. The main position of the Twelfth Corps is extending its line of infantry pickets from Potomac Creek to Aquia Creek, parallel to and 1 mile west of the Telegraph road, connecting with the pickets of General Meades command. * Not fouu Page 40 40 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. The cavalry regiment. under Colonel Kellogg, near Aquia, furnishes pickets stationed on a line extending from Stafford Store, on the right, to Potomac Creek; on the left. The command at Dumfries has a chain of infantry pickets for its own safety about half a mile from the village, cavalry pickets being stationed at prominent points from 2 to 3 miles from the command. Under the control and supervision of an officer of the day of the corps, who is assisted by the officers of the day of divisions and bri- gades, the pickets are posted as directed by the general commanding the Grand Reserve Division, with the usual instructions according to the position of our own troops and those of the enemy. Officers of the day of the corps are relieved every five days, and officers of the day of divisions and brigades are relieved daily. The former visit the pickets once a day, and the latter once during the day and once in the night. The chief of staff has the general superintendence over all outpost duty. The system used in picketing by the Grand Reserve Division is a chain of sentinels, single or double posts according to circumstances, who are relieved by the pickets stationed from 100 to 200 yards in the rear of the chain of sentinels. The relieving pickets, which are, when possible, stationed on the roads, number from 15 to 36 men, and have consequently from 4 to 11 sentinels to be relieved by them, after de- ducting, in every case, 1 sentinel who is posted near the main picket. Special pickets are stationed on important points, principal roads, fords, and bridges, or for the purpose of connecting the relieving pickets, and to support them in case of necessity. In the immediate presence of the enemy, a general reserve of one or two regiments of infantry, with one or two sections of artillery and some cavalry, are posted in a central location, prepared to support the pickets at any moment. This reserve is on duty from sunset to sun- rise, and under the direct orders of the corps commanders or the com- mander of the Grand Division patrols and scouts. Regular patrols are sent from Alleock to the different fords on the Rappahannock River, below Richards Ford, and below Kellysville, about 6 miles below the crossing of the railroad. The cavalry regiment near Aqnia Church, besides patrolling the different roads toward Stafflwd Springs, Rock Hill Church, and Spottsville, sends a constant patrol over the Telegraph road toward Dumfries. The cavalry at Dumfries send patrols toward Wolf Run Shoals, Independent Hill, Brentsville, and Stafford Springs, and a constant patrol over the Telegraph road toward Stafford Court- House and Occoquan City. The cavalry at Occoquan City patrol to- ward Wolf Run Shoals, Maple Valley, and Greenwood, with constant patrol on the Telegraph road toward Dumfries. The patrols consist of from 5 to 25 men, under the usual instructions. Special patrols are sent out now and then, accompanied by scouts, the former serving as support of the latter. The number of scouts attached to these headquarters varies from 15 to 25 and 30, according to circumstances. They are sent west and northwest as far as they can go without returning upon the sight of a few rebels, ~nd by passing the rebel patrols and detachments on by- roads. Camp guards are organized as usual; each regiment has its own camp guard and regimental officer of the day. Besides this means of keep- ing the men within the encampment, outposts are not permitted to pass soldiers without authority from coi~ps headquarters. Provost-marshals of the grand division of corps, divisions, and brigades have their guard Page 41 Cuip. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 41 and patrols outall the time, with instructions to arrest all stragglers, who are punished at once by a field officer of their regiment, under authority of General Orders, No. 91, from the War Department. The police duty of the camp is especially assigned to the regimental officer of the day, commanding the camp guard. He is responsible for the order and discipline and the cleanliness within the camp, whilst commanders of regiments, brigades, and divisions lay out and arrange the camps and exercise the general superintendence in regard to order and discipline. Inspections of companies are held Sundays, and ordinarily a writteu report of every company commander has to be sent in by regimental commanders directly to these headquarters, to ascertain that the in- spection was really made. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, F. SIGEL, Major- General, Commimnding Grand Reserve Division. WASHINGTON, February 2, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War; SIR: On the 30th of December, 1862, I addressed you a letter* to accompany the report of the commission ordered by yourself to ex- amine and report upon the plan of the present forts, and sufficiency of the present system of defenses for the city. The Commission was composed as follows: Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, Chief Engineer U. S. Army. Brig. Gen. M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General. Brig. Gen. W. F. Barry (major Fifth Artillery), U. S Volnuteers. Brig. Gen. J. G. Barnard (major of Engineers), U. S. Volunteers. Brig. Gen. G. W. Cullum (major of Engineers), U. S. Volunteers. The letter was intended as a report of my own operations as chief engineer of the defenses of Washington, as a synopsis of the results arrived at by the Commission, and a statement of the amount neces- sary, as estimated by me, to execute all the additional work recom- mended by the Commission, and which Congress should be called on to appropriate. As it would be improper to make public the report of the Commission, I deem it proper to make here one or two extracts, which will enable Congress to understand the opinion entertained by the eminent officers whom you associated with me on this occasion. * * * * * * The Commission do not deem it necessary to enter into the history of the construc- tion of these works, though fully to appreciate their merits or demerits that history should be known (as it is presumed to be by those immediately interested), and it is fully given in the engineers report to the Chief Engineer U. S. Army, dated Decem- ber 10, 1861. * * * * * * * The Commission conclude their report by expressing their convictions of the great importance of this system of defenses to Washington, and by nrg~ng npon the War Department and Congress to take steps and provide means for a full and early com- pletion of the work. * * * * * * * The position of Washington, on the very borders of the insurgent territory, exposes it to great danger in cases of serious reverse to our armies in Virginia. * * * * * * * I would add that in asking for an appropriation of $200,000, far the largest part of this sum is required to carry out the recommendations * See Series I, Vol. XXI, p. 902 Page 42 42 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVH. of the Commission, to connect with the system of defenses already es- tablished forts and batteries for the defenses of the Potomac. Such works, though of earth and timber, must necessarily be expen- sive; and, indeed, they should be so carefully planned that hereafter they may be converted into permanent works, if desirable. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient, J. G. BARNARD, Brig. Gen., Chief Engine~r Defenses of Washington. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST VIRGINIA, Marietta, Ohio, February 2, 1863. Maj. N. H. MCLEAN, Chief of Staff, Department of the Ohio: MAJOR: I have the honor to hand you herewith copy of a dispatch of this date, just received from General Scammon,* which conveys infor- mation leading to the belief that the rebel forces in his front are being reduced in number, on learning (as they no doubt have (lone) of the reduction of our force in the Kanawha Valley. I also learn that the storms of the past week have so obstructed the mountains with snow, and injured roads, that there is no anticipation of activity for some time on either side in that region. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. COX, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 26. Washington, D. C., February 2, 1863. The district of country north of the Potomac River from Piscataway Creek to Annapolis Junction and the mouth of the Monocacy, and south by Goose Creek and Bull Run Mountains to the mouth of the Occoquan, will constitute the Department of Washington, and troops iii that de- partment will constitute the Twenty-second Army Corps, to be com- manded by Major-General lleintzelman .1 By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. HARPERS FERRY, February 3, 1863. Cob WILLIAM II. CIIESEBROIJGH, A ssistant Adjutant-General, Baltimore: The following dispatch received from General Milroy last night. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry proceeded to Winchester yesterday. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. WINCHESTER, VA., February 2, 1863. General KELLEY: [W. E.] Jones at Strasburg to-day, with his forces. [J. D.] Imboden at Front Royal with his forces, 2,000 strong; information reliable; hurry on the Thirteenth Cavalry. R. H. MILROY, Brigadier-General. Not found. See Heihtzelman to Halleck, January 26, p. 3 Page 43 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-~tJNION. 43 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Var., February 3, 1863. General WOODBURY, Commanding Engineer Brigade: The commanding general desires that you will have constructed across the valley of Potomac Creek, iear and to the southeast of the present main road from Falmouth to Brookes Station, a corduroy road, to replace that road, 16 feet in width. The corduroy road should have the position which will best accommodate winter travel; should connect at its two ends with the road now mostly used, and should cross Potomac Creek on a trestle or cut-work bridge, 12 feet wide and 8 feet above low water. Very respectfully, JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. U. S. STEAMER FREEBORN, Potomac Flotilla, A quia Creek, February 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st. Every exertion will be made to prevent the crossing of the iRappahannock referred to therein. The difficulty is this, the contrabandists haul their small boats during the day into marshes and thickets, where we cannot get at them, and they are used at night. Two light batteries and a 20-pounder Parrott, with perhaps two or three regiments of cavalry and infantry, are (or were) opposite a farm called Oaken Brow, some 3 miles below Port Royal. I lost 3 men in December in a skirmish with them. If the enemy have not placed torpedoes or infernal machines in the Rappahannock, they have not displayed their usual activity. I have heard they had placed them, but am not sure. They have sawed off the buoys at several points on the river, and surveyed Laytons and Saunders for a battery, nearly opposite Leedstown. In relation to deserters on the Potomac, the only way they can be stopped is to break up the small boats on the river, which I will do if you desire it. If you have leisure, I can come up to headquarters at a few honrs notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL MAGAW, Lieutenant- Commander, & c. WASHiNGTON, D. C., February 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Yours of the 1st instant is just received. General Orders, No. 7, 1862, has not been revoked, and should be strictly enforced. Foreign officers will not be permitted to pass our lines without a pass from the War Department, and such passes are given only on the application of the minister or diplomatic agent who represents their Government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 44 44 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL WASHINGTON, D. C., Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, February 3, 1863. Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Yours of the 30th, inclosing your General Orders, No. 3, is just received. General Orders of War Department, No. 61, 1862, have never been rescinded in regard to the Army of the Potomac. The Secretary of War, however, authorizes you to give leaves within the limits established by your Orders, No. 3. Great care, however, must be taken to restrict them even below this limit where it can be done. In no case will commanders of grand divisions, army corps, & c., be allowed to grant leaves. The number of applications sent to the War Department, approved by such officers, show a recklessness and care- lessness exceedingly reprehensible, for if one-half so approved were granted, the efficiency of the army would be completely destroyed. All leaves to officers to visit Washington without the consent of the War Department are deemed null and void, and hereafter all general officers who come here on leave not properly granted will be dismissed. The mere passage through the city, when that is the shortest or only line of travel, is not considered visiting, but any officer who remains here twenty-four hours without authority will be arrested. Y~ry respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General in. Chief: Before the departure of the Ninth Corps, permit me to recommend that General Smith be assigned by the President to command it, and that General Sedgwick be assigned to the command of the Sixth Corps. General Sedgwick is now on duty with the Ninth without assignment. The consequence of this, I think, will be good. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 4, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: Major-General Burnside is the permanent commander of the Ninth Corps. Make such temporary changes as you may deem proper. H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 4, 1863. General R. E. LEE, Commanding, & c., near Fredericksburg, Va.: In reply to the application of Lord Huntington and Colonel Leslie, of England, for permission to enter our lines, I am instructed by the Corn. mander-in-Chief of the United States Army as follows: Foreign officers will not be permittei to pass our lines without a pass from the Wa Page 45 Ca& p. XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 Department, and such passes are only given on application of the minister or dipio- matic agent who represents their Government. Your application has been referred to the Commander-in-Chief. Your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS GRAND RESERVE DIVISION, stafford Court-House, February 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. STAHEL, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that the Eleventh Corps be assembled near Stafford Court-House. The Second Division will march to-morrow to Potomac Creek, and encamp there for the night. The Third Division will also march as far as Potomac Creek, the cav- alry following in the rear to-morrow. Both divisions will encamp on their arrival between the Telegraph road and railroad south of the Stafford Court-House and Brookes Sta- tion road. The detachments at Dumfries and Occoquan will remain at those places until further orders. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, T. A. MEYSENBERG, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. CENTER GRAND DIVISIoN, February 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRANZ SIGEL, Commanding Grand Reserve Division: GENERAL: In compliance with orders from the headquarters Army of the Potomac, I inclose copies of the instructions received this p m. from the commandin g general, in regard to a reconnaissance ordered to be made to Rappahannock Station.# I have also to add that I have ordered on this reconnaissance to-morrow two regiments of cavalry and a battery of artillery, and to support them I shall advance a division of infantry on the Falmouth and Warrenton road, posting one brigade in the vicinity of Grove Church (where the roads to Ellis and Kellys Fords turn off), another brigade at the crossing of Deep Run, and the third at Hartwood Church. I have also placed under the command of the division commander a regiment of cavalry, with which he will picket all the fords and ap- proaches to them, from the United States to Kellys Ford. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 4, 1863. Major-General IVIEADE, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you send two regi- ments of cavalry, with a battery, to make a reconnaissance toward Rap- pahannock Station. * See operations at Rappahannoek Bridge and Grove Qhnrch, February 57, 1863? tart I, p. 7 Page 46 46 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYIL The inclosed report has been made by General Sigel of a reconnais- sance in that direction. * The man who saw and reported the pontoon bridge at Rappahannock Station will be directed to report to you to accompany the force. The pontoon bridge, if constructed, should be destroyed. The railroad bridge at Rappahannock Station should be destroyed. The railroad for a mile this side of the Rappahannock should be effectually destroyed and the ties burned. The command should go prepare(l to accomplish this. An infantry force must be moved to watch the United States Ford and the crossings above, to prevent any move- ment in the rear of the cavalry force, and support the movement. The whole command should go in the lightest order possible, taking every precaution to conceal their movements. They should carry sufficient provisions to last them while accomplishing the object directed. Gen- eral Sigel, upon your application, will furnish you with all the information possible. The Third Corps marched down in the vicinity of the river from Rap- pahannock Station and Bealeton to their present camp, and valuable information may possibly be obtained from General Stoneman. The general desires that this force should start early to-morrow morn- ing. They will make frequent reports, and communicate here as often as necessary. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 4, 1863. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Center Grand Division: GENERAL: The inclosed dispatch just received from General Sigel since the order for the reconnaissance was made. The major-genertil commanding directs that the reconnaissance be made as ordered, care being taken to prevent collision with General Sigels troops, and that the railroad and the railroad bridge be thoroughly destroyed. Yours, respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- Generql and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. ELEVENTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Stafford Court-House, Va., February 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. SIGEL, Commanding Reserve Grand Division: GENERAL: I have the honor to announce that in consequence of the report of the last scouting party, which stated that the enemy had built a pontoon bridge over the Rappahannock, near Rappahannock Station, yesterday, 100 men, under Captain ilanley, Ninth New York Cavalry, were sent to Rappahannock Station in order to ascertain more positively the rebels intention at that point. He crossed the Orange and Alexandria Railroad between Rappahannock Station and Bealeton Station, and l)llshed 2 miles farther up, and scouted the whole country See Stahels report of February 3, 1863, Part I, p. 6 Page 47 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 in that vicinity near the Rappahannock. The pontoon bridge seen so distinctly by the last reconnoitering party was nothing but some work- ing parties repairing the railroad bridge which crosses the river there. They had some working parties on a boat or float working at the rail- road bridge, and that was taken for a pontoon bridge. I am sorry to see exaggerations sometimes even by those officers whom I consider among the best. Our men fired at the pickets on the other side of the river, who, as soon as they saw our troops approaching, entered their rifle-pits and opened a sharp fire. The party returned, sconting the whole length of the iRappahannock without finding any sign of the enemy. General, I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JUL. STAHEL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIvISIoN, [Colonel MCINTOSH:] February 4, 1863. SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed with your command of two regiments of cavalry and a battery of artillery to Rappahannock Station, and there destroy the railroad bridge, and com- pletely destroy the railroad for a mile or more from the river, the ties to be burned, and such complete destruction as it may be in your power to make. There will be stationed a division of infantry and a regiment of cavalry from Hartwood Church to a point 24 miles beyond Deep IRan, whose commander is directed to watch all the fords below you, and to be pre- pared to support you in case you are compelled to fall back, and to warn you of any attempt to cross the river by the enemy to cut you oft, and to assist in resisting any such attempt. Inclosed are reports of reconnaissances recently made by General Sigels cavalry,* and it is not improbable you may encounter some of his troops. You will, therefore, be careful in meeting troops on this side of the river not to fall into any error. You will go as lightly equipped as possible, taking with you two days rations for the men and one for your animals. On completing the duty assigned you, you will i~eturn to camp, notifying the commander of the infantry forces that you have finished. You will see by General Sigels reports that the only forces he has heard of are cavalry brigades at United States Ford and Rappahannock Station, each supposed to be 2,400 strong. You will accordingly make your plans for approaching IRappahannock Station with the certainty of this force being opposite, and the possibility of a part of it being on this side, as the recent reconnaissance of General Sigel may have pro- duced this effect. If you are allowed to take possession of the left bank without opposi- tion, by planting your battery on it, it is believed with your battery and lining the banks with skirmishers, you can hold the enemy in check, and prevent their crossing sufficiently long to enable your working parties to complete the destruction desired. The division of infantry will be commanded by Brig. Gen. J. B. Carr, to whom, at llartwood Church, I See Stahel to Sigel, February 3, 1863, Part I, p. 6 Page 48 48 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYII. desire the Third Regiment of Cavalry, detailed in Special [Orders], No. 33, to report at an early hour to-morrow, the commanding officer, if practicable, communicating with General Carr before the latter leaves camp. [GEO. G. MEADE.I P. S.Xn officer and scout who were oii the reconnaissance of General Sigel have been ordered by telegraph to report to Colonel Mcintosh, at Hartwood Church, to-morrow. If not found at llartwood, information of them can be gained at Alicock, which was, or is, the headquarters of General Sigels cavalry pickets. Alicock is near Hartwood. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, February 4, 1863. General CAUR: SIR: The major.general commanding directs that you proceed with your division, at as early an hour as possible to-morrow morning, and take post as follows: One brigade, with a battery, at Hartwood Church; one brigade and battery at the crossing of Deep Run, on the Rappahannock road; and one brigade on the iRappahannock Station road, about 2~ miles beyond Deep Run, at a point where the roads to Ellis and Kellys Fords branch off. The object of this disposition is to watch the Rappahannock River, and constitute a support to a cavalry force which will be pushed out beyond you to Rappahannock Station. To enable you to keep a strict watch, and picket all the fords on the river, a regiment of cavalry will be ordered to report to you, whose duty it will be to watch all the fords from United States Ford to Kellys Ford, and give you, as well as the cavalry force in your front, timely notice of any attempt on the part of the enemy to cross a body of troops at any point. Yonr command will be supplied with three days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition, and will take no vehicles but a limited supply of am- bulances, the object being to move as lightly and rapidly as possible. You will be careful to instruct your brigade commanders, besides the cavalry pickets furnished, to post strong infantry pickets around their positions, to prevent any surprise; also to keep up communications with their river pickets, with each other, and the cavalry force in front. You will likewise instruct the cavalry pickets on the river to be careful and not show themselves to the enemy, the object of their being posted being to watch the enemy, but not to let them know of our movement. You will also take measures to prevent citizens communicating intelli- gence, by putting guards at their houses and confining them during your stay. You will communicate freqnently with these headqnarters by means of orderlies, and, when the officer in charge of the cavalry reconnaissance reports that he has completed it, you will return to this camp. The officer in charge of the cavalry reconnaissance is Col. J. B. Mc- Intosh, Thii-d Pennsylvania Cavalry. He has been directed to detail a regiment to report to you to-morrow at llartwood Church, and to re- quire the commanding officer, if practicable, to communicate with you before leaving camp, to receive your instructions. [GEO. G. MEADE, Major- Qe~wraL Page 49 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, February 4, 186312 P. in. Col. J. K. KERR: C& LONEL: Colonel McIntosh reporting to me that his force of two regiments will only amount to 600 men, I think you had better add another regiment, say the First Massachusetts, as from the number of the enemy reported as being at the railroad crossing, and the facilities he possesses of crossing both above and below, I should fear 600 would be inadequate to the duty assigned to Colonel Mcintosh. Respectfully, yours, GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Midnight. General JOSEPH B. CARR, February 4 1863 ~Jommanding Division: ~GENERAL: Colonel Mcintosh, who commands the cavalry reconnoit- ering party, says if you will give him three companies of the regiment assigned to you, he will take charge of the watching and guarding of Kellys Ford, the one immediately below the railroad crossing. I de- sire this arrangement made, which will relieve your advance brigade from watching above Ellis Ford. Colonel Mcintosh also says there is a strong cavalry reserve at Hart- wood Church, which you are authorized to call on in case of necessity. At Colonel McIntoshs suggestion, the brigade you are instructed to post at Hartwood Church will be more efficient if sent down to the vicinity of the United States Ford,where it can meet and repel any attempt to cross on the part of the enemy. You will, therefore, please so post it. Colonel Mcintosh will see you at Hartwood to-morrow, and I desire you to co-operate with him in all matters. Respectfully, yours, GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. WINCHI~STER, VA., February 4, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Sent cavalry to Front Royal and Strasburg yesterday. No enemy there. Just received the most reliable information from the camp of the enemy. His effective force is only about 2,000 strong. is mainly at Mount Jackson, engaged in conscripting; has no idea of attacking me. I can take him easily. R. H. MILROY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Faimouth, Va., February 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Commanding First Corps: By an arrangement made with the Commander-in.Chief, the division ~f Pennsylvania Reserves under your command are to be exchanged 4 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 50 [CHAP. XXXVII. 50 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. with General Heintzelman for a like number of Pennsylvania troops of his command. Upon receipt of this order you will direct this division to proceed to Alexandria and report to Major-General Heintzelman. The chief quartermaster will furnish the necessary transportation. The sick and all the baggage of the troops should be taken with them. The details of the embarkation are left with you, with reliance upon your energy and attention. Yery respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant.General. HEADQUARTERS GRAND RESERVE DIVISION, stafford Oourt.House, Va., February 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. STAHEL, Commanding Eleventh Army Corps: GENERAL: By order of Major-General Booker, Colonel Di Cesnolas brigade, now stationed at Ailcock, has to remain there until further orders. Please send immediately an order to him to that effect, and in.. struct him to put out his pickets aud send out his patrols and scouting parties as before. Respectfully, yours, F. SIGEL Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, February 5,1863. The following is published for the information of division commanders: HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIvIsION, February 5, 1863. GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that a reconnaissanCe in force has been sent this morning to Rappahannock Station. He wishes officers in charge of the pickets notified of this fact; also that you have your command in readiness to be promptly moved, in case it should be necessary to send any additional force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A; G. MASON, Acting A88i8tant Adjutant-General. In pursuance of the above notice, division commanders are directed to have their commands ready to move promptly, with rations in haver- sacks, in case they are required. By command of Major-General Sykes, commanding Fifth Corps: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 5, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. 0.: It is much to be desired that ~the recommendations heretofore made from this army for brevet rank for meritorious services on the part o Page 51 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 51 officers of artillery of the regular service, serving with this army, should receive favorable action. In the organization of the artillery arm of the service, it becomes necessary for its effectiveness and proper care that officers of experience and education should be assigned to duty as chiefs of artillery of the respective corps. The officers best fitted for this s~rvice are the captains of artillery on duty with batteries. Many, if not all, of these officers have performed meritorious service during the campaigns of this army, and are justly entitled to some considera- tion and reward therefor. Their assignment to duty as chiefs of artil- lery of corps, while it gives them no increased rank, deprives them of a portion of their pay, and most of them have families dependent upon them for support. I would earnestly request that the commanding general should select from the list of officers thus recommended from this army the names of a sufficient number to be made chiefs of artil- lery of corps, and urge upon the proper authorities that the brevet rank in the regular service recommended for them should be given them, and they assigned to duty according to their brevet rank, to fill these positions. Such a course is not only due to these officers, but would be of the greatest benefit to this army. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 6. Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 5, 1863. I. The division of the army into grand divisions, impeding rather than facilitating the dispatch of its current business, and the character of the service it is liable to be called upon to perform being adverse to the movement and operations of heavy columns, it is discontinued, and the corps organization is adopted in its stead. They will be commanded as follows: First Corps, Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds. Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch. Third Corps, Brig. Gen. D. E. Sickles (temporarily). Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade. Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick. Eleventh Corps, Maj. Gen. Franz SigeL Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum. IL Hereafter the corps will be considered as a unit for the organ- ization of the artillery, and no transfers of batteries will be made from one corps or division to others except for purposes of equalization, and then only under the authority of the chief of artillery. III. The cavalry of the army will be consolidated into one corps, under the command of Brigadier-General Stoneman, who will make the necessary assignments for detached duty. IV. The foregoing changes in command will be made as early as convenient. V. The major-generals commanding grand divisions will report to these headquarters the names of such staff officers as are for assign- ment for duty in the execution of this order. By command of Major.General Hooker:. JOS. DICKINSON, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. Page 52 [CHAP. XXXVII 52 N. VA., W. VA., !~tD., AND rA. r~pg~~ ORD~EiS, jELDQRS. Ai~Y C~F THE POT& 1~L4~C, INo. 36. Camp uear Falmouth, Va., February 5, 1863. I. Brig.~Gen. H. G. Berry is asaigued to the command of the ~ecoud ~1Di148ion, Third Corps, and will mport accordingly. * * * * * * J3~y ~coxamand of 11~li~jor-GeneraI Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, Assi8tant A~djutant-Generat. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT GRAND DIVISION, February 6, 1863. ~I~or.General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In compliance with Paragraph V, General Orders, No. ~, dated headquarters Army of the Potomac, February 5, 1863, I have~the lionw~ to report the following staff officers, other than the perso~al staff of the late commanding general of the Right Grand Division, viz: Names. Nature of duty. Remarks. Lisut. Col. J. H. Taylor Chief of staff and assistant Now absent on leave; fifteen days adjutant~general expires February 14.1863. Lient. Col. C. G. Sawtelle Chief quartermaster Granted leave of absence, fifteen days. Lient. CoL William W. Teell Chief eoinznissary Granted leave of abseuce, ~Eteen days. Liout. Col. Paul J. Revere Assistant inspector.gener& l - Absent on sick leave. Stwg. N. Dougherty Medical director Absent on leave of twenty 4aya; ex. p ires February 19.1863. Yfrst Usat A~ll. Cushing Topographical Corps . Absent on leave of twenty 4~ys; piree February 15, 1863. 5ecouALieut. It. 5. ~iackenzie Engineer Corps Present for duty. I.d~m it proper to remark, for the information of the general com- manding, that Major-General Sumner, on leaving this army, aiiuourieed his determination to apply fr.r his entire staff in case he should be assigned by the President to another command. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. COUCH, Major- General, Commandin.q. HEAnQUART~RS AlI~MY OF THE POTO~IAC, Camp near FalimotstA, Va., February 6, 1863. Col. 4. .C. KELTON~, Aesi8tant Adjutant-General: I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of Special Orders, Nes. 85 and 36, directing the movements of the Ninth Corps and of the Penn- ~syIvauia Reserves. By the former it will be observed that Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith has been ordered to the Ninth Corps, and Major-Ceneral Sedgwick to the $ixTh Corps. This change, I ~am satisfied, will con- duce to the good feeling and efficiency of this army, and, .perh e, ~to that of the Niuth Corps. Not knowing at what point it was desired to -have ~the Reserves landed, I considered it advisable to send ilinein ito Alexandria, from which point their destination can be readily changed to meet the wishes of the officer in command of the troops in Wash- ington and vicinity. As deseitions from this army are now at an end, er iesrly so, I i,espeotftilly recommend that no infantry frQm ~ny corn Page 53 CRAP. XXXVIT.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. mand be sent to Maryland. The dragoons now there, in my opinieu,. is a sufficient force to arrest all deserters attempting to make their~ escape from service in that direction. If, however, it shofild be deter- mined to send a regiment of infantry from my command to Maryland, I desire that it may be understood that such regiment is not removed from my command. The Ninth Corps will be shipped as rapidly as the transportatiom is furnished for that movement. The same will be the case with th~ Ito- serves. One brigade of the former embarked to-day. I have the honor to inclose a copy of General Orders, No. 6, breaking up the grand divisions and consolidating the cavalry of this army. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. [Ineloenree.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRs. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 35. February 4, I& 63. * * * * * * IL The Ninth Corps, under Maj. Gen. William F. Smith, will embark for Fort Monroe without delay. Major-General Sedgwick will relieve MajoiGeneral Smith of the command of the Sixth Corps~ and will enter upon this duty on the receipt of this order. Staft~ officers on duty with these corps will be governed by the provisions of General Orders, Nob 212, War Department, December 23, 1862. On arriving at Fort Mon~ roe, Major- General Smith will report to Major-General Dix for fur-tIter orders. The troops will embark with three days rations~ sending all invalids of a serious type to Washington City, and those of a. slight character will accompany the commands to which they belong. The chief quartermaster will furnish the necessary transportation. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMY OF TME POTOMAC, No. 36. f ~Jamp near Falmouth, Va., February 5, 1863; * * * * * * II. The Pennsylvania Re serves, Third Division, First Corps, will embark at Belle Plain without unnecessary deh~y Cor Alexandrisi, and report to Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman. The chief quartermaster will furnish the necessary transportation. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant.General. ENGINEER DEFART~LrENT, Brig. Gen. C.. ~. CULLUM, Washington, D. C., February 6, 1863.. Chief of & aff, Headquarters of the Armyj: SIR: Mr. William P. Trowbridge, engineer agent at New York, re- ports in a letter received to.day that the bridge train of sixty battt,a Page 54 54 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. pontoons, ordered November 27, is now completed and stored ready for shipment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Brevet Brigadier-General, Colonel of Engineers. (Copy furnished for the information of Major.General Hooker Febru- ary 6, 1863.) J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant.General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 6, 1863. Col. J C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: In compliance with orders received from the General- in-Chief, directions have been given for the embarkation of the Ninth Corps for Fort Monroe and the Pennsylvania Reserves for Alexandria. I inclose extract from the report of the Reserves, and trust the com- manding general will bear in mind that these men are enlisted for three years or the war, and that in replacing them the same number of men of like terms of enlistment may be ordered here. I should be pleased to have the regiment commanded by Col. George D. Wells, I think the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, sent me, he having served in my old division for a long time. The limited facilities afforded for the embarkation of troops and the severe storm may cause some delay in executing these orders, but they will be hurried off with all possible dispatch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. FEBRUARY 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Center Grand Division: In view of the present storm, the general intrusts to you the recall of the force ordered for the reconnaissance, if there is probability of their being unable successfully to accomplish it. Discretionary orders may be forwarded to the officer in command. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staffi HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVIsIoN, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 6, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Dispatch received, and sent to General Carr and Colonel McIntosh for their information and action. Colonel McIntosh, at mid- night, prior to starting, informed me he was provided only with axes and other tools for destroying 1~he bridge. I informed him that the bridge ought to be burned, and as General Averell, I presumed, ha Page 55 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 55 collected combustibles and other means for destroying the bridges for his recently planned raid, I directed him on his return to camp to make inquiry and endeavor to obtain them. It is in reference to his failure to procure these special articles that his dispatch refers. He went provided with all the means at hand that could be collected in the time given for preparation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEU. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. FEBRUARY 6, 1863. Major-General MEADE, Stonemans $witch, Va.: The following dispatch has just been received from General Sigel: STAFFORD COURT-HOUSE, VA., February 6, 186311 a. m. Last night our picket-line was attacked near Morrisville and Wiggintons Mills by the enemys cavalry. Some dead and wounded on both sides. Particulars will be sent by orderly. At present all is quiet. The following dispatch has been sent to General Sigel: Your dispatch received at 5.30. Colonel McIntosh, with two regiments of cavalry, was in camp at Grove Church last night. Are you sure that your pickets did not come in contact with his? Send a messenger to him, between Grove Chnrch and Rap- pahannock Station, giving him full and correct information of all that occurred, the numbers of the enemy, and where they were and probably are. These dispatches are forwarded for your information. General Sigel was directed to send the messenger to save time. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & ajf. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 8. f Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 6, 1863. All orders for exemption from further levies of forage for the use of this army, issued previous to this date, are hereby revoked and will be taken up. A copy of this order will be furnished to all parties having such orders. Safeguards for persons and all property not needed to maintain troops will be religiously regarded. Levies will not be made of any other articles than forage and fresh beef and in no case to be made except in accordance with the provis- ions of General Orders, No. 154, Army of the Potomac, August 9,1862. Plundering and pillage will under no circumstances be permitted. Offi- cers will be held responsible for the prevention thereof in their respect- ive commands. The allowance of forage and subsistence exempt from levies, which must not be seized, will be six months supply from this date for the owners and their families, including their employ6s, at the rate of 1~ bushels per month for each person. By command of Major-General Hooker: JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 56 56 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXVII. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. 11TH CoRPs, ARMy OF POTOMAC, No. 1. ~& afford Court-House, Va., February 6, 1863. In compliance with General Orders, No. 6, from headquarters Army of the Potomac, which discontinues the division of the army into grand divisions, and adopts the corps organization in its stead, I hereby resume the command of the Eleventh Corps. Major-General Slocum, commanding the Twelfth Corps, will report directly to headquarters Army of the Potomac. Brigadier-General Stahel, commanding the Eleventh Corps, will resume command of the First Division of the Eleventh Corps. I sincerely thank Major-General Slocum for his assistance and con- stant co-operation while serving nuder my command. [F. SIGEL,] Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 7, 1863. Major-General SLOmIM, 6ommanding Twe~fth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you detail a brigade of at least 1,200 effective men, with the full complement of officers, for temporary duty at Aquia Creek, in the construction of works to dover the depot of supplies, work to be commenced early Monday a. in. They will go into camp near here, from Aquia Creek to Stafford Court- House. The officer in command will report to Lieutenant Comstock, chief engineer officer of the general staff, and carry out the instructions re- ceived from him. The commandiug offic~r will draw subsistence from Aquia Creek during their stay there. As soon as work is completed they will join their command. A copy of Lieutenant Comstocks instructions will be sent by your orderly to-morrow a. m. Acknowledge receipt of this dispatch. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & affi HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Near Fredericksburg, Va., February 7, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of AS~taff, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I respectfully request some instructions from the com- manding general relative to our bridge equipage. During the last month we have had four trains, of twenty-two pontoons each, fitted np, and, as far as possible, permanently supplied with teams. Besides these, we have had one train mounted on wagons, and all complete ex- cept teams, with the understanding that teams were to be furnished in some manner by the quartermaster when the time arrived for nsing this train. We have material for still another bridge. The roads have been so bad now for several weeks, and are likely to continue so bad, that I think it necessary to supply every pontoon wagon with eight horses or mules and two drivers. The question .arises~ is it necessary to keep four trains thus mounted and ready for instant service, or will a less number answer, say three ~ In this case, to throw five bridges, the quartermaster must furnish teams for two when th Page 57 CHAi~. XXXVIJ.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 57. emergency arises. I should like to make this reduction if it meets the views of the commanding general. It is so exceedingly difficult to obtain good teamsters for the pontoon service and to retain them, that I would like to reduce the permanent establishment as much as prac- ticable. Very respectfully, D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier. Genert~t of Volunteers. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 9. Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 7, 1863w Flour or soft bread. will be issued at the depots to commissaries for at least four issues per week to the troops. Fresh potatoes or onions, if practicable, for two issnes per week. Desiccated mixed vegetables or potatoes for one issue per week. Commanders of army corps, divisions, brigades, aI)d separate com- mands will require any commissary under their orders who fails to issue the above-named stores to the command to which he is attached, and as often as stated, to produce the written statement of the officer in charge of the depot from which he regularly draws his supplies to the effect that they were not on hand at the depot for issue to him, or otherwise to satisfactorily account for his failure. By command of Major-General Hooker: ~JOS. DICKINSON, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 10. Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 7, 1863. I. Corps commanders may grant leaves of absence to officers and furloughs to enlisted men, observing strictly the provisions of General Orders, No. 3, from these headquarters, January 30, 1863, except that leaves to staff officers, other than aides, will be granted only upon the recommendation of the chiefs of their respective departments, in divis- ions and corps, approved by the chiefs of their departments at these headquarters, and not more than one staff officer of each department will be permitted to be absent from a division at the same time. II. The following instructions from the General-in-Chief are published for the information of all concerned: All leaves to officers to visit Washington without the consent of the War Depart- ment are deemed unil and void, and hereafter all general officers who visit Washing- ton on leaves not properly granted will be dismissed. The mere passage tlfrougltthe city, when this is the shortest or only line of travel, is not considered visiting. III. No officer or soldier will leave this army under orders, unless such orders are given through the proper military channel. IV. Corps commanders, under Paragraph 1647, Army Regulations, may accept resignations of regimental officers of the volunteer service when accompanied by surgeons certificates of disability, approved by medical directors of divisions and corps, and in cases where it plainly appears that the officer is unfit for his station and can be replaced by one better qualified to discharge his duties. Resignations of medical officers will only be accepted upon the approval of the medical director of this army. V. Corps commanders will be held responsible for the proper positio Page 58 58 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. and strength of their picket-lines, and their proper connection on the right and left. VI. A full register of all officers and men absent on leave, furlough, or on account of sickness, will be kept at the headquarters of each regi- ment, with the dates of departure and return. These registers will be carefully examined by officers inspecting the regiments, and abstracts will be sent to corps headquarters every Saturday. Corps commanders will carefully examine the same, and report to these headquarters all cases of unauthorized absence. A register of deserters will also be kept at regimental headquarters, and an abstract of the same trans- mitted weekly to corps commanders. VII. General officers of the day, and staff officers at corps headquar- ters, will, as occasion requires, investigate the complaints of citizens living in the vicinity of the cavalry and infantry pickets. Proper measures must be taken to prevent depredations and pillage, and such offenses will be promptly punished. VIII. The following regulations with respect to passes will be strictly observed by all concerned: 1. No passes to any person to go without the lines of this army will be respected unless signed by the ma.jor-general commanding, the chief of his staff the assistant adjutant-general at these headquarters, or the provost-marshal-general. 2. Commanders of army corps, by their assistant adjutants-general, may give passes between Washington and places within the lines of this army to such officers and soldiers of their respective commands as are duly authorized to be absent from their stations, and to no other persons. 3. A register will be kept by the provost-marshal at the headquarters of each corps, embracing the names of (A) All sutlers, regularly appointed, and their employ6s; also the number of wagons, horses, and mules employed by each. (B) All purveyors, caterers, or messengers for officers messes, & c., naming the headquarters to which they respectively belong. (C) All newsboys, news agents, & c., and their location. A copy of this register shall be furnished to the provost-marshal- general, who will give to the person therein named the proper passes for themselves, and permits for transporting or landing their stores on presentation of lists approved by their respective division or corps com- manders. Passes for the persons mentioned in class B will be limited to two for each division, and soldiers will not be employed for the purposes indicated in that class. Passes for newsboys will be limited to one for each division. 4. All persons not above enumerated requiring passes to travel, or permits to do business within the lines of this army, will apply at the office of the provost-marshal-general for the necessary authority, and any person doing business within the lines of this army without such permit is liable to arrest and the confiscation of his property. IX. All officers, enlisted men, and other persons not entitled to use or draw forage are forbidden to have horses or mules in their posses. sion, and such unauthorized persons as now have them will immediately turn them over to the quartermasters department. Quartermasters will receipt for them, and take them up on their returns. X. No soldier, servant, teamster, or other person will be allowed to use a Government animal, except on duty, under the order of some officer competent to allow it Page 59 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 59 XI. Cruel or careless treatment of animals must be punished. XII. The flag designating the headquarters of army corps will be as follows: A blue swallow-tail flag, with white Maltese cross in center of field; the numerical designation of the corps in red figures in the center of the cross. The chief quartermaster will furnish the flags, on proper requisition, to commanders of army corps. XIII. Corps commanders will be held responsible for the faithful and prompt execution of all orders within their respective commands. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 38. Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 7, 1863. * * * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. William W. Burns, U. S. Volunteers, at the earnest request of General Rosecrans, is relieved from duty with the Ninth Corps, and will report to the Adjutant-General of the Army for orders. VII. Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox will report for duty to Major-General Smith, commanding the Ninth Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 7, 1863. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you detail 1,000 men, with full complement of officers (additional), for fatigue duty in the neighborhood of the United States Ford. They will go with arms, shelter-tents, and provisions for five days, three days in haversacks and two days packed or otherwise carried to them during their stay. The commanding officer will report to General Woodbury at these headquarters to-morrow at 4 p. m. (February 8). The command will be ready to start Monday morning at 8 a. m. I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of & ajT. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, No. 1. February 7, 1863. The undersigned, in compliance with General Orders, No. 6, head- quarters Army of the Potomac, hereby assumes command of the cavalry forces of this army. Picket and other duties devolving upon the cav- alry will be performed as heretofore, until further orders from these or superior headquarters. t~EORGE STONEMAN, Brigadie~- General, Commanding Corps Page 60 N. VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DRFETISES OF WAsRINGTo1~r, I~o. 30(A). f Februar~j 7i~ 186& 0 * 0- * * 0. H. Col. R. B. Price, Second Pennsyhania Cavalry, commanding bri-. gade, will send forward all the available cavalry, with the iWlfth M~ehi- gan Cavalry, on an expedition to thoroughly scour the country in our front as far as the Blue Ridge, and take a look across into tfr~ valley of the Shenandoah. He will particularly examine the gaps, commencing at Snickers, as far as Manassas Gap, one column passing through Leesburg. III. Colonel Wyndham, after leaving a sufficient force for pickets, will move to the left of the Manassas Gap Railroad, to connect with the right wing of the Army of th~ Potomac. The force on the right will leave to-morrow morning; that on the left, Colonel Wyndhams, the next morning. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Heintzelman: C. H. POTTIRR, Assistaut Adjutzi~iit4iew~raL GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D A. C.~. No. 1. February 7, 1863. I. The Defenses of Washington, having, by General Orders, No. 26, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, Washington, February 2, 1863, been changed to the Department of Washington and the Twenty- second Army Corps, will hereafter be known as such. II. The staff of the department will be as announced for the Defenses of Washington. All reports and returns will be made, as heretofore, to these headquarters. By command of Major.General Heintzelman: C. H. POTTER, Assistant A~jutant~ General. WASHINGTON, D. C., Major-General IELOOKER, l4bruary 8, 1863. Iifeadquarters Army of the Potomac: Brigadier-General Barns will be detached from the Ninth Army Corps, and will report. for duty to Major-General Rosecrana, at Mar- freesboro. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General SLOCUM, February 5, 1863. Commanding Tu~elfth Corps: GENERAL: I send for your information copy of dispatch this day re- ceived from General Heintzelmarr. You will take the necessary precau- tion that no collision occurs between any forces under your command and the forces mentioned in General Heintzelmaas dispatch. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. G Page 61 CHAP. XXXVH.] COBRF48PONJi~BNCE~ ETC.IJNION. 61 [Iu4~1oewe.] WASHINGTON, February 8, 186311.50 a. m. Major-General ~13UTTERFIELD, Headquarters Army of the Thtomac: Golonel Percy Wyndham has been ordered to leave camp early on the morning of February 9, with about 1,000 cavalry, and thoroirgidy scout the country between his present position, near Fairfax -Gonrt- House, as far as, and connecting with, the right wing of the Army of the Potomac, and return. S. P. HEI~TZELMAN, Majar~Generc4. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 8, 18631 p. in. Major-Gen. S. P. HEINTzELMAN, Oommaading Defenses of W~hington: Your dispatch, concerning a reconnaissance to be made by Col~ne1 Wyndham. to-morrow, received 12.30 p. m. to-day. A cavalry force, with artillery, sent out from this army, returned yesterday from a suc- cessful reconnaissance to iRappahannock Station. They reported the ro~ids generally in a very bad condition. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. WAsHINGTON, D. C., February 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Yours of the 6th is just received. The order abolishing grand divisions and concentrating your cavalry into a single corps are steps in the right direction. General Heintzelman has been ordered to furnish General Schenek an infantry regiment for the Maryland shore. He will also send you Pennsylvania regiments to replace the Reserves. The Adjutant-Generals Office has been employed for several weeks in preparing a full list of recommendations for brevets. I hope it will beao~ed on this week. Yery.respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Geaeral-inSihief. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, February 8, 1863. In compliance with the instructions received from headquarters Army of the Potomac,* Brigadier-General Griffin will make the neces- wy detail from his command, and carry out the provisions of the in- struis~aforesaid. {~eneral Griffin will direct the commanding officer of t~e detail to report to General Woodbury, at headquarters Army of the Potomac, at 4 p. m. to-day. By command of Major General Meade: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. *5~ Butterfield to Meade, February 7, p 69 Page 62 62 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 39. ~ Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 8, 1863. * * * * * * VII. Paragraph VI, of Special Orders, No. 38, of yesterdays date, is so far modified as to direct that Brig. Gen. W. W. Burns report for duty to Major.General IRosecrans, at Murfreesborough, Tenn., instead of to the Adjutant.General of the Army. * * * * * * * X. Th~ following assignment of officers on the staff of the com- manding general of the Cavalry Corps is announced: Lieut. Col. J. H. Taylor, inspector-general and chief of staff. Lieut. Col. A. J. Alexander, assistant adjutant-general. Lieut. Col. A. S. Austin, chief commissary of subsistence. Surg. George L. Pancoast, medical director. First Lieut. E. V. Sumner, jr., First Cavalry, aide-de-camp. First Lieut. L. S. Elbert, Third Cavalry, aide-de-camp. Second Lient. W. C. Hull, Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, aide-de-camp. * * * .* * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- Generat. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Commanding First Corps: The following will be the division of the picket-line of infantry during the present position of camps. These changes become necessary by the recent movements and changes of positions: Detail, From Corps. atleast First 1, 900 Potomac River to Balls. Sixth - 2,500 Balls to Rappahannock, opposite Deep Run. Second 1,700 Rappahannock, oppo~iite Deep Run, to where present line leaves the river. Third 1,900 Rappahannock to Oders. Fifth 1, 600 OderB to Embrys. Eleventh and Twelfth 3,000 Embrys to Aquia Creek. A staff officer from each corps will report to Brigadier-General War- ren, at these headquarters, for information as to the points described. The changes will be made upon previous arrangement and under- standing between corps commanders as to time, & c. Care will be taken that staff officers, and officers detailed as general officers of out- posts, make themselves acquainted with the localities previous to any changes. Corps commanders will report by letter to these headquar- ters when the changes are effected and their pickets in the positions indicated. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy furnished commanding officer of each corps. Page 63 Ciixi~. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 FEBRUARY 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Commanding First Corps: A conscription is advertised at Westmoreland Court-House, 10th, 11th, and 13th. Notify officers in charge of expedition to look after it. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, iilajor- General, Chief of Staff. (Copy furnished General Wadsworth, Belle Plain Landing.) FEBRUARY 10, 1863. Commander MAGAW, Gunboat Fleet, Aquia Creek: Do you know the Heathsville Landing? How far from Heathsville? What depth of water? Can you give me by telegraph a list of all land- ings between that and Belle Plain where steamer could land, and depth of water? Indicate them by Coast Survey maps. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 10, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: The dispatch of which the following is an extract has been received to-day from General Doubleday: The Pennsylvania regiments given in place of the Reserves do not contain as many men as the latte~r brought here. There is a deficiency of about 250 men. I think they ought to give another regiment from some other State to make np the defi- ciency. I respectfully request that this deficiency be made up, and that Gen- eral Heintzelinan be directed to send the full number, according to the understanding, viz, the same number of men a s were returned in the Pennsylvania Reserves. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] FEBRUARY 12, 1863. Regiments cannot be broken up in order to exactly equalize. More- over, a regiment was given to General Scheuck, at General Hookers request. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS MILRoYs DIVISION, Winchester, Va., February 10, 1863. (Received February 13.) Major-General SCHENOK: DEAR SIR: I omitted to report to yo9 that I did not go to Washing- ton City, for the reason that I received word from, the recorder of th Page 64 64 Ii. VA., W. VA., MD., A~D PA. LOnAP XXXVII. MeDowell court that the evidence in the case was closed before I re- ceived your order, which was detained by General Kelley a day or two. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania reported to me for duty a few days ago, and the two companies of the First New York Carvaky, with the two seotous of artillery that were at Romney, reported here two days ~go. The rebel cavalry still annoy us some. A squad of 15 captured the stage 7 miles from this place, on the road to Martinsburg, on Friday night last, soon after dark. Captain [Charles W.] Dietrich, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant [William] Burchard, aide-de.cam-p of General Cluseret, 2 soldiers, and 3 citizens, including 2 females, were in the stage. Lieutenant Burchard fortunately escaped soon after his capture; came on, and let me know what had happened, and I made such a disposition of my cavalry as to intercept them; killed 1, wounded 1, and captured 2, and rescued all our prisoners, horses, plunder, & c. I learned yesterday by a deserter from Imbodens camp that he has been to Richmond recently, and been commissioned brigadier-general, and that he had got the old Twenty-fifth and Thirty.first Virginia iRegi- ments, raised in Western Virginia (and Which I met several times there), and has been assigned command of the country east of the Shenandoah Mountains, and is preparing for a campaign into West Virginia. I respectfully ask to be permitted to interfere with this arrangement. If General Moor will advance on Imboden by way of lluntersville and Warm Springs, and Mulligan will advance from New Creek by way of Petershurg, to Franklin, and I move on him up the Valley, by Staun- ton (brushing Jones out of the way), his forces can all be gobbled up, the base of guerrillaism and raids into West Virginia effectually cut off, and permanent peace given to that region. I respectfully ask that my whole command may be assembled at this place, and that the injunction on my movements be removed. If this cannot be done soon, I will be compelled to resign, as I would much prefer being a private in an active fighting army to being kept in com- mand of the stationary advance of a railroad guard under a brigadier- general not of a very hostile or pugnacious disposition toward traitors. My scouts captured a rebel conscripting lieutenant yesterday, who has been a notorious bushwhacker, horse-thief, and murderer, kuo-wn to have killed 2 of Banks men in cold blood. What shall I do with him? I would like to hang him if Jefferson Davis and Halleck did not make too big a fuss about it. He richly deserves it. I would be pleased if I could be trusted to regulate the trade with the citizens of this place and vicinity. Very respectfully, yours, & c., R. H. MILROY, Brigadier- Genera-i. P. S.Why is it that we can have no paymaster here? It is almost an unbearable wrong to the poor soldiers. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Wa8hington, February 10, 1863. Brig. ~Gen. G. W. (JULLUM, Chief of Staff of General-in- Chief, Wa-shiagton: (+EDEE~RAL: I have to report for information of the General-ineliief, that this department has just be~n informed by Mesars. Thomas Bo Page 65 CRAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 & Brothers, of Baltimore, custodians of a pontoon-bridge train, which, under the generals instructions of the 29th ultimo, was placed subject to the order of Brig. Gen. D. P. Woodbury, commanding Engineer Brigade of the Army of the Potomac, has been taken possession of by Capt. W. V. Personius, Fiftieth Regiment New York Volunteers, acting under orders, through Brigadier-General Kelley, from Maj or-General Schenek. Messrs. Booz & Brothers understand that the train has been, or is to be, transported to Harpers Ferry. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Bre?et Brigadier-General and Colonel of Engineers. Abstract from con8olidated morning report of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Ge,~. Joseph Booker commanding, for February 10, 1863; headquarters, camp near Falmouth., Va. Present for duty. n ~ ,~ a a ~ ~ .2 u.n ,~ a, Command. ~ c-~ --a ~ -~ a a~~ a ~t bL~ 02 0 ~ l~~a 5- ~ 02 bL 02 .5 0 General and staff 22 2 24 25 63 Escort to headquarters, Capt. T. L. Motley .-~. 2 71 81 101 101 Squadron Fourth Cavalry, Capt. J. B. McIntyre. 6 134 154 215 Provost guard, Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick 181 2, 941 3, 725 4, 927 4, 520 . Regular Engineer Battalion, Lient. Charles E. 2 352 418 474 486 Cross. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P. 33 861 1, 063 2,103 2, 102 . Woodbury. Chief quartermaster, Lient. Col. R. Ingalls 687 U. S. Signal Corps, Capt. S. T. Cushing 19 70 123 190 202 . - - - -- Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. De Russy 48 1, 451 1, 698 1, 963 1, 886 66 First Corps, Msj. Gen. J. F. Reynolds 769 13, 249 16, 794 24, 781 50 Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Conch -- 888 14,928 19,842 31,909 48 Third Corps, Brig Gen. D. B. Birney 992 17, 463 22, 094 30. 694 . 60 Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade 705 14, 145 17, 869 26, 980 42 Sixth Corps. Msj. Gen. John Sedgwick 1, 111 22, 256 26, 605 35, 317 60 Eleventh Corps. Maj.Gen. Franz Sigel - 699 13, 387 16, 191 21, 134 42 Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum 66,4 12, 186 15, 088 21, 860 34 Cavalry Corps. Brig. Gen. George Stoneman. ~.. Sf7 10, 593 13,452 17,160 12 Right Grand Divisiont Maj. Gem I). N. Couch - 64, 700 . Left Grand Division,t Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith... 71. 368 . Center Grand Divisiont Msj. Gen. George 0. 62, 616 . Meade. Reserve Grand Divisiont Maj. Gen. F. Sigel. - -. 47, 814 . Defenses of Washington,~ Maj. Gen. S. P. Heint. 70, 205 . -. . -. zelinan. Grand total 6, 658 124 089 j 155, 221 219, 905 326, 750 414 * Included in Brigadier-General Stonemans report. Grand divisions were broken tip February 5, by virtue of General Orders, No. C. headquarters Army of the Potomac. ~ General Heintzelmans command organized into a new department, and dropped from the returns of th~ Army of thu Potomac. 5 H i~voi. xxv, PT I Page 66 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII Abstract from conaolida fed morning report of the Army of the Potomac, 4c.Continued. Present for dut~ eqnipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Command. p. p. p. a . a a a a a C C C ~ General and staff . - Escort to head quarters, Capt. T. I. Motley 2 71 Squadron Fourth Cavalry, Capt. J. B. McIntyre Provost guard, Brig Gen. M. R. Patrick 159 2209 639 . . . .. Regular Engineer Battalion, Lieut. Charles E 2 352 I Cross. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P ~3 861 Woodbury. Chief quartermaster, heat,. Col. R. Ingalls* U. S. Signal Corps, Capt. S. T. Cashing ........ Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. De Russy. 2 80 . . - 46 1, 371 First Corps, Msj. Gen. J. F. Reynolds 689 11, 778 2 106 30 1, 010 Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch 817 14, 005 3 32 21 895 Third Corps, Bug. Gen. D. B. Birney. .. 880 15, 706 . .. . . 37 1,165 Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade 691 13, 343 18 783 Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick 1, 071 20, 886 2 59 34 1,119 Eleventh Corps, Msj. Gen. Franz Sugel. 641 12,414 .. . 39 844 Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum 624 11,328 9 173 17 590 Cavalry Corps, Brig. Gen. George Stoneman. 17 278 389 8, 553 8 442 Rhi rran d7 Division,t Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch Left Grand Division,t Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith . -. .. . Center Grand Division,t Maj. Gen. George G 9,633~ Meade. Reserve Grand iDivision,t Maj. Gen. F, Sigel .. Defensesof Washiugton4 Maj. Gen. 5. P. Hem t. zelman. Grand total 5,640~ 103 39Q~ 425 250 8,219 WASHINGTON, D. C., February 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, New York City: Expedition poStponed for the l)resent. General-in-Chief. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, iNo. 11. Camp near Falmouth, T~a., February 11, 1863. I. The general commanding has been informed that General Orders, I~os. 154 and 162, of 1862, from the War Department, authorizing the enlistments of volunteers into the regular service, have been rescinded. 11. The proceedings of general courts-martial in cases of commis- sioned officers, where the sentence extends to dismissal from the serv- ice having in several instances been forwarded by division and separate brigade commanders to the War Department, instead of these head- quarters, the a.ct of Congress of December 24, 1861, relative to coutrts- martial in the Army, is republished for general information. * Included in Brigadier-General Stonemans report. Grand divisions were broken UI) February 5, by virtue of General Orders, No. 6, headquarters Army of the Potomac. General Heintzelmans command organized into a new department and dropped from the returns of the Army of the Potomac. ~ The records do not indicate destination of the expedition referred to. Two divisions of Burnsides Corps were afterward sent to Kentucky. See Series I, Vol. XXIII. 6 Page 67 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 AN ACT relative to courts-martial in the Army. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre8eatative8 of the United State8 of Amer- ica in Congress as8embled, That in time of war the commander of a division or separate brigade may appoint general courts-martial, and confirm, execute, pardon, and miti- gate their sentences, as allowed and restrained in the sixty-fifth and eighty-ninth articles of war to commanders of armies and departments: Provided, That sentences of such courts extending to loss of lile, or dismission of a commissioned officer, shall require the confirmation of the general commanding the army in the field to which the division or brigade belongs: Andyrovided further: That when the division or bri- gade commander shall be the accuser or prosecutor, the court shall be appointed by the next higher commander. Approved, December 24, 1861. The foregoing act is so far modified by section 5 of the act of July 17, 1862, as to require that no sentence of death be carried into execu- tion until the same shall have been approved by the President. III. The attention of all officers concerned is directed to Paragraphs 891 and 896, General Regulations, which are as follows: Paragraph 891. Every court-martial shall keep a complete and accurate record of its proceedings, to be authenticated by the signatures of the president and judge- advocate, who shall also certify, in like manner, the sentence pronounced by the court in each cnse. The record must show that the conrt was organized as the law requires; that the court and judge-advocate were duly sworn in the presence of the prisoner; that he was previously asked whether he had any objection to any member, and his answer thereto. A copy of the order appointing the court will be entered on the record in each case. Paragraph 896. The judge-advocate shall transmit the proceedings, without delay, to the officer having authority to confirm the sentence, who shall state, at the end of the proceedings in each case, his deeision and orders thcreon. IV. Subsistence stores may be sold and issued to citizens residing within the limits of this army by commissaries of subsistence, under the following restrictions: 1. A certificate, under oath of the purchaser, that he is without the means of subsistence, and that he is unable to sustain life without being permitted to make such purchases. This certificate to be approved by the corps commander to whom application is made, who may thereupon direct the sales. Such sales shall not at one time exceed the quantity necessary to sustain the applicant and the members of his family five days. 2. Issues to destitute citizens may be made under the same restric- tions, upon returns approved by the provost-marshal-general of the Army ot the Potomac. The parties in all cases will be required to take the oath of allegiance before sales or issues are made to them. V. Capts. Benjamin C. Berry and Allen M. Seymour, Second Regi- inent New York Cavalry, having deserted their regiment while on the march to meet the enemy, January 21, 1863, and having left this army without proper authority, and continued absent up to the present time, are dishonorably dismissed from the military service of the United States, subject to the approval of the President. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, A8sistant Adjutant- General. Col. J. C. KELTON, BALTIMORE, MD., February 11, 1863. A8sistant Adjutant. General, Hdqrs. of the Army: COLONEL: I received yesterday the telegram of the General-in-Chief in relation to the l)ontoon bridge here, which I had ordered to Harper Page 68 [CHAP. XXXVII. 68 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Feriy. I regret extremely that there has been any misunderstanding about it. I heard from Mr. Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, of the pontoon here, which was said to be intended to be taken up the Potomac, and when 1 spoke afterward to General Halleek, at Washington, about the necessity of having it conveyed to Harpers Ferry, I understood him that I could take it if there was one here, and need not consult him about such matters of detail. I have telegraphed General Ke1ley about it, and he replies to me tonight that one.half of this pon- toon bridge had arrived at Harpers Ferry, the other half being still here at Locust Point. I will stop that portion which remains here, and will immediately order back that which has gone, if the General-in-Chief so directs. I beg, however, to be permitted to keel) this pontoon, and to carry out my plan, which is to place it at the new dam above the railroad bridge at Harpers Ferry, where the crossing can be maintained much more securely as to the safety itself, and where the approaches to it on both sides are covered in such manner as to give the best protection for troops passing, while more convenient for the commnnication between the two shores. The old pontoon, now below the bridge at harpers Ferry, I propose then to take up and remove to Williamsport, where the emergency of the army having to cross over or fall back to that point, makes one essentially needed. I ask that this explanation may be communicated to Brigadier-Gen- eral Woodbury, commanding brigade of engineers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Gommanding. [Indorsetnents.] FEBRUARY 14, 1863. Respectfully returned to Brigadier-General Woodbury, to determine what disposition shall be made of this train. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. R& ~turned February 20, 1863. One-half of the pontoon boats to be sent to Harpers Ferry, the remainder to be retained in Baltimore, sub- ject to General Woodhurys order. WOODBURY. A DDE NDA. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., Fehruary 15, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: I respectfully ask instructions from the general commanding relative to the answer I am to make to the accompanying letter of Major-General Schenck, or rather to the indorsement upon it. There were, I believe, fifty-nine of these large pontoons made at Bal- timore. One-half, it seems, have been sent to Harpers Ferry, for which all were originally intendedthe other half remained at Baltimore. I think this remaining half will be sufficient for any use we can have for such pontoons, and I propose that no objection be made to the use of the other half at Harpers Ferry. Fourteen of these large pontoons. will, I believe, make a double bridge 450 feet long. Respectfully, ~. ~. WOODBURY, Brigadier-Generali Volunteers Page 69 CHAP XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 69 CAMP NEAR FALMOMTH, VA., February 18, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., lldqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: Major-General Hooker, commanding Army of the Poto- mac, has seen the communication of Major-General Scheuck of the 11th instant, relative to certain pontoons recently made in Baltimore. He makes no objection to the use of one-half of those pontoons at Harpers Ferry, but requests that the other half may he detained in Baltimore, subject to his orders, which will be communicated through me. The communication of General Schenck is herewith returned. Respectfully, D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier- General Volunteers. [Indor8ement.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, - February 20, 1863. Approved, and respectfully forwarded to Major-General Schenck, commanding, & c., for his information and action. By order of Major-General Halleck: J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. S. P. HEIN~CZELMAN, Commanding Defenses of Washington: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter this day received from General Reynolds. Company B, Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, and Company F, Twenty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, are companies belonging to this com- mand. I cannot consider them, as far as numbers are concerned, as counting a portion of those ordered for the Reserves. I trust that you will send me the full number of troops sent to you, as shown by the report of the Pennsylvania Reserves, inclosed to Colonel Kelton, and save the trouble of any official correspondence on the subject. The Reserves will be largely increased by the return of convalescents and absentees, while the new commands will suffer in that respect more than the old troops. 1 hope that your action in this respect will be prompt and favorable. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, February 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I telegraphed General lleiiitzelman for the troops to be sent in the place of the Reserve Corps~ He informs me that the One hundred and thirty-fifth, One hundred and forty-sixth, One hundre Page 70 70 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. and forty-ninth, One hundred and fiftieth, and One hundred and fifty- first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Company B, Twenty.sixth Pennsyl. vania, and Company F, Twenty-seventb Pennsylvania, will replace them. The Reserves are worth more to him than their numbers indicate, and will be strengthened by the return of convalescents, deserters, & c. If the two odd companies have not been embarked, cannot a small regi- ment be sent in their place? I do not know how strong the Twenty- sixth and Twenty-seventh are, but they are old regiments and cannot be very full. Respectfully, & c., JOHN F. REYNOLDS Major- General of. Volunteers, Commanding. P. S.I telegraphed Doubleday, but have had no reply. My aide- de-camp was directed to see him also. STAFFORD COURT-HOUSE, VA., February 12, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your kind letter of the 8th instant, assuring inc of your high regard and confidence, and proposing to do all in your power to make my position tenable to me, is gratefully acknowledged. I would not have presumed to write to you as I did had I not known that your personal regard for me was what it 15, and this emboldens me once more to trespass upon your time and kindness. Allow me, therefore, to say that I know of no troops that are available to increase my corps, and I cannot consent to ask other commanders to reduce their corps to strengthen mine. Besides this, my past experience in endeavoring to strengthen my own command has been so painful that I am convinced it would be useless to make further efforts in that direction. I have, therefore, after due deliberation, concluded to ask to be relieved from my present command. It is my earnest desire to remain in the service of the United States, and it would, therefore, l)lace me nnder increased ol)ligations to you if you would approve and recommend that my request, which I inclose to you, be granted, and that, if consistent, you telegraph it to Washing- ton and ask for an immediate reply. With renewed assurances of my high consideration, and trusting that our personal relations will continue as pleasant as they~ have been, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. SIGEL, Major- General, Commanding Eleventh Corps. [Inclosure.] STAFFORD COURT-HOUSE, VA., February 12, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel DICKINSON. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I beg leave respectfully to represent that the reduction of my command in the Army of the Potomac makes it exceedingly un- pleasant and dispiriting for me to remain longer in my present corn- mand, and therefore request that I be immediately relieved from my command Page 71 CHAP. XXXVII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 I desire it to be understood that I will not draw the pay of my office for the time that I remain out of active service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. SIGEL, 2lfajor- General, Commanding Eleventh Corps. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 12, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, and reluctantly approved, as Major-General Sigel requests it. This officer is my senior, and feels that he should have the largest corps to command. In breaking up the grand divisions, I preserved the corps organizations, for in that there seemed to be strength. The officers knew the men and the men their officers. The major-general commanding the Eleventh Corps desires that the action of the proper authorities may be telegraphed as soon as made. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. FEBRUARY 19, 1863. Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War without recommenda- tion. II. W. HALLECK, Generalin-Chief The within application having been submitted to the President, he directs me to say that He has given General Sigel as good a command as he can, and desires him to do the best he can with it.* EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, No. 4. f February 12, 1863. I. The artillery now serving with this corps will be assembled to- gether and parked at some point, hereafter to be determined, in the vicinity of the depot at the mouth of Aquia Creek, and as near the railroad as cjrcumstances will permit, and will constitute the Artillery Brigade serving with the corps, and the senior artillery officer present for the duty will command tIne brigade. He will see that his batteries are at all times in complete order for field service, and will hold them constantly in readiness to move at a moments notice. An officer will be detailed to act as acting assistant quartermaster and acting com- missary of subsistnce, who will use every endeavor to keep the brigade well supplied with everything neeessary to make it efficient, and at all times available, being particular to keep at all times a supply of forage constantly on hand. II. The cavalry of the corps will be organized and commanded as follows: First Division, Brigadier- General Pleasontc n connnanding.Eigh I in New York, Sixth New York, Ninth New York, Eighth Illinois, Eighth Pennsylv~nia, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, Third Indiana, and Fii st Maryland (one sqqadron). * Telegraphed by Fry to hooker, Febranry 19, 1863 Page 72 72 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. & cond Division, Brig. Gem. W. W. Averell cornmanding.First Massa- chusetts, First Rhode Island, Fourth New York, Sixth Ohio, Third Pennsylvania, Fourth Pennsylvania, and Sixteenth Pennsylvania. Third Division, Brig. Gem. D. 111cM. Gregg commanding.First Penn~ sylvania, First New Jersey, First Maine, First Maryland, Second New York, Tenth New York, and independent company. The Reserve Brigade, Brig. Gem. John Buford comrnanding.First United States, Second United States, Fourth United States, Fifth United States, and Sixth United States. The regiment of Lancers, Sixth Pennsylvania, Col. R. II. Rush, will, for the present, act-under special instructions from these and superior headquarters, [and] all detachments and details now serving away from their proper commands, unless especially excepted by instructi9ns from general headquarters. Those regiments, squadrons, or troops not now serving with the divisions or brigades to which they have been assigned will be reported at once by their respective commanders for duty with their proper commands. Each division will consist of two brigades as nearly equal in effective strength as possible, the selections of regi- ments, & c., to be ~nade by the division commanders; regard for effi- ciency superse(li n g all other considerations. 111. The First Division, General Pleasonton, will constitute the right, headquarters near Aquia Creek Church; the Second Division, Gen- eral Averell, the center, headquarters near Brookes Station: and the Third Division, General Gregg, the left, headquarters near Belle Plain. The Reserve will be encamped in the vicinity of general headquarters. lY. A detail of one squadron will be furnished to each of the corps of this army to act as orderlies, messengers, & c. The First Division will furnish the details for the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Cot-ps; the Second Division for the Second and Third Corps, and the Third Division for the First and Sixth Corps. The details for these and gen- eral headquarters will be furnished from the Reserve Brigade. V. The general commanding the corps is desirous that every legiti- mate means within the reach of the officers and men under his com- mand may be made use of to fit and perfect themselves for the most vigorous and rapid movements. Requisitions have been made for pack- saddles sufficient to supply the wants of the whole command, and the general gives this timely notice to all that it is his intention to dis- pense with the use of wagons in all active field service of cavalry. VI. All horses permanently disabled, or which cannot by the means of treatment be made available within a reasonable time, will be turned over to the quartermasters department after proper condemnation by competent authority. By command of Brigadier-General Stoneman: A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, A djutant- General of the Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of a com- nunication which has been received from Major-General French, setting ~ forth that it has become a practice for the public mails to be used for ~sending citizens clothing to soldiers to facilitate desertions, and I r Page 73 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 73 quest that such measures may be takeu by the Government with refer- ence to this subject as will put a stop to the evil presented. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, iViojor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, February 6, 1863. Captain HOWARD, A. D. C. and A. A. A. 0., lldqrs. Second Corps: CAPTAIN: I respectfully request that the attention of the headquar- ters of the Army of the Potomac may be brought to an act which has just been presented for my consideration. A few days since, the commanding officer of the One hundred and thirty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers received an anony- mous note from a town in that State, advising him that citizens cloth- ing was being mailed to soldiers in this army to facilitate their (leser- tion. He had the mails supervised, and yesterday he brought to me two packages of clothing (citizens) which had arrived in the mail, and upon which had been stamped, on one, $2.04, and on the other, $2.25. There was also a letter of advice from a female relative, clearly stating the object of the transmittal. The lieutenant-colonel of the One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania is of opinion that many men are assisted in this matter through the Government mails, and I deem it of such importance as to request a reference where the evil can be corrected. The letters and packages are in the lieutenant- colonels possession. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. FRENCH, Major- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Third Division. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 13, 1863. ADAMS EXPRESS COMPANY, Washington, D. C.: The commanding general directs me to inform you that in future no packages will be permitted to be brought to this army for soldiers ex- cept under the following restrictions: First. Securely fastened to the outside of the package must be au invoice of the contents. This invoice must be certified to by the agent who receives the packages that the contents have been examined by him and are truly set forth. Packages containing citizens clothing and intoxicating liquors will not be allowed to be brought to the army for soldiers use. Packages for officers will only be subject to the restrictions that have heretofore been imposed upon them. It is not intended to class under the head of citizens clothing anything but outer garments that facilitate deser- tion. There is no objection to underclothing, mittens, or other littje articles that may be desired being forwarded. This course has become necessary by the pernicious practice of treasonable persons sending citizens clothing to soldiers here to encourage and facilitate desertion. The commanding general desires to know what length of time it will take you to enter upon a full compliance with this order. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 74 74 N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brig. Gen. M. R. PATRICK, February 13, 1863. Provost-Marshal- General: The commanding general directs that all trading establishments, ped- dlers, & c., within the lines of this army, except regularly authorized and aI)pointed sutlers, be broken up, and the parties, with their goods, be sent outside our lines to the rear by to-morrow night; that notice be served upon them and copies to department provost-marshals that if found within our lines after twenty-four hours, their goods, wares, and horses will be confiscated, one-half to the hospitals of the corps within which they may be arrested or found, the balance to the general hos- pitals at Aqula, Belle Plain, and Windmill Point. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Col. J. C. KELTON, February 13, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: The following, taken from the passes on file in the office of the pro- vost marshal at Aquia Creek, gives a list of parties in Washington signing passes to citizens and others to visit this army. If the power of giving passes is extended to so many parties, it renders it almost an im- possibility to put a stop to illicit traffic and the visits of improper per- sons to the army. Forgeries of passes are now very common. I would respectfully request that the signatures of passes to visit this army be limited to one officer in the War Department and one officer in the Mili- taiy Gox ernors office, in order that forgeries may be prevented. I presume this caii be done without any great trouble by having those parties who now sign passes simply give an order on the person author- ized to sign passes for a pass. I would recommend that the system of giving passes at Alexandria be discontinued. An early reply is re- quested.* Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. IIDQRs. ENGINEER BRIGADE, February 13, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Okief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 12th instant, received this morning, I have the honor to report as follows: Number of pontoons. Two bridge trains, in charge of four companies of the Fifteenth New York 44 Two bridge trains, in charge of six coinpaules of the Fiftieth Ne~ York 44 One bridge train, mounted, but without teams 30 One bridge train, without wagons or teams. - - - 22 At Belle Plain, afloat... 30 Total number of pontoons 170 The list of persons signing passes, wht~h General Hooker inclosed, gives the names of 15 persons so authorized Page 75 CHAP. XXXYII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 75 Beside these, there are about twenty- pontoons at Washington audi sixty new ones stored at New York. About forty more, if needed, could probably be obtained from Harpers Ferry as soon as the new pontoons of large size, made in Baltimore, have been substituted for the common ones hitherto used. Con- Serv- Total.. demned. iceahle Number of animala In charge of the Fifteenth New York 225 326 551 In charge of the Fiftieth New York 237 354 591 Total 462 OSO 1,142 A requisition has been made for 226 aniffials moxe. Two bridge trains only are to be coml)letely mounted with teams. Three others are mounted on wagons and ready for teams. One, near my headquarters, has neither wagons nor teams. The pontoon and trestle wagons are to have 8 animals and 2 teamsters each, the other wagons 6 animals and 1 teamster each. Condition of the animals..The animals were in bad order when re- ceived. They are now daily improving. About onehaif of them are in good artificial shelters on all sides and overhead. The other half are in a valley, in dense pine woods. They are groomed, fed, and watere(l at stated hours and under strict supervision. Locality of the camps.The two trains in charge of the Fifteenth New York are about 2 miles from Falmouth, one-half mile west of the road from Falmouth to Stafford Court-House, and 4 miles from head- quarters Army of the Potomac. The two trains in charge of the Fiftieth New York are 2~ miles from Falmouth, on the road from that place to Stafford Court- House, and 4~ miles from headquarters. One train without wagons or teams is near my headquarters. One train with wagons, and to be left without teams, is on its way to a place on the right bank of Muddy Run, about 3 miles from Seddons I)lace and 2 miles from headquarters Army of the Potomac. All these places can, if desired, be designated on the map which General Warren is preparing. Besides the pontoons above men- tioned, there are twenty canvas pontoons in Washington suitable for an advance guardor any light column. Its weight is 640 pounds. The wooden pontoon weighs 1,570 pounds. Jts buoyancy is sufficient for infantry, cavalry, and field artillery. It is much more liable to acci- dents than the ordinary pontoon and requires more watching. Respectfully. D. P. WOODBURY, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DFVISIoN, Pebruary 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. !~LEASONTON, Gorn dg. Fir8t Cavalry Division: GENERAL: I will send a regiment to relieve your pickets to-morrow,, and you please send me any orders which you may have concerning the section of country on the left. Yours, truly, D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding Third Division Page 76 76 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. [Indorsemeni.] I have received no particular orders, except not to l)ermit persons to pass without the proper authority. A. PLEASONTON. P. 5.Phillips house burned down to-day. No other news. WASHINGTON, February 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. R. C. SCHENCK, Baltimore: GENERAL: Yours of the 11th, in regard to the pontoon train, is this moment received. When you spoke to me about the pontoons in Baltimore, I referred you to the chief engineer, General Totten, under whose direction they were built. I was not informed as to their condition nor intended ob. ject. I was afterward informed by General Totten that they had been constructed for the Army of the Potomac, and placed under the orders of General Woodbury. The next 1 heard of them was a notice that you were removing them to Harpers Ferry, without General Wood. burys knowledge or the consent of the Engineer Department. Your letter will be immediately sent to General Woodbury for his action. Whether he has enough pontoons on the llappahannock for the use of the Army of the Potomac, or whether he will require a part or all the train in Baltimore, I am not informed. Some weeks ago he was of opinion that this train should be left, at that time, in Baltimore, so as to be ready for transportation either to the iRappahannock or to the Upper Potomac, as circumstances might require. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK General-in- Chief. [Indor8emeuts.] BALTIMORE, MD., February 16, 1863. Respectfally referred to Brigadier.General Kelley for his information. The general commanding thinks it would be best to unload that part of the pontoon which has arrived at Harpers Ferry, to await the decis- ion of General Woodbury whether we shall have it for the Upper Poto- mac or not. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Lieutenant. Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., Respectfully returned. February 28, 1863. The pontoon which arrived at this place was unloaded on the 17th instant, to await the further orders of the major-general commanding. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier. General. GENERAL ORDERS MID. DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORP~3 No. 11. Baltimore, Md., February 14, 1863. I. The following troops of this army corps shall constitute the Third Separate Brigade: The One hundred and fiftieth Regiment New York Volunteer Infa Page 77 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 77 try, Col. J. H. Ketcham; the One hundred and fifty-first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, Col. William Emerson- the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Cob C. L. K. Sumwalt; the Fourteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, Cob W. S. Truex; the Purnell Legion Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. S. A. Graham; the Third Regiment Delaware Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Cob S. H. Jenkins, commanding; Battery L, Fifth Regiment U. S - Artillery, Captain Chalfin, which is hereby transferred from the Second to the Third Separate Brigade. And all troops that are now or may be hereafter at any time assigned to the protection of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, from Baltimore City to the Monocacy and Frederick City, and on the Washington Branch of that railroad to Annapolis Junction. II. The brigale now commanded by Brig. Gen - Henry II. Lockwood, U. S. Volunteers, shall be known as the First Separate I~ rigade, and the brigade now commanded by Bvt. Brig. Ge n.W.W. Morris, U. S. Army, as the Second Separate Brigade. III. Brig. Gen. Henry S. Briggs, 15. 5. Volunteers, having reported under orders to these headquarters for duty, is assigned to the coin- mand of the Third Separate Brigade. By command of Major-General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBROUGH. Lieutenant- Colonel and A8sistant Adjutant- GeneraL CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 15, 1863. Col. RuFus INGALLS, Chief Quarterma8ter: The commanding general is informed that one of the boats detailed for the expedition down the Neck from General Reynolds command was not provided with lighters or small boats to land troops; had no pilot, and drew 2 feet more water than was represented. In conse- quence of this neglect to comply with the orders for the detail, a por- tion of the expedition failed to accomplish the result desired. He de- sires the name of the officer who is responsible for this neglect of duty to fully comply with the orders issued, that he may be brought to trial and punished. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General.. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 15~ 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: I inclose herewith a statement of the absentees from this armny,* being a consolidated return of the reports made under General Orders, No. 3, a copy of which is inclosed.t The attention of the commanding general is respectfully solicited to the importance of this statement, showing the number of men on detached service and the number of deserters. I shall forward to your headquarters to-morrow or next day the returns, thus giving the names, descriptive lists, and localities, as * Omitted, in view of summary im last paragraph of letter. See inclosure, Hooker to flalleck, January 30, 1863, p. 11 Page 78 78 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII far as known, of all these absentees. It would be impossible., situated as we are in the field, to organize a clerical force in the provost-mar- shals department sufficient to classify and forward, properly arranged, the names for the purpose of apprehension of deserters and the return of absentees improperly so. I would respectfully request that these returns may be placed in the hands of some bureau at Washington, with a view of informing the provost-marshals of the different States. or the prcper authorities of the names of all parties absent, and where they are likely to be found, in order that they may be returned to duty. This return shows a total of 85,123 officers and men* absent from this command when first placed in my charge. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 15, 1863. The commanding general directs that the road from the Fitzhugh house (General Sickles headquarters) to the bridge across Potomac Creek, half a mile below the railroad bridge, thence to Stafford Court- House, passing about 1 mile to the westward of Brookes Station, be put in such condition as to be practicable for artillery at all times, cor- duroying it where necessary throughout its whole length; the corduroy material being of sufficient length, if possible, to form a double-track road way. The commanding officer of the Third Corps will furnish working parties, tools, and teams for the l)art of the road between the Fitzhugh house and Potomac Creek. The commanding officer of the Eleventh Corps will do the same for the part between Potomac Creek an(l Acca- keg-k Creek, and the commanding officer of the Twelfth Corps the same for the part between Accakeek Creek and Stafford Court-House. The commanding officer of each. working, party will be held accountable for the return of all tools used in the work. Each corps commander con- ceriied will designate an officer to superinteiid the work upon the por- tion of the road assigned to him, andthe commanding officers of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps are auth~rized to select in concert such line for the road between the bridge across the Potomac Creek and Statford Court-House as they may think best. The commanding gen- eral desires that this work may be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. - (To commanding officers Third, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps, and Lieutenant Comstock, chief engineer.) SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, No. 39. February 15, 1863. * * * * . * V. The troops of the Third Division will be brigaded as follows: The One hundred and twenty-first, One hundred and thirty-fifth, One hun- * Viz, 2,935 officers and 52,lbS enlisted men Page 79 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 79 dred and forty-second, and One hundred and forty-third Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers will comprise the First Brigade, to be com- manded by the senior colonel; the One hundred and forty-ninth, One hundred and fiftieth, and One hundred and fifty-first Regiments Penn- corn I)rise b I sylvania Volunteers will the Second Bric~ade to be commanded by Colonel Stone, One hundred and forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Reynolds: C. KINGSBURY, JR., Ass& 4ant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Nc~. 5. February 15, 1863. I. In order to systematize and regulate the operations of the whole, and assign to each portion its proper share of duties and responsibili- ties, the disposition of the cavalry forces of this army will, until further orders, be as follows: The region of country surrounding the army will be divided into four sections, and one section will be assigned to each of the three divisions and the other to the Reserve Brigade. 11. General Pleasonton (the First Division), will have charge of the country lying south of the Occoquan River and Cedar Run, and extend- ing as far south as the southern branch of Aquia Creek, his pickets to be pushed well to the front and as far as circumstances will prmit. Gen- eral Averells (Second) division will have charge of the country south of the southern branch of Aquia Creek, and between this line and the railroad, regulating his right by the left of General Pleasonton The Reserve Brigade will, in addition to its other duties and details, have charge of and picket the Rappahannock between the railroad and Car- lins Creek. III. General Greggs (Third) division will connect on his right with the left of the Reserve Brigade, and have control of the country be- tween the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers. The commanders of divisions and of the Reserve Brigade will con- centrate their commands in the vicinity of the points indicated in General Orders,, No. 4, from these headquarters, without delay, and establish their lines of pickets to-morrow. By command of Brigadier-General Stoiieman: A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, February 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in Chief, U. S. Army, Washington: SIR: I have the honor to submit [the following] to you, in accordance with orders from Major-General Banks, when he left me here, to report to you any information I might from time to time come into possession of, regarding the movements of the enemy. My wife, Catherine Graham, who left Mount Jackson, Shenandoah County, Virginia, some three weeks since, having arrived here on last Wednesday, gives me the following account of their strength, & c., in the region of country which she has pissed through. She went from Mount Jackson to ~ew Market, where General Jones command is, con Page 80 80 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. X~XVIL sisting in part of three regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery and a battalion of cavalry. When she left Mount Jackson, there was but a guard to regulate the hospitals. Imboden has command of the cavalry at llarrisonburg; there are not more than 30 men. When General Milroys cavalry went up to Woodstock, they removed the deposits of banks in Rockingham and Staunton to Lynchbnrg. At that time a regiment of cavalry could have captured Staunton without meeting any resistance. There were 800 sick in hospital at Mount Jackson; there had been sixteen cases of small-pox amongst them. Major [Alexander] Baker has charge of the hospitals; he is a relative of Ashby. At the time of the raid, Jones command had marching orders, they taking in charge all the movable property of the iahabitants along the line of the expected advance. At New Market they buried two pieces of heavy artillery that were gotten at Harpers Ferry, in Colonel Miles surrender, they not having any means of transporting them, as horses are getting very scarce, any kind of a horse being worth from $300 to $500. She came throngh the following posts in her passage, which, from the time she remained in them, she availed herself of all the privileges of a pass which she got through the influence of a clergyman, with whom she was acquainted. New Market, Jones and Imboden, say 1,500 men;. Harrisonburg, 30 men; Mount Crawford, none; Staunton, about 300, under command of Col. Michael [G.] Harman; Waynesborough, about 25; Charlottesville, a very few (there are a great many fine hospitals, some fifteen); Gordonsville and Culpeper, 1,500; Mechanicsburg, none. In Richmond she remained four days, during which time she saw very few. Was told they were all gone, except what were doing garrison duty around in the works they had and were erecting; the main force having gone to North Carolina, and some 25,000 or 30,000 at Fredericks- burg. She intended to come by Fort Monroe, but was not allowed to come that way, so she had to go by way of Gordonsville, Culpeper, Wood- ville, Sperryville and Little Washington (there are no troops at either of last-named places or no l)ickets, bat a few guerrillas); thence to Piedmont; thence to New Berlin, ou Baltimore and Uhlo Railroad, ar- riving in Baltimore. On her trip from Culpeper she was accompanied by two rebel spies, as she thinks from their actions, conversation, & c. They came across and took the cars with her and put up at the Foun- tain House in Baltimore. They called themselves Mrs. Kelley and Mrs. Kenedy, the former being from Culpeper, the latter from Stannton. Their room was 27. I believe they are there yet. They registered as from Leesburg and Kentucky. They told my wife to address a letter for them to Armstrong & Carter [Cator I], Baltimore. She also met on her journey here a large number of Jews and others that had been over here after goods amid information, they being con- sidered the shrewdest in getting infortnation, as they are in league with some of the same class in Baltimore, if not all of them; they dividing the profits, which are immense, as you see from a list of the necessaries of life that I mention: quinine, $100 an ounce; thread, 75 cents a spool; silk, 25 cents a skein; $25 for a pair of womens gaiters. while others are engaged in buying np Treasury notes and getting them exchanged for gold in Baltimore. Some of them cross between Poolesville and Berlin, others between Harpers Ferry and Martinsbnrg at Shepherds- town, while others go up on the cars and get out at New Creek an Page 81 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 other places. They have their places of meeting on the other side. They get caught occasionally, but always get off by bribing the guards. They report to Major Richardson at Gordonsville. Others get from Grafton to Staunton. A great number of teams make their way that way to Staunton. The people everywhere and soldiers expect peace shortly, for, they say, various reasons; some say from dissensions among parties, others again other thoughts, but they help to keep them up in spirits. Others [think] that Secretary Seward will be turned out of the Cabinet, and [say] that would be better than 100,000 men killgd. I find in my travels through Pennsylvania that there are a great num- ber of deserters all through the whole State, as well as an immense lot of Government property carried home by those deserters, sutlers, and others. Almost every man in the country has a rifle, saddle, or some- thing else belonging to the Government. I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant, MICHAEL GRAHAM, Of General Banks Secret Service. P. S.If you would grant me an interview, I would like it much, as I could inform you of a great many things that I cannot write about. [Indorsement.] FEBRUARY 17, 1863. Respectfully referred to General Schenck for his information; to be returned. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS MILRoYs DIVISION Winchester, Va., February 15, 1863. Major-General SCHENCK: This will be handed you by Lieutenant-Colonel Starr, of the Ninth [West] Virginia, who goes to Baltimore for the double purpose of ob- taining some medical treatment that he cannot obtain here (he having a surgeons certificate showing its necessity), and of escorting to your headquarters two ladies just from La Grange, Ga., by way of Richmond and Staunton, to this place, by means of a pass from the rebel Secre- tary of War. Mrs. N. A. Wilson and daughter, Miss G. C. Wilson, are the two ladies referred to. The mother brings her invalid daughter North for the ostensible purpose of procuring medical treatment, but more for the purpose of escaping rebel insults, tyranny, and the increas- ing misery of the South, they being natives of Herkirner County, New York, to which they are returning, having been residents of La Grange, Ga., for a number of years as milliners arid dressmakers. They are des- titute of funds, except some Confederate scrip, which is worthless, as they leave Dixie, and I send them on their way as far as Baltimore. Mrs. W. can give you much interesting information about Southern society and the extremity and misery to which they have been reduced by the war. She can also tell what she has heard of their general de- signs and movements, especially against this place. Colonel Starr can post you as to matters here. This place being the first place to be at- tacked (if the rebels come west of the Blue Ridge in great force), and the key to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, I hope you will soon con- clude to let me have at least the whole of my command here. 6 i~ I~YOI.~ ~2XV, PT II Page 82 82 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAI?. XXXVII. The letter of L. Ths Prince to you of the 6th instant, referred by in- dorsements to me, is received. The reports there referred to are reiter- ated by Mrs. Wilson. I have heard in several different ways that I am to be surrounded and captured. They may come in sufficient numbers to surround me, but they will ii~ver capture me. What Mr. Prince [said of] traitors being employed on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad I have good reason to [believe] to be true, as I have heard it from many sources and from reliable Union men. That railroad is at this time costing onr Government at least $50,000 per day, and yet it is gutting the Government and the soldiers engaged in its defense in every way and occasion that olThrs. They take advantage of the necessity of sending a dead soldiers body home to extort four or five prices for fare. A short time ago the body of a soldier of the One hundred and twenty. second Ohio was taken from this place to Martinsburg, to be shipped to Ohio. The brother of the deceased who went with it had but $25 to pay charges on the body, contained in a tight box, but when he applied to know and pay charges in advance, as is always required, he was told that he must pay $50 to the Ohio River. Not having the funds, he was obliged to bring the body back to this place for interment. That is the way that the traitor employ~s of this railroad treat its Union defenders. I understand that many of them are open-mouthed traitors, and that the larger portion of them are secretly sympathizers with the traitors. This Angean stable needs cleaning out badly. I reported a lot of these traitor employ6s to General Kelley several weeks ago, but the genera 1 is one of those good-natured, kind-hearted gentLemen who would much rather at any time meet a traitor with a stick of candy than the, sword, and excused them. Great God! why can we not have paymasters sent here I They have been everywhere else weeks ago. The tales of anguish and misery that come to me from my poor soldiers, whose helpless families are depend. ent upon their scanty pay, which has been withheld six and eight months, is truly heart-rending. It is very damaging to the morale of the army, as it is very much impairing confidence in the Government among the soldiers, and is creating deep discontent and hatred of the service, and a strong desire to get out of it on any terms, to go home to their suffering families. This evil should be promptly remedied. Our quartermasters and commissaries, too, are and have for a long time been out of funds. There is a large amount of wheat in this Valley yet, and the farmers are anxious to sell it if they can get the money for it. They have saved by not thrashing it. Flour of the best quality can be had here from $6.25 to $6.76, while the Government contractors in Baltimore are paying from *8.50 to $8.75. This should be looked after, as it would cost the Government nothing to deliver flour on the railroad by return trains, and we would be exhausting the enemys country of supplies. Respectfully yours, & c., R. II. MILROY, [Brigadier-General.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY DrVISIoN, No. 13. f February 16, 1863. The regiments of this division will constitute two brigades, as fol- lows: First Brigade, Col. J. Kiljpatrick, & cond New York Cavalry, command- ing.Second New York Cavalry; Tenth New York Cavalry; First Maine Cavalry Page 83 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 Second Brigade, Gol IL von Kielmansegge, First Maryland [Cavalryj, commanding.First Maryland Cavalry; First New Jersey Cavalry; First Pennsylvania Cavalry. The independent company of cavalry * will be attached to division headquarters for orderly and other general duties. This organization will at once be made. Brigade commanders will organize their brigades with a view to their permanency. By command of Brigadier-General Gregg: H. C. WEIR, Captain and Assistant Adjutant. General. WASHINGTON, ID. C., February 17, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: Application is made to exchange the Tenth Maine and Twenty-eighth New York for two regiments now in Maryland. If such exchange is approved by you, and you deem it beneficial to the service, orders will be issued as soon as the roads are passable. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: February 17, 1863. After my experience in exchanging the Pennsylvania Reserves, by which I gave 270 more officers and men than I received, no further exchange will be made with my consent. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON Washington, D. C., February 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Comdg. Army of the Potomac, on the Rapjpahannock: GENERAL: The order I received was to replace the Pennsylvania Reserves by Pennsylvania troops.t The order I issued was for all the Pennsylvania infantry to join your army. After the order was issued the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania (Company F) ,was excepted from th~ order by direction of the General-in-Chief. The day the One hundred and fiftieth Regiment was embarking, Company K, of that regiment, was retained here at the special request of the President of the United States. I have no authority to send you troops from any other State. The numbers at my disposal were well understood by General Double- day wheu he made the application, and the argument urged that the Reserves would soon be increased by the return of convalescents and stragglers. With those inducements, I consented to the change. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Miajor-General. Ortons, District of Co1umbia~ t See Williarn8 to Doubleday, F~bruary 19, p. 87 Page 84 84 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. CIRCULAR.] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.. February 17, 1863. The mail service between Washington and this army is placed under the supervision of the provost-marshal-general, who will issue such in- structions to give it efficiency, and at the same time prevent its being made the medium for conveying to the army unauthorized articles, as will in his judgment best attain the object in view. The persons at present in charge of the mails at these headquarters may be continued in the duty, and three messengers are authorized for the mail duty at headquarters of each army corps and for the cavalry corps. When detached divisions or brigades can be more conveniently sup- plied with mail-matter at other points than at corps headquarters, ar- rangements will be made by corps commanders, upon consultation with the provost-marshal-general, to meet these cases, which must be limited, however, to instances where manifest delay and inconvenience would be occasioned by sending to corps headquarters. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WINCHESTER, VA., February 17, 18635 a. m. Brig. Gen. B; F. KELLEY, ITarpers Ferry, Va.: iDEAR SIR: I have reliable information that [William E.] Jones has been superseded by [A. J.] Grigsby, recently colonel of the Twenty- seventh Virginia, who has been re-enforced by Imboden. Their com- bined forces amount tu 3,500 cavalry, 1,500 infantry, and three batteries, and that they have advanced a large portion of their force to Wood- stock, and contemplate an early attack upon this place. It is rumored that they are about being re-enforced by Floyd with 6,000 infantry, and that D. H. Hill is coming through from Culpeper, by Berryville, with a force to cut me off. Everything indicates that this place is to be the first point of attack, and common reason, the nature and map of the country, and indications from the Secesh citizens, all point to this as the place of attack. I can and will hold this place if I can have the whole of my command with me, and I insist that Colonel Washburn shall be ordered to join me at once. This is borne by my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Hammer, who will be the bearer of your answer. I am, general, very truly, yours, IR. H. MILROY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, February 17, 1863. Brigadier-General MILROY: GENERAL: Your dispatch by Captain Otto received this morning at about 9 oclock, and just at that time I received a dispatch from Colonel Washburn, advising me that he had information that the rebels were in Moorefleld, about 2,000 infantry and 400 cavalry strong, and that his forage train, with the guard, h~id been captured yesterday by the rebei Page 85 CHAP. XXXVfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. cavalry. Of course, under this state of things, it will not do to with- draw Colonel Washburns force from Romney. I explained to you some time since that I deemed it impolitic to with- draw Colonel Washburns force, as it was absolutely necessary to keep a force in the valley of the South Branch sufficient to protect our rear, to prevent the destruction of the railroad and our stores at New Creek. If it is deemed advisable to strengthen you, it must be done from here or from some other point; the road west of this must be protected. Unless you are approached by some portion of the army at Freder- icksburg, I think you need not be apprehensive, as the force above, in- cluding Jones, Im bodens, and Whites combiued, could not successfully compete with your force. [E. V.] White, with his battalion, came down from Mount Jackson with about 450 men a few days since and has been scouting over in Loudoun County. I have to-day sent a strong cavalry scout, with two guns, toward Snickers Gap, on the east side of the Shenandoah River, for the purpose of driving them back; the scout will iiot return until to-morrow. I have telegraphed Mulligan to hold him- self in readiness to support Washburn if the rebels move to attack him. I think, however, the report of the strength of the rebels in Moorefield is exaggerated. Yet it may be possible they intend to attack Wash- burn instead of you. I would suggest to you to send a cavalry scout toward Wardensvill.e, in order to keep yourself well posted in that direction. Washburn sent a scout there yesterday; had not returned when I last heard from him, but will probably be in this evening. If I get any important news from Washburn, I will telegraph to Martins- burg, and have it sent you by special messenger from there. Keep me fully advised. I suppose you can use the signal in good weather. Respectfully, B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. Major-General WASHINGTON, February 17, 1863. SCHENOK, Baltimore~ Md.: GENERAL: Major-General Wright was informed some time since that the troops for the defense of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were placed under your command. The Secretary of War does not deem it necessary that the lines of your department should be further specified or changed at the present time. Your attention is respectfully called to the contraband trade across the Potomac above the Monocacy. A wagon-load of 60 hides is said to have recently crossed at Berlin. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. CINCINNATI, February 17, [1863.] Major-General Cox Gommanding District Western Virginia: SIR: There are two furnaces for making iron; first, 7 miles east; second, 11 miles west of Fincastle. As no troops are at Lewisburg, I propose to send cavalry by rapid marches tp destroy these works, and, - ~t the same time, to act against Princeton, with the view of destroying 8 Page 86 86 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. the force there, consisting of two or three regiments, and, while so en- gaging the enemy, send a small party throngh by-ways to destroy the bridge near Central Depot, if the force at that point be not too vigilant. Will you give your approval? I would make the first-named movement depend for success on celerity of action; for the second, with 2,000 men, assisted in moving by all ani- mals at our command, and accomplish by a small cavalry force, I would get on the roads leading south from Princeton, engage the enemy at day- light in the moruing, and endeavor to capture or defeat him, while a small squad, duly equipped, should go by mountain paths to the railroad, cross the track to a point above the bridge, and then float down the river, with means for its destruction, apply them, and get back by any way that may seem best. Please say you. Very respectfully. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. Mm. DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 12. Baltimore, Md., February 17, 1863. General Orders, purporting to be No. 11, from these headquarters, February 12, 1863, was issued irregularly, and without authority, and is, therefore, now published in due form. Lieut. Col. William D. Whipple, aide-de-camp, major and assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Army, having been assigned to duty as assistant adjutant-general at the headquarters of the Middle Department, is an- nounced as such to the department, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By command of Major-General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 18, 1863. General A. S. WILLIAMS, Commanding Twelfth Corps: The commanding general is informed that large numbers of deserters escape through our lines npon the road between Potomac Creek, Chop- awamsic Creek; Dumfries, and Occoquan. He desires that the pickets in your front may be so carefully posted that it will be an impossibility for any person to pass the lines, and that the most positive and careful instructions be given to remedy this evil. No sutlers wagons, team- sters, nor passage of any kind through our lines in that direction will be allowed, and all persons representing themselves to be telegraph re- pairers must be furnished with the most undoubted authority upon the subject. He directs that you instruct your pickets to shoot all deserters or persons attempting to pass our lines who do not, on being challenged, answer the summons of the sentinel and submit to examination by the proper officers. \Tery respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Page 87 CHAP. XXXvII.1 CORRESPONDENOE, l~TO.UNION. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 49. Camp near Falmouth, TTa., February 18, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Corps commanders will cause to be kept in reserve in their respect- ive commands, for special uses, 750 shovels, 250 picks, and 500 axes. These tools must be kept either at corps or division headquarters. The complete equipment of pioneers of brigades will be kept up iu addition to the foregoing. When tools are issued to fatigue parties, or for any purpose whatever, all officers must be held to a strict accountability therefor, and charged with any loss or otherwise not l)roperly accounted for. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECiAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, No. 42. Near Belle Plain, February 18, 1863. * * * * * * * V. That part of Paragraph V, Special Orders, No. 39, February 15, 1863, from these headquarters, which organizes the brigades of the Third Division, is changed, and will read as follows: The troops of the Third Division will be brigaded as follows: The One hundred and twenty-first, One hundred and thirty-fifth, One hun- dred and forty-second, and One hundred and fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers will comprise the First Brigade, to be commanded by the senior colonel. The One hundred and forty-third, One hundred and forty-ninth, and One hundred and fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteers will comprise the Second Brigade, and be commanded by Col. Roy Stone, One hundred and forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. By command of Major-General Reynolds: C. KINGSBURY, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 19, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. DOUBLEDAY (Through commanding officer, First Corps:) By direction of the commanding general7 I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of a communication which has been received from Major-General Heintzelman with reference~o the transfer of the Penn- sylvania Reserve Corps from this army.* The general commanding directs that you report what agreement was entered into by you with General Heintzelman with regard to the exchange of the Pennsylvania Reserves. Your especial attention is (lirected to that part of General Heintzelmans letter which alleges that the exchange was to be for Pennsylvania regiments and no others, irrespective of numbers, and inquiry is made whether or not it was understood by you that the general commanding was to receive a lesser number of officers and men in exchange for the Reserves than which made up that force. You are also instructed to report your reasons for * See Heintzelman to Hook. 83. 8 Page 88 88 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVIL not having given your personal attention to this exchange, as you in- timate in your communication of the instant that you remained in Washington for the purpose, by authority of the commanding general, beyond the time originally allotted you by General Franklin, then commanding the Left Grand Division. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 19, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I would respectfully report, for the information of the General-in-Chief that having been informed that conscriptions by the enemy were to take place in the counties below this point, on the Neck, between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers; also that a depot of supplies for the enemy existed at Heathsville, and that the mail between Baltimore and the South was received there, I dispatched a force by water to visit this and other points, and seize such supplies as they might find, and all persons and paper~ connected therewith. The re- sults of the expedition are contained in the reports of Colonels Fair- child, Gavin, and others commanding the forces sent down.* The horses and mules seized have been turned over to the First Army Corps, at the request of General Reynolds, to be taken up on the re- turns of his quartermaster. The provisions were turned over to his commissary, to be taken up on his return. The rest of the property mentioned in the inclosed reports, with the contrabands, have been or- dered to be turned over to the chief quartermaster of this army. The mail-bags contained a number of United States Government envelopes, which will be forwarded to the Postmaster-General. The bags them- selves will be turned in to the postmaster at these headquarters for use. The mail-matter, as soon as it has been examined by the provost- marshal, for the purpose of gaining any information therefrom useful here, will be forwarded to the Dead-Letter Office, in accordance with the provision of General Orders, No. 7, War Department, January 29, 1862. I also inclose, for the information of the commanding general, a copy of a letter this day transmitted to General Heintzelman, command- ing the Defenses of Washington. I would also report; that the com- mander of the Potomac flotilla has been ordered to send a vessel up the iRappahannock for the purpose of capturing or destroying the vessels used for transportation of supplies from the Neck to the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. [luclosurel - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 18, 1863. Major-General HEINTZELMAN, Commanding, & c., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Information from reliable sources has reached us here that sutlers, probably Jews, having your passes, drive through our lines some toward Warrenton, some for the ostensible purpose of coming to Part ~, pp. 12, 15, 16 Page 89 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 this army, via Occoquan and iDumfries, and, after getting out of your lines, meet sutlers or others from the enemy and dispose of the con tents of their wagons. I aindirected to communicate this information to you, and to request that you will permit no sutlers, traders, or any person on any pretext whatsoever to pass out of your lines in this direction for the purpose of coming to this army. The information spoken of with regard to sutlers passing through your lines toward Warrenton, was received from prisoners of the enemy, who stated that they had seen Jews having your passes with wagons outside our lines, in the vicinity of Washington, who showed the passes when challenged by Stuarts cavalry, and then stated whom they intended to exchange their goods with, and were conducted to make the exchange, and were allowed to return with empty wagons into our lines. I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TUE POTOMAC, No. 12. ~ Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 19, 1863. I. The attention of the officers and men of this army is directed to the General Orders of the President of November 15, 1862, and to General Orders, No. 7, of September 6, 1861, from these headquarters, respect- ing the observance of the Sabbath.* The major-general commanding enjoins a strict compliance with the requirements of those orders upon all under his command. II. Pursuant to instructions, which have been received from the Ad- jutant-Generals Office, volunteer officers appointed or promoted will be mustered into the service of the United States from the date at which they actually commenced doing duty, and at which their names first appeared on the muster-rolls according to their new grade. Said musters have frequently been given the date of commission. III. To secure reliability, efficiency, and unity of action in the per- formance of topographical duty, and to prevent unnecessary repetition of labor by dilkrent parties, all officers or enlisted men voluntarily on this duty, or assigned to it at corps, division, or brigade headquarters, will re~port in person to Brig. Gen. G. K. Warren, chief topographical engineer, at these headquarters. It is not the intention to detach them from their present commands, but to ascertain the extent of their infor- mation and means of reconnoitering, and to supply their necessary re- quirements. At the time of reporting each will furnish full information as to any reconnaissances made, giving a copy of the map, if possible, or exhibiting the originals for examination, and a statement of the routes, & c., examined, not mapped. Also a list of all surveying, reconnoiter- ing, and drawing instruments, and of all maps and books relating to Yirginia, stating whether they are public or private property. Also an estimate of surveying and drawing instruments and materials required. Copies of all information possessed by the chief topographical engineer will be furnished for military purposes on proper application. IV. The resignations and applications of signal officers for leaves of absence will be referred by corps commanders to the chief signal officer at these headquarters for his recommendation thereon, and, if the same be adverse, such resignations and applications will be denied. Printed in Series III Page 90 90 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. rOHAP. XXXVII. V. Resignations of volunteer officers accepted by corps commanders will be promptly forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, with an indorsemeut th~reon showing the number and date of the order of acceptance and the headquarters where issned. Copies of all orders accepting resignations will be transmitted at their dates to the Pay- master-General of the Army. VI. Whenever any soldier is reported as a deserter from this army, his descriptive list, together with a full history of his case, will be im- mediately transmitted to the provost-marshal-general. VII. Commanding officers of companies and regiments are in the habit of turning in, to be sent to the ordnance depot, the arms of sick men absent in hospitals. When men are absent from their regi- ments, from whatever cause, and leave their arms behind, if they are expected to return, their arms and accouterments will be kept with their regiments, to be again issued to them on their return to duty. Acting ordnance officers of divisions will, as soon as possible, send to the chief ordnance officer at these headquarters a report of the regi- ments in their divisions, together with the number, kind, and caliber of the arms in each regiment, and also the number of rounds, kinds, and caliber of the ammunition in reserve ammunition trains. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVIsIoN, FIRST ARMY CORPS, February 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Yours of the 19th instant has just been received. You say the general commanding directs that you report what agreement was entered into by me with General Heintzelman with respect to the exchange of the Pennsylvania Reserves. In answer to this, I have to state that no special agreement was entered into between us. it was nnderstood that I was to have an equal number of men with those I furnished. I never supposed I should have a less number until the Re- serves had actually arrived in Alexandria, and a report of their number was laid before General Heintzelman. He then informed me that the aggregate would be less than that furnished by some 230 men. I am asked why I did not give my personal attention to this subject. in reply, I have to state that I visited General Heintzelmans office every day, and frequently several times a day, in relation to it. I was also a daily visitor at the Adjutant-Generals Office of the General-in-Chief in relation to it. The order from General Halleck directed General Heintzelman to furnish Pennsylvania troops. The understanding was an equal number of Pennsylvania troops, if they could be furnished. The Governor of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania delegation had interested them- selves in the business, and it was understood to be a matter of State pride to furnish an equal nuniber from Pennsylvania; hence the order was so worded. General Heintzelman, I think, was not in favor of the exchange, as the Reserves had hardly any officers with them, and it was absolutely necessary that they should be reorganized, on account of the law which compelled them to elect their officers. 1 asked General Heintzelman for a regiment from ahother State, but he said he woul Page 91 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 not approve the application. I then went to General ilalleck and asked for Colonel Wells Massachusetts regiment, but it was refused. I should have pressed the application still further had I not at this time received a telegram from General Reynolds, stating that he did not recognize my authority to be absent. This obliged me to give up everything and return. General Heintzelman mistakes when he says the number of men at his disposal was well understood by me when I made the application. I repeatedly asked for information on this and other points, and was invariably told that he would not touch the matter until the Reserves arrived, and then he would issue the necessary orders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. DOUBLEDAY, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Comdg. Division. Memorandum for General Butterfield, Chief of Sta/7 OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 20, 1863. Numerous complaints have been made of late by commanders of bat- teries and cavalry regiments that their animals have suffered at different times for want of a sufficient supply of forage, and that every exertion had been made by them to obtain it. It is well known that an ample supply of grain and a part of the hay ration have been at the l)rincipal depots, which could easily have been drawn and taken to camp by pack- ing. At this time there is plenty of hay and grain. Battery and cav- alry commanders should in the future see that their commands are supplied (whenever the roads will not allow hauling in wagons) by packing with a portion of the animals for the benefit of the whole, and should always send an officer to attend to this matter in person. They should also see that protection is afforded the animals by building shelters of some kind, and no excuse should be taken for a neglect of this duty. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, On Picket, February 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. D. MCM. GREGG, Commanding Third Cavalry Division i GENERAL: Yesterday morning Captain Mitchell, of the Harris Light Cavalry, stationed near Port Conway, discovered that the rebels were placing into a large flat-boat (with a log-cabin on it capable of holding 100 men) sacks and muskets, and that a large number were at work about theresome 60 in all. Fearing that an attempt might be made to cross, I strengthened my line of pickets at that point. I am satis- fied now that the enemy are but on a foraging expedition down the river. Should this be true, a trusty scout will keep me advised of their movements, and if they land near my outer pickets, they shall not return. At this hour all is quiet. There is in a house near the dock at Port Conway large quantities o Page 92 92 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. wheat and corn; it may be possible that an attempt may be made to carry it off, but the attempt shall fail if made. Very respectfully, ~. KILIPATRICK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. WINCHESTER VA February 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. R. C. SCUENOK: DEAR SIR: Yours of the 16th instant, but postmarked 18th, reached me last evening, and I hasten to reply. Inclosed you will find a state- ment showing what batteries, regiments, and detachments compose my command, by which it will be seen that I have under my immediate command at this place two 6-gun batteries of 10-pounders (one bat- tery being Parrott guns, and the other regulation guns), six regiments of infantry, two cavalry regiments, less one company, besides two de- tached companies of cavalry. These aggregate for duty as follows: Ar- tillery, 245; infantry, 3,984; cavalry, 1,306. That portion of my com- mand left behind under Col. James Washburn, and now at Romney, consists of two regiments of infantry, aggregating for duty 1,385 men, and one detached company of cavalry, 60 strong. I understand that there are at iRomney some five or six other com- panies of Pennsylvania cavalry, of the Ringgold Battalion, and a full battery. While at New Creek, I reorganized my division into two brigades, the First Brigade to consist of the Eighty-seventh Regiment Penusyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, the Ninth, Tenth, and Twelfth Regiments Virginia Infantry, and Battery B, First Virginia Artillery, which is still its organization. This brigade was for a time under command of Bri- gadier-General Cluseret, but since the 12th ultimo has been under the command of Col. George Hay, of the Eighty-seventh Regiment Penn- sylvania. He is a most ardent patriot, a highly honorable gentleman, and an excellent officer. The Second Brigade consisted of the One hundred and tenth, One hundred and sixteenth, One hundred and twenty-second, and One hun- dred and twenty-third Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Bat- tery D, First [West] Virginia Artillery, and was commanded by Col. James Washburn, of the One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is a good officer. Colonel Washburn is left behind at Romney with only two regiments of his brigade, to wit, the One hundred and sixteenth and One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Company E Third West] Virginia Cavalry. The other half of his brigade, to vit, the One hundred and tenth and One hundred and twenty-second Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery D, First [West] Virginia Artil- lery, are here, under the temporary command of Col. J. W. Keifer, of the One hundred and tenth Regiment, who is also a most excellent officer. The two brigades of my command, as originally organized, was, I think, the best disposition that could be made of these eight regiments. I should be much pleased, if the good of the service would permit, to get back the two regiments I left west of the mountains, as they are two of my old veteran regiments tilat went through Virginia with me last year, and participated in all the battles under Fr6mont and Pope Page 93 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 If General Roberts is assigned to me, I would like to have him take command of my Second Brigade, if it can be gotten together, as it is the strongest in numbers. You are informed as to the composition and strength of the forces under the rebel General Jones, in my front. That force, as 1 am re- liably informed, has recently been re-enforced by the forces under Gen- eral Imboden, consisting of one battery, about 1,200 cavalry, and about 500 infantry, and they are promised the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-first Regiments Virginia Infantry, from Fredericksburg, and it is rumored that they are soon to be joined by Floyd with a force of about 6,000. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, It. H. MILROY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Col. J. C. KELTON, February 21, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General: The services of Brig. Gen. John Buford are very much needed here. Cannot he be relieved from duty on that court and sent here at once? JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 21, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: The General-in-Chief directs me to say that General Buford is on a court for the trial of an officer of your command, and cannot be relieved till trial is over. J. C. KELTOK, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS Falmouth, Va., February 21, 1863. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: DEAR SIR: I telegraphed you last evening that the pickets had re- ported that sixteen pieces of artillery and eleven pontoons were seen passing through Fredericksburg down the river. The information did not get to me until twenty-four hours or more after the movement was observedas stupid a thing as ever occurred in military history. It is but a specimen of how military duties are done by a great many officers in my corps. Higher officers spend their time in reading newspapers or books, playing cards or the politician, drinking whisky, and grum- bling. Of course, this charge does not include all by a long way, for it contains some of the finest officers that ever drew sword, from major- general down. Upon a personal investigation, I find that the movement of pontoons and artillery was seen by so many that nobody reported the fact. The general officer of the day was Colonel Frank, one of our most sterling officers. I am, sir, very respectfully, Major- General, COUCH Page 94 94 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYIL CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. D. N. CoucH, Commanding Second Corps: In reply to your communication just received, Major-General Hooker directs me to say that it is a most extraordinary report. The general cannot think you expect him to bring your officers to a sense of their duty. He trusts that you will have no delay In bringing the officer who neglected his duty to trial and punishment. It is of the utmost impor- tance to him to know if the enemy have any pontoons, and, if so, how many, and where they are. He desires that you should communicate to him without delay all reliable information you can obtain upon this point. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 86. 47 Washington, February 21, 1863. * * * * * * XXIV. Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham, U. S. Volunteers, will report iu person, without delay, to Major-General Hooker, commanding Army of the Potomac, for duty. By order of th Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, No. 5. 47 February 21, 1863. I. No sutlers wagons or persons will be permitted to pass the limits of this department across the Occoquan and Bull Run for the purpose of reaching the Army of the Potomac. II. Attention is again called to General Orders, No. 5, from these headquarters. The outposts in Virginia will respect no permits not countersigned at these headquarters. By command of Major-General Heintzelman: CARROLL H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Falmouth, Va., February 22, 1863. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: GENERAL: Your letter in reference to the movement of pontoons in Fredericksburg, & c., is received. At present I am unable to report anything in addition to that of yesterday, but, having directed a more diligent inquiry, will inform you as soon as it comes in. The meu I questioned yesterday were not positive that pontoons were seen, but thought they were. As for the artillery, one man counted thirty-two 6-horse carriages that he supposed were artillery, but could not see the guns. In my letter I did not inteud for the major-general corn Page 95 CHAP. XXXVII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 manding to understand that I wished to throw off the responsibility of disciplining my command, but rather for him to be informed as to the difficulties in the way of dutyas, for instance, this most unwarrant- able neglect of duty occurred under the best picket officer I have, and as good a one as I ever knew, and, too, at a time wheu we were endeav- oring to perfect our picket system, and thought we were successful. I am, sir, very respectfully, D. N. COUCH, Major- General of Volunteers. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 22, 1863. Commanding Officer, Third Corps: I am directed by the commanding general to say that work on the roads may be suspended during the present severe storm. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. (Copies furnished commanding officers of the Sixth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 23, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Willards Hotel, Washington, D. C.: Couch reporta the enemys pickets apparently withdrawing except when flag of truce boat crosses. Have dispatched Moore and Candler to investigate and report. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 23, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Willards Hotel, Washington, D. C.: Report of examinatiou says snpposed to be simply withdrawal of position of pickets for shelter by reduction of detail. As the weather improves more appear. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY Divisiow, February 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. PLEASONTON, Commanding First Cavalry Division: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your instructions, I yesterday proceeded to Aqula Creek to select a suitabl Page 96 96 N. YA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. site for a bridge in the neighborhood of the fords. I first went to the crossing of the Telegraph road. The best site for a bridge appears to be about 75 yards to the left of the ford, where the stream is narrowest, about 4 feet in depth at ordinary stage of water, approaches good (pro- vided the abutments of bridge are of the same height as the banks of ,the creek), and turning off at an acute angle from the road as it now approaches the ford; present descent not over 13 degrees. Bank on this side 8 to 10 feet in height, and opposite side 4 toS feet. Soil on both sides as good as usually found in this section. Marsh 100 yards to the left of point designated. The main difficulty lies in the width of the stream, which is at least 40 to 45 feet, requiring strong pieces of at least 55 feet in length. The timber, with the exception of string-. pieces, wouhi liave to be hauled about one-eighth of a mile, the latter half a mile. To build a safe bridge at this point would require the ex- ercise of engineering skill and judgment, with proper tools and work- men. Temporary affiiirs might be constructed over the ford, but could be washed away in any freshet. There are now lodged on the ford trunks of trees 14 feet in diameter and 20 feet and over in length, brought down by the late flood. I next proceeded to the ford used by our pickets in going toward Masters house. It is on the road from Garrisonville, and about half a mile beyond Ebenezer Church. I found a point to the left where the stream is narrowest, 20 feet wide, 2~ in depth, hard bottom, ap- proaches good, even grade on the bank, which is 4 feet high; descent to the ford about 8 degrees. Soil, usual average of wood roads. Wood grows down on the bank on both sides of the creek. It would be a comparatively easy task to bridge at this crossing. There are two other fords used by our pickets, one at Wiggintons Mills, about the same character and width as the last mentioned, and the other, called flickerson Ford, which is above the junction of Cannon Creek, where the stream becomes much narrower, but equally deep in freshets. There are many errors in your map, both as to direction of roads and distance of points. This fact, and the violent storm of snow and sleet that continued throughout the day, prevented as complete a reconnaissance as I would otherwise have made, but the foregoing are the main facts as- certained. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, TUGS. C. DEVIX, Colonel Sixth New York Cay., Comdg. Second Brig., First Cay. Div. P. S.I heard of a ford, said to exist on the farm of Mr. Mon. cure, which is passaule at any stage of water. I have ordered it to be examined and reported on. [Indor8exneut.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 23, 1863. Respectfully returned to Brigadier-General Stoneman. If the ford Colonel IDevin speaks of in his postscript is not suffici. ently good to cross at all times, orders will be given to General Wood. bury to apply the engineering skill Colonel 2Devin speaks of. By command of Major.General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant.Ueneral Page 97 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 97 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, General S. WILL~AMS, February 23, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAII: In view of the fact that the river on the other side is picketed by the enemys infantry, I would suggest that the river on this side be picketed by our infantry, from Corbyns Neck, below, to United States Ford, above, with a strong reserve at each extremity, where the line of cavalry vedettes would connect with the infantry and run back perpendicular to the river on the right, and down the river on the left. This line can be much better guarded by foot than by horse, and the arrangement will save the serviceA of two regiments of cavalry, one above and one below, which, considering the terrible roads over which cavalry with its supplies of forage has to pass, is an important item. To properly picket the whole Jine, and to patrol the country on the right and left, requires, owing to the extent. of country, a large force of cavalry, and everything that can tend to reduce its numbers is, under present circumstances, very much to be desired. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Oorp8. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., February 23, 1863. Copy ~f a letter, dated December 9, 1862, of Brigadier-General Hunt to Major-General Parke, chief of staff Army of the Potomac: OFFICE OF CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, December 9, 1862. GENERAL: On October 22, Colonel Tyler, First Connecticut Artillery, by my direc- tion, submitted a memorandum on the organization of a siege train. His memorandum was approved October 26, with some modifications, submitted to Major-General Mc- Clellan, approved by him, and returned to Colonel Tyler October 27, with orders to have it carried out. The organization of three batteries of four 4k-inch guns, as batteries of positionto be used in the passage of rivers and other operations requir- ing them, the batteries to form part of the siege train at Richmondwas ordered at the same time. This latter organization not having been carried out as orderAd, and it being of the utmost importance that the inconvenience now being felt from the non- arrival of the three position batteries should not occur before Richmond, I beg to bring under your notice the proposition submitted by Colonel Tyler, in order that steps may be taken to have it, if necessary, carried out immediately. The proposal was to have ready forty 4j-inch siege guns, ten 8-inch howitzers, ten 10-inch mortars, ten 8-inch mortars, with all the necessary stores and means of trans- portation, the whole to be shipped on board suitable barges, ready for transportation by water to any point which may be designated. Colonel Tyler was selected for the duty of organizing the siege train because he commanded the siege train at Yorktown and in the Peninsula. His regiment, officers and men, are, therefore, thoroughly acquainted with the duties required of them. In order, however, that the amount of artillery which it may be necessary to accumulate against any work previous to assaulting it may be placed in position with the greatest possible rapidity, it would be desirable to associate another heavy artillery regiment with Colonel Tylers. The placing of rifled 32-pounders in position at Fredericksburg (6j-inch caliber, cor- responding to our 100-pounders), probably indicates I hat there are guns of this caliber in position in the works before Richmond. It may, therefore, be necessary to place guns of equal caliber in position, and Lieutenant Baylor, ordnance officer at Fortress Monroe, should be instructed to prepare such guns, with their mat6riel. In case it should be necessary to move the siege train by water to a point of the Pamunkey within short distance of Hanover Court-House, instructions should be 7 R RVOL XXV, PT I Page 98 98 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL given to land the matiriel upon bargesdouble-decked ones, if possible, such as are used for flour on the North Rivernot drawing more than 4 feet 6 inches or 5 feet of water, with which draught they can probably be taken up as far as the bridge at Widow Lumpkins, near Crumps Creek, within 5 miles by land of the railway. By attaching to the train about 100 feet of trestle bridging, constructed similarly to those prepared by Captain Duane, of the Engineers, for the pontoon train, but of stronger dimensions, the train could be landed at any point required. The whole of this mat6riel, with the requirements, should be at Fortress Monroe by the 25th of this month at latest. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery. [Indorsoments.] ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 23, 1863. A copy of this letter was placed in the hands of General Cull~m,in presence of Major-General Halleck, in his office, by me, on December 27, 1862, and was returned to me~ General Halleck stating that not a man nor a gun should leave the works about Washington. Respectfully submitted for the information of Major-General Hooker. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General, Chief of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 1863. General Hunt is desired to report the probable time that will be necessary to carry the within into execution. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, As8istant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Falmouth, February 25, 1863. Respectfully returned. I do not know how long it will take to prepare this seige train. It will depend upon the mat6riel on hand at Washington and upon the extent of the train required. I have made verbal representations to General Barry, inspector of artillery, U. S. Army, who, I believe, has taken some steps to collect or provide for the mat6riel. But if the gen- eral contemplates proceedings which will require a seige train at any time this spring, provision cannot be made too soon for it. I deem it essential to its efficiency that the artillery troops which have already been instructed and have conducted one seige (that of Yorktown) should be put on this duty. Colonel (now Brigadier..General) Tyler should be put in charge. He can report on the mat6riel on hand. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General, Chief of Artillery. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Falmouth, TTa., February 24, 1863. General S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In pursuance of the instructions contained in your cir- cular of the 16th instant, I have respectfully to transmit herewith Page 99 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 99 statement by batteries, regiments, and States of the numbers of re- cruits required in the artillery of this army,* and of officers available for recruiting service. If officers are sent, some measures should be taken not only to insure their making exertions to obtain recruits, but especially to secure their safe transmission through Washington. It has been a cause of complaint since the convalescent camp and the camp of instruction were formed that neither convalescents nor recruits can get to their regiments except by deserting. Respectfully, youl obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General, Chief of Artillery. FAIRFAX STATION, February 24, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Stevensburg lies about 6 miles southwest from Kellys Ford, on the Rappahannock. General Longstreet passed through Richmond on the 18th instant. A portion of his army went to Charleston, S. C., the balance to Suffolk. General Stuart is now at Auburn, near Warrenton. General Jackson and army are at Staunton, with the intention of making a raid in Mary- land. with the help of General Stuart. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. YAGER, [Scout.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. ~ OFFICE, No. 90. Washington, February 24, 1863. * * * * * - * V. Brig. Gen. E. B. Tyler, U. S. Volunteers, will join his command in the Army of the Potomac without delay. By command of Major-General Halleck: L. THOMAS Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 1863. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Information from deserters, contrabands, and citizens, re- ceived within the past two or three days, when compared and collated, seems to corroborate the following statement: That the enemy have decreased their forces in our front; that two or more divisions of Long- streets corps have gone to Tennessee and South Carolina; that the enemy are under the impression that we are evacuating from Aquia, leaving a sufficient force to keep Lees army in front of us. The foggy atmosphere prevents the balloon from being serviceable. The roads are impassable for reconnaissances. As soon as further definite and * Statement omitted; it shows that, . in all, 3,487 recruits are required to complete the batteries of this army to their proper strength Page 100 100 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. positive information can be obtained, it will be forwarded. The general tenor of the statements received make it appear that Jacksons corps is left to guard the passage of the river. Ransoms division, of Long. streets corps, is one mentioned as gone to Tennessee or South Caro- lina. Picketts division is one gone to Charleston, commencing their departure February 17. I shall probably gain more information before night. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major.General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Hon. E. N. STANTON: February 25, 1863. (Received 5 p. in.) From information which I cannot discredit, General Jackson, with his whole command, was yesterday across the Rappahannock from me. His corps was visible from the balloon this morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 18636.30 p. m. (Received 7 p. in.) Major-General HEINTZELMAN, Headquarters Defenses: A large cavalry force has made its appearance in front of our right, said now to be moving toward Stafford Court-House. We send out up the river to try and get between them and the Rappahannock. Can you send out from Catletts and Rappahannock Stations to intercept them if they move that way? Answer, and advise me what you can and will do. JOSEPH HOOKER, Aftpor- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Maj. Gen. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, February 25, 1863. Commanding Defenses of Washington: I have the honor to inclose for your information, by direction of the commanding general, copy of letter to Brigadier-General Doubleday, together with his reply, on the subject of the removal of the Pennsyl- vania Reserves from this army to your department.* Very respectfully, & c., JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, Major MARKELL, Camp near Hope Landing, February 25, 1863. Commanding Pickets, First Cavalry Brigade: MAJOR: General Stoneman reports that the enemy are moving in force in the direction of Stafford Court-House. Notify your pickets, * See these letters, pp. 87, 90 Page 101 CHAP. XXXVThJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 and, if compelled to fall back, do so; fall back on Dumfries. Send in report of any information of the enemy. Yours, truly, B. F. DAVIS, Colonel Eighth New York Vol. Cavalry, Comdg. Brigade. FEBRUARY 25, 18637.30 p. m. Maj Gen. D. N. COUCH, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you send a good brigade of infantry up to Berea Church. The enemy have a force of cavalry in front of our picket lines, on the right. General Stoneman will en- deavor to capture them. Averell is following them up, and a cavalry force from here will move to get between them and the river. Let the commanding officer take care not to get in collision with our cavalry. Move quickly. Troops will be out until to-morrow p. m. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brig. Gen. W. W. AVERELL, February 25, 1863. Commanding Cavalry Division: I inclose herewith for your information copies of telegrams and state. meiits of prisoners captured to-day, in reference to the present expe- dition.* General Hooker says that a major-generals commission is staring somebody in the face in this affair, and that the enemy should never be allowed to get away from us. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. (Copies furnished Brigadier-General Pleasonton and Major Cram.) DUMFRIES, February 25, 1863. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERs, Assistant Adjutant- General: Our scout brought in information this evening that he was told by a citizen that the enemys cavalry intend making a raid on this place, to capture the commissary stores, & c., supposing that the new picket-line established last Saturday was simply a ruse, and supposing that we have left this. From what information he could get in regard to posi- tion of cavalry, the Prince William Cavalry was at White Sulphur Springs, with five light pieces of artillery; the Black Horse Cavalry are at Warrenton. We will be on the alert, and are able to repel any at- tack from their cavalry. W. R. CREIGHTON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade and Post. found; but see Part I, pp. 2125 Page 102 102 N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. ECHAP. XXXVII. FEBRUARY 25, 18639 p. in. Maj. Gen. S. P. IIEINTZELMAN, Washington, D. C.: The following dispatch has been received from Stafford Court House: IFEBRUARY] , 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Colonel Creighton, commanding at Dumfries, has information from a citizen of a contemplated raid on that place; that the Prince William Cavalry are at White Sul- phur Springs with five pieces of artillery, and the Black Horse Cavalry at Warren- ton. He is fully on the alert, and confident of his ability to repel any attack from cavalry. A. S. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. We are pushing out forces from here up the Rappahannock and toward Warrenton. Answer what co-operation we may expect from above. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 25, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: I have sent out a force of cavalry, 2,000 strong, toward Catletts and Rappahannock Stations, by the way of Fairfax, to intercept the enemy. This force will leave by 8 oclock, February 26; if possible, sooner. The commanding officer will have a copy of the telegram received from you at 7 oclock this evening. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 1863. (Received 9 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: A mystery hangs over the dispatch of Yager [following]. It is a physical impossibility for the enemy to make a raid into Maryland at this season of the year. Besides, the Potomac River, I should judge, is not fordable. The rebels have a cavalry force on this side of the river, outside of my exterior pickets, which I hope to hive before morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. WARRENTON, [February 25, 1863.] General Jackson and army are at Staunton, with the intention of making a raid in Maryland, with the help of General Stuart. YAGER. FEBRUARY 25, 18637.45 p.m. Brig-Gen. W. W. AVERELL, Potomac Run: The commanding general directs that you follow the enemy~s force; that you do not come in until the force which General Stoneman i Page 103 Cn& r. XXXYH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 directed to send out at 1 a. m. gets up with the enemy, and you have captured him or found it utterly impossible to do so. Stoneman will endeavor to get between them and the river.* DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. FEBRUARY 25, 18638 p. m. Brig. Gen. W. W. AVERELL, Potomac Run: Stonenian has been instructed to move the force from here at once. Pleasonton to be in position at Aquia Church, to co-operate or execute any order. A brigade of infantry to move to Berea Church from Conchs corps aJ once. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 1863. General WILLIAMS, Comdg. Twelfth Corps, Stafford Court-House, Va.: Telegraphic advices report three brigades of the enemys cavalry moving in the vicinity of your front. Advise the force at Duinfries to be vigilant. Our infantry there can whip the cavalry if they come. The cavalry can get no advantage of them if they are alert and vigi- lant. Give us any information you receive. Advise General von Steinwehr. Acknowledge receipt of this. DAI{L. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. FEBRUARY 25, 18639 p. in. Gen. A. S. WILLIAMS, Stafford Court-House, Va.: Dispatch from Colonel Creighton received. Inform General Pleas- onton of its contents. Averell has gone up with a division of cavalry toward Hartwood. The division of Regulars will go up the river road. Pleasonton will be in position within a few hours at Aquia Church. A brigade of infantry has gone up to Berea Church. Inform Pleasonton of all these arrangements. General Heintzelman has been requested to co-operate from above, sending a force down toward Warrenton Junc- tion and Rappahannock Station. Have Creighton informed of all move- ments. Have him advise Pleasonton. Communicate here all you get. Send a brigade of infantry to Aquia Church to support Pleasonton, if desired. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD, [Major- General, Chief of Staff.] FEBRUARY 25, 18639.10 p. in. General A. S. WILLIAMS, Stafford Court-House, Va.: Keep the officers in command of the cavalry forces this way fully advised of all movements and appearances in your front. Prisoners * See skirmish at Hartwood Church, February 25, Part I, pp. 2125 Page 104 104 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. captured and brought in reprt the force as Fitzhugh Lees and Hamp- tons brigades. Marched from 12 miles the other side of the Rappa- hannock last night, made a long circuit to-day, and horses very tired. lATe ought to capture every one of them. Say to Pleasonton a major- generals commission is staring some cavalry officer in the face in this business. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 25, 186311 p. m. General PLEASO~TON, Commanding First Cavalry Division: Lee and Hampton crossed the Rappahannock at Kellys Ford, about 4 miles beiow the railroad, and encamped this side of the river last night. Attacked Averells pickets to-day. Horses very tired, so said. General Williams has orders to support. you with an infantry brigade, if required. It is very possible the enemy is making for Dum fries. Get off at once, and if you can find out where the enemy is, push him to the utmost of your ability wherever he may go. Be sure to get between the enemy and the river. Respectfully, & c., GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, General A. PLEASONTON, February 25, 1863. Commanding First Cavalry Division: Move with the whole of your division, and be in position on the Tele- graph road, near Aquia Church, as soon as you can. Averell has gone out toward Hartwood and to the northward of the Hartwood road. The enemys cavalry force is said to be moving toward Stafford Court- House. Notify your pickets at once, and direct them, if driven in, to fall back toward Duinfries. Inform General Butterfield the hour you will be in the position indicated above. GEORGE STONE MAN, Brigadier. General, Commanding Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 25, 186311.15 p. m. Major.General HEINTZEL1~1AN: The force is F. Lees and Hamptons brigades; crossed at Keily~s Ford last night, and encamped near Morrisville. Their horsesare well tired. We are pushing all out to-night. Cannot you push out tonight and push this side of the railroad and Rappahannock Station? Look out for any collision with our forces. Our parties are ordered to cap- ture them, if possible. Answer. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Ohief of Staff Page 105 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, Eft.UNION. 105 AQUTA CREEK, February 25, 1863. Major-General COUCH: Let me know the hour of starting of the infantry brigade for Berea Church. Reserve Brigade, Regular cavalry, just started from there. The enemy are supposed to be lying around the vicinity of Hartwood. We want them caught, if possible. The commanding officer of the in- fantry force will co-operate with and support the cavalry. DAI~4L. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THI~ POTOMAC, February 25, 1863. Major-General COUCH: Packing supplies for one or two days to the brigade at Berea Church; they may have to stay over to-morrow night. General Stoneman will be at Hartwood at daylight. Let the com- manding officer communicate with him and take his orders from him. Answer in the morning. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, MajorGeneral, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, February 25, 1863Midnight. Brig. Gen. A. S. WILLIAMS, Commanding Twelfth Corp8 dArm~e: GENERAL: The general commandingPleasontondirects me to ex- press his thanks for the information received through your dispatoli of this date, and to state that he does not see in what way a brigade of infantry would be of service to him at Aqnia Church, nor does he think the enemy would be likely to cross in that vicinity, on account of the condition of the creek. Some 350 men of this division are picketing in your front, with whom he begs you will communicate, and to whom instructions from headquarters Cavalry Corps have been sent by him. This division has been ordered to move at daylight to Aquia Church, by the Telegraph road. The general will be thankful for any further information you may receive, and will in turn keep you advised. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. COHEN, Captain and A8sistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., February 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I find that the whole of the pontoon here consists of fifty-eight boats, equal to a bridge of 1,740 feet. At Harpers Ferry we must have forty- two boats, equal to 1,260 feet. This is more than half of what General Woodbury allows. Thirty-nine boats had already been taken up before hearing from you. We want but three boats more. I beg that I ma Page 106 106 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. be permitted to take them. This will still leave boats for 460 feet here. I ask an immediate decision, as the engineer is waiting to throw the bridge across. H. C. SCHENUK, Major. General. WINCHESTER, VA., February 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Harpers Ferry, Va.: GENERAL: My cavalry have encountered the scouts and pickets of the rebels several times within the last week at and near Strasburg. Had a skirmish there yesterday, and captured a horse and rigging be- longing to the rebel cavalry. I sent a battalion of the First New York Volunteer Cavalry to Wardensville on last Saturday. They found no rebels there, but the people were confidently looking for Imboden every hour. A gentleman arrived here to day from Harrisonburg, having ftanked the rebel pickets, who, I have good reason to believe, is a good Union man, and reports that r \T A.] Witchers rebel cavalry regiment, raised in East Tennessee and Virginia, passed through Harrisonburg on Friday last tojoin the rebel forces under Jones; that Imboden went west, through Brocks Gap, last week, to come down west of North Mountain, either to Homney or between here and iRomney, with 2,500 men; that a Georgia cavalry regiment, 1,100 strong, had come across from Madi. son Court-House to near Laray, and that a strong infantry force was moving in the direction of Berryville from Culpeper. This cavalry and infantry were under Stuart. The rebels here are expecting their friends soon. It~ is also reported that General Fitzh ugh Lee is to supersede Jones, and that he intends making raids upon the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. MILROY, Brigadier-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 26, 1863. General BUTTERFIELD: I have ordered the cavalry at Fairfax Court-House, about 600 strong, to leave camp immediately for IRappahannock Station, to be supported by the force leaving camp to-morrow morning. S. P. HEJNTZELMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, February 26, 18633 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of & aff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: General Stoneman desired me to inform you when I should leave for Aquia Church. I have, therefore, the honor to report that th Page 107 CHAP. XXXVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 Second Brigade left its camp at 2.30 this morning and the First is about leaving. I shall move with the latter. One regiment of the Second is already at the church, which is some 8 miles from here by the road which can now be traveled. General Williams, commanding Twelfth Corps, kindly offered me a brigade of infantry to march to Aquia Church; but I told him I did not think it could be of much service, the roads were so bad. My force is amply sufficient for the rebels if we can get hold of them. General Williams states that reports to him make out the rebels intend attack- ing Dumfries. I have sent to warn my pickets in front of that place to be on their guard and give me the earliest information of any approach. I shall not move beyond Aquia Church until I hear further concerning the rebel movements. I have requested General Williams to keep me informed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTOK, Brigadier. General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., February 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Corps: The commanding general directs me to say that the cavalry force recently stationed on the Maryland shore to prevent desertions from this army and the entrance of improper persons and traffic within our lines from that direction having been withdrawn, you will be expected to picket along the river on this side from the infantry pickets on our right flank to Aqnia, and from Belle Plain to the infantry pickets on our left flank. The portion excepted is at present picketed by the infantry brigade under the command of Col. W. F. Rogers, Twenty-first New York Vol. unteers. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 26, 18639 a. m. (Received 10 a. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The report of an intended raid into Maryland by the united forces of Jackson and Stuart is entirely without foundation. About 2,000 of the enemys cavalry felt my pickets yesterday after. noon; were repulsed, and Stoneman is now after them at full chase, with instructions to follow them to their camps, should it be necessary, to destroy them.* These are on the south side of the Rappahannock, and near Culpeper. The rebels crossed the river at Kellys Ford. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. See skirmish at Hartwood Chuirch, Part I, pp. 2125 Page 108 108 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. FEBRUARY 26, 186310.15 a. m. Brig. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN Commanding Cavalry Corps: The accompanying dispatch just received from Pleasonton. His brilliant dash and rapid movements will undoubtedly immortalize him! 8 A. M.In position at Aquia Church. It is fair to presume that he failed to receive your orders to push on, otherwise I cannot account for his movements at all. I sent him a dis. patch, of which I inclose a copy [following]. General Couch has been ordered to withdraw his infantry. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of & aff. [Thelosure.] FEBRUARY 26, 186310.15 a. m. Brig. Gen. A. PLEASONTON, Commanding, Aquia Church: I dont know what you are doing there. Orders were sent you at 11 p. m. last night, by telegraph and orderlies, to push for the enemy with. out delay, and to communicate with General Stoneman at Hartwood. The enemy have recrossed the river, at Kellys Ford probably, and Averell is pursuing them. Get your orders from Stoneman. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of & affi HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 26, 1863. Major-General COUCH, Commanding: GENERAL: Withdraw your brigade of infantry from Berea. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major.General and Chief of & aff. UNION MILLS, Capt. C. H. POTTER, February 26, 1863. Assistant Adjutant. General: There is no evidence of any enemy in front in force. For two nights past signals have been observed in the passes and along Bull Run Mountains, indicating an enemy. Bull Run is high, and, so far as this brigade is concerned, the general commanding need have no apprehen. sions. Refugees come in daily in numbers, and are questioned only so far as regards our own defense, and then sent to provost.marshal in Alexandria. Hamptons command was at Culpeper, but relieved by Fitzhugh Lee, and ordered to concentrate at Kelly~s Ford, on the Rappahannock. The Rappahannock Bridge has been rebuilt, and is strongly protected by artillery. ALEX. HAYS, Brigadier-General Page 109 CR~. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 109 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HD~RS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OI~FICE, No. 94. f Washington, February 26, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. Joshua T. Owen, U. S. Volunteers, will report to Maj. Gen. J. Hooker, U. S. Volunteers, for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By command of Major General Halleck: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, No. 7. February 26, 1863. The following named officers are announced on the staff of the gen- eral commanding the corps: Lieut. Col. M. T. McMahon, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff; Col. C. H. Tompkins, First Rhode Island Artillery, chief of artil- lery; 2Lieut. Col. J. Ford Kent, assistant inspector-general; Lieut. Col. C. W. Tolles, chief quartermaster; Capt. J. K. Scofield, acting chief commissary of subsistence; Surg. Charles OLeary, U. S. Volunteers, medical director; Surg. E. B. Dalton, Thirty-sixth New York Volun- teers, medical inspector; Maj. T. W. Hyde, Seventh Maine Volunteers, provost-marshal; Capt. Church Howe, Fifteenth Massachusetts Volun- teers, aide-de-camp; Capt. C. A. Whittier, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Capt. H. C. Pratt, Thirty-eighth New York Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp. By. command of Major-General Sedgwick: C. A. WHiTTIER, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 27, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: The authority given to you to grant leaves of absence cannot be dele- gated by you to commanders of corps. Leaves not signed by your orders are nulL H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HARPERS FERRY, February 27, 1863. Captain MEANS, Berli~n, 1Md.:] Within the last few days I have sent two expeditions after Whites cavalry, in Loudoun County. One went to Leesburg, and the other toward Snickers Gap, neither of which found the enemy. I have no doubt, however, that at least a portion of his command is in that county, but they are in sm~dl detached portions, for the purpose of enforcing the conscript act and stealing horses. Unless you have some reliable information as to where White can be found, I am not disposed to approve of the expedition. You will please come up to-night to see me. Respectfully, yours, B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General Page 110 110 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOtTTH, VA., February 27, 1863. FLAGS OF TRUCE. The following instructions will govern communications by flags of truce: No letters or communications will be sent over under flag of truce without the indorsement of the commanding general, the chief of staff, the assistant adjutant-general, or the provost-marshal-general at these headquarters. No citizen, officer, or soldier will be allowed to accompany the partly bearing flag of truce except those designated in orders for the purpose by General Couch, approved at these headquarters, without a special written order from these headquarters. Flags of truce from the enemy will be met by the party designated in orders, and by those only, save as heretofore provided. Flags of tx:uce will not be sent out except for letters or communica- tions forwarded from these headquarters, or to meet a flag from the enemy. Newspapers may be received but not exchanged, except under special approval from these headquarters. After each flag of truce, the officer in charge will submit in writing, without unnecessary delay, to these headquarters, a full statement of all that occurred, memoranda of the conversation, and a register of the persons and papers exchanged, with the hour of date. The exchange of money, letters, or any article whatever, under the flags, except as herein provided, or permitted by special order from these headquarters, is prohibited. General Couch will take the necessary means to satisfy himself that parties passing under a flag of truce have no letters, communications, goods, wares, or merchandise of any description, save their personal effects (which must be examined), before they are allowed to leave our - lines. The foregoing is communicated for the information and government of all concerned. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. (To commanding officer Secqnd Corps and provost-marshal-general.) FEBRUARY 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. S. P. IIEINTZELMAN, Commanding Defenses of Washington: Colonel Wyndham arrived here this evening with his force, via War- renton, Rappahannock Station, and the Post road.* Reports his com- mand in good condition. Has a few prisonersa corporal and 6 pri- yates. Lost 1 horse only, by accident. He has been provided with rations and forage. Proposes to rest to-morrow and return on Monday. Please inform General Hooker, if he is still in Washington. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. * See scout from CentreNille, etc., Part I, pp. 38-40 Page 111 111 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 28, 1863. General S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant-General, Ar my of the Potomac: GENERAL: There are now in the cavalry corps about 12,000 men, and 13,000 horses, present for duty. The last return showed 11,955 enlisted men and 13,875 horses. The line this force has to guard is but little less than 100 miles. One-third on duty at one tune gives 40 men to the mile on post at one time, and one-third of these gives 13 to the mile on post at one time. Considering the condition of the roads, it is a good days march to get out to the line and another to return, so that actually the horses are out one-half the time or more. Added to this the fact that frequently the whole cavalry force is in the saddle for several days together, and it will be perceived that but little more than one-third of the time is allowed the horses in which to recruit. I consider it my duty to call these facts to the attention of the gen- eral commanding for his information, which I should have done before, perhaps, but for the thought that I might possibly be considered as complaining. Should the general consider it expedient to diminish the amount of duty at present being performed by the cavalry, either by weakening or contracting the lines as now established, or by substi- tuting a system of patrols for stationary vedettes, or in any other mode he may prescribe, I shall most gladly do so, and consider that the in- terests of the service have been benefited thereby. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corp8. Ab8tract from con8olidated morning report of the Army of the Potomac, Major-General Jo8eph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding, for February 28, 1863; headquarters, camp near Falmouth, Va. Command. 0 0 a General and staff . . -. Oneida Cavalry Company, Capt D. P. Mann - . -. Provost-guard, Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick . - - - RegularEn~ineerBartalion, Lient. Charles E. Cross. . - - - Volunteer Rngineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P. Wood- bury. U.S. i~iigual Corps, Capt. Charles S. Kendall . - - - Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. De Russy 58 First Co~s, Brig. Gen. J.S. Wadsworth 52 Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch. 48 Third Corps, Brig. Gen. D. E. Sickles 60 Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade 42 Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick 60 Eleventh Corps, Brig. Gen. A. von Steinwehr . 42 Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum 34 Cavalry Corps, Brig. Gen. George Stoneinan 22 First Massachusetts Cavalry (Company F), Capt. T. L. Motley. Total 6, 991 125, 327 160, 209 220, 169 220, 003 418 Present for duty. u a a a ~ u. ., ,~ a 0~ ~40 ,~ a a ~ a be bes be a a a a .. s~ be be be be be be o ~ -~ 64 2 66 66 66 2 32 35 78 198 151 2,144 2,706 3,421 3,623 2 360 423 474 471 31 802 976 2, 073 2, 085 22 69 126 196 196 42 1,286 1,502 1,706 1,950 955 15,482 20, 171 28, 166 27, 903 929 14. 658 19,976 30,963 31,311 967 16, 900 21, 223 29, 329 30, 309 798 14,862 18,830 26,411 26,749 1,132 21,682 26,617 34,618 35,004 660 13,337 36,643 20,996 21,250 637 11,446 15,160 21,252 21,495 599 12, 265 15, 755 20, 420 17, 292 10 Page 112 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Ab8tractfro?n COfl8Olidated morning report of the Army of the Potomac, 4~c.Continued. Present for duty equipped. Command. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. a a o ~ a ~ a a o ~ ~ General and staff Oneida Cavalry Company, Capt. D. P. Mann Provost- ~uard, Brig. Gen. M. R.Patrick Regular ngineer Battalion, Lieut. Charles E. Cross. - Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. P. Wood- bury. - U. S. Signal Corps, Capt. Charles S. Kendall Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. l)e Russy First Corps, Brig. Gen. J. S. Wadsworth Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Conch Third Corps, Brig. Gen. D. E. Sickles Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick. Eleventh Corps, Brig. Gen. A. von Steinwehr Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum Cavalry Corps, Brig. Gen. George Stoneman. First Massachusetts Cavalry (Company F), Capt. T. L. Motley. Total 2 31 4 881 870 898 763 1, 092 587 615 360 802 92 14,171 13,801 15,266 13, 836 18, 633 11, 909 11, 205 5, 891 102, 151 2 S 4 3 3 9 379 35 150 7 103 2 180 8, 325 405 8, 802 252 Ab8tract from return of the Department of Wa8hingto n, Maj. Gen. Samuel P. Heintzelman, U. S. Army, commanding, for February 28, 1863. Present for I -~ ~ a ~ Pieces of duty. artillery. a ~ Command. a ~ a vs ~ b~ ~O be a a nO a ~ o 8 be 1~ a be ~ 3 o ~ be eli General headquarters 15 35 - 50 56 58 District of Alexandria * 143 2, 871 8, 112 8, 622 10, 530 Artillery defenses 01 Alexandria 135 2, 424 3, 014 3, 472 3, 538 219 20 Artillery Brigade (Cogswells) 71 1, 588 2, 122 2. 886 2, 890 89 17 Abercrombies division t 266 5, 946 7, 083 8, 940 11, 645 12 Caseys division 356 7, 093 9, 110 10, 862 12, 996 24 Provisional Brigade 35 476 603 869 . ... . Cavalry - 22L 3, 990 4, 977 5, 915 5, 936 Pennsylvania Reserves - - . - . 147 4, 013 4, 856 7, 625 District of Washington 177 3, 173 4, 247 5, 116 4, 300 Artillery camp of instruction 33 905 1, 055 1, 140 1, 145 40 Defenses north of the Potomac 256 5, 733 7,389 8, 333 8, 359 248 78 Corps of observation 137 3,056 3, 693 4,165 4, 128 6 Ral way Brigade 30 707 878 914 916 Fort Washington, Md - 4 87 118 118 119 70 3 Total 2, 026 42, 097 57, 307 69, 033 66, 560 626 200 * Including camps for convalescents, paroled, and exchanged pri8oners, and strag- glers. t Including Provisional Brigade. The One hundred and eighteenth, One hundred and fifty-second, and One hundred and fifty-ninth New York transferred to District of Washington. t Transferred from Army of the Potomac. ~S The One hundred and thirty-fifth, One hundred and forty-third, One hundred and forty-ninth, One hundred and fiftieth, and One hundred and fifty-first Pennsylvania transferred to Army of the Potomac. 112 28 19 34 20 33 23 12 45 1, 094 999 905 1,155 816 1, 204 85S 590 459 8, 07 Page 113 CHAP. XXXVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 Abstract from return of the Middle De~partment (Eighth Army Corps), Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schencic commanding, for the month of Februar~t, 1863; headquarter8, Baltimore, Md. Present for +~ ~ a Pieces of dot3?. artilery. a a Command. -~ ~ a~ Ilemarks. a b~ bL0 b~ a aO a ~., 0 bIJ a 0 ~a bC ~L ~ a 0 ~ Department staff 36 . 36 36 36 First Divisien, Brig. Gen. B. F. 718 13, 980 17, 243 19, 215 18, 669 23 38 Harpers Ferry. Kelley. Second Division, Brig. Gen. R. 209 4, 068 5, 024 5, 696 6, 714 . Winchester. H. Milroy. First Separate Brigade, Brig. 84 1, 603 1, 892 2,098 1, 508 Point Lookout, Gen. H. H. Lockwood. Md. Second Separate Brigade, Bvt. 94 2,176 2,907 3,394 3,478 Fort MoHenry, Brig. Gen. William W. Morris M(1. Third Separate Brigade, Brig. 170 3, 062 3,718 4,251 4, 372 C Baltimore. (jen. H. S. Briggs. Post of Annapolis, Md., Col. C. 28 456 576 713 713 A. Waite. Post of Philadelphia, Brig. Gen. 11 187 222 263 646 W. R. Montgomery. Post of Fort. Delaware, Lient. 13 429 544 549 419 67 6 Col. D. D. Perkins. First Battalion ConnecticutCav. 3 97 264 airy, Capt. CharlesFarnsworth. 342 317 Baltimore. I Total 1, 366 26, 058 32, 426 36, 557 36, 872 92 50 NOTE ON ORIOLNAL BETURN.The above return is as nearly correct as can be rendered on account of the confusion and incorrectness of the several returns of subordinate commanders, particularly those of Major.General Milroy and Brigadier.General Keiley. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 1, 1863. (Received 1 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The following dispatch has just been received from General Geary at Stafford Court-House, Who says the party communicating the infor. ination is entirely reliable.* The portion of it relating to Fitzhugh Lee 18 verified by his late appearance here. FEBRUARY 26, 1863. J~rig. Gen. JOHN W. GEARY: DEAR SIR: I wish to inform you that the rebels have sent 1,000 cavalry to Frank Adams, near Aldie, Londoun County, Va. Major Whites battalion and Major Stray- hems [?] battalion and a Virginia regiment of cavalry of General Stuart have also arrived at the same place. All of the above rebel troops were there on February 22, and issued orders that no citizen should bring any provisions within our lines, and that they came to enforce an order that no provisions or supplies of any kind shall be sent out of their lines. Fitzbugh Lee hns moved with 5,000 troopscavalry, in- fantry, and artilleryto Culpeper Court-House, and I have also reliable information that General Jackson is now encamped 10 miles below Fredericksburg. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. DUNFRIES, March 1, 1863. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Our scout brought in information to-day that there was a force of cavalry and artillery at Warrenton. They came there (lay before yester * Copies telegraphed by Potter to Hayn and Stoughton, Mardi 1. 8 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 114 114 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL day. Also that Jackson was going up the Valley toward Strasburg. This information came from a reliable soldier wh~ was in the neighbor. hood of Brentsville, who came from Warrenton. W. B. CHEIGHTON Colonel, Commanding. [Indorsemeut.] General BUTTERFIELD: The above is copy of a dispatch just received from Dumfries. H. W. SLOCUM. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., March 1, 1863. Capt. C. H. POTTER: Your dispatch, containing dispatch froiu the Army of the Potomac, is received* The enemy has made no demonstrations anywhere on my lines. I will inform the major-general commanding that I have discovered that onr cavalry pickets do not keep up a connected line on our right. Thus, the right picket of Colonel Wyndliarns right rests on the Ox road; then there is an opening of a mile or two before reaching the left picket of the command at Dranesville. This should be reme- died, as it gives free ingress and egress to any wishing to give intelli. gence to the enemy. If anything transpires I will inform you. Last night, about 9 oclock, while I was at headquarters, at the station, a man, undoubtedly a spy, was at the court-house, dressed as a captain. He interrogated all my servants minutely respecting the troops in the vicinity, asking if I kept my horse saddled in the night, and other suspicious questions. E. H. STOUGHTON, Brigadier- General. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., March 1, 18639.55 p m. Captain POTTER, Assistant Adjutant- General: I take leave to represent to the major-genera] commanding that it is absolutely essential to the entire security of the commands in this vicinity that the women and other irresponsible persons in this neighborhood be compelled to take the oath, or placed outside the lines. I cannot lix upon any one person or persons who are culpable, yet I am perfectly satisfied that there are those here who, by means known to themselves, keep the enemy informed of all our movements. Soldiers in the Southern service have even gone so far as to pay their families in the vicinity visits, for a week at a time, without it being discovered; atid the few Union people there fear to give the intelligence they would like to, lest the rebels should be informed of it, should they again get possession of this country, by their neighbors, who are watchful spies, notwithstand- ing tb ey have subscribed to the oath, which half of them will not re- spect. There are in our midst men who are on their parole, who have large families (mostly women) who are rampant secessionists, and dis- guise it on no occasion. They are themselves constantly informed of - their friends in the rebel ,., I have no doubt, are in constant * See Hooker to Halleck, p. 113 Page 115 Cii& r. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 communication with them. But a short time since two sutlers teams wore captured by bushwhackers between Alexandria and Wolf Run Shoals. I cannot urge [too strongly] upon the major-general command- iiig the manifest necessity of moving all persons beyond our lines who do not subscribe to the oath of allegiance. It is absolutely essential to the security of the command in this vicinity. I have the honor to be, & c., E. H. STOUGHTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Second Brigade. UNION MILLS, Vi., Capt. C. H. POTTER, 1~ 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General: The matter as regards Fitzhugh Lees presence at Culpeper Court- House with some considerable force of cavalry and artillery has been known to me for a few days past, and I had the honor to report it to division headquarters. I have been acting with increased vigilance for a week past, knowing of the presence of the enemy in my front. This morning a refugee came into my lines with a pass of General Lees own staff officers, dated Culpeper Court-House, February 28, and another one, who had worked upon Merrimac, No. 2, and who gave all informa- tion about the same. Both were forwarded to Alexandria. I have found information in the public papers which came to me directly from prison. ers which I had forwarded to the provost-marshal of Alexandria, ex- pecting that through him such matter would be torwarded to depart- ment headquarters. Hereafter all information at all interesting will be forwarded directly to you. ALEX. HAYS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 1, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: The battery 1 mile below Lowry Point has in it one 30-pounder Par. rott. Do not know the caliber of the other two guns. Do not consider it permanent. Battery can be brought down when the enemy choose at short notice. All the wharves on the enemys side of the Rappahan- nock have been destroyed, and those on the Neck side are in a dilapi- lated condition. I know of no wharves on the Piankatank whatever. I send you a full asssortment of charts from the Observatory. SAMUEL MAGAW, Lieutenant- Commander, d~e. WASHiNGTON, D. C., March 1, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Will you please inform Colonel Wyndham that I ~lesire him to return to his camp immediately with his command? Respectfully, 5, P. IIEINTZELMAN Page 116 116 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 2, 1863. Major-General HEINTZELMAN, Commanding, & c.: Colonel Wyndham left with his command about daylight this morn- ing. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General, and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 2, 1863. General AVERELL, Conimandin.q Second Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your picket-line will, until further orders, be as follows: Its left commencing with the infantry pickets on the Rappahannock 71 extending the point Rocky P~n River an up river to a ~iear Creek; thence in front of Berea Church to Guy~s Old Tavern, and thence to a l)oiIIt near the headwaters of Accakeek Creek, where you will connect with the left of the First Division. This new line will be established either by yourself in person or by some officer upon whose judgment and experience you caii depend. Patrols, mounted on the best horses, will be seiit out on all the main approaches sufficiently often to keep you well informed of what is going on in your front. These patrols will not only watch all the main ap- proaches, but will examine and thoroughly inspect the intervening coun- try between these approaches. The general directs me to say that the strength of the force to guard this line must depend upon circUmstances, of which you must be the judge, as you will be held responsible that the duty is properly and thoroughly performed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 2, 1863. General A. PLEASONTON, Commanding First Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your line of vedettes will, until further orders, be as fol- lows: Your left will connect with the right of the Second Division at a point near the headwaters of Accakeek Creek, and from thence north- wardly to some point some 2 or 3 miles in front of the outposts of the force at Dumfries, and as much farther northward as you may think safety requires. Arrangements have been made to enable your cavalry on duty near Dumfries to draw forage, & c., from that point. This new line will be established either by yourself in person or by some officer upon whose judgment and experience you can depend. - Patrols, mounted on the best horses, will be sent out on all the main approaches sufficiently often to keep you well informed of what is going on in your front. These l)atrols will iiot only watch all main ap- proaches, but will exanmine amid~ thoroughly inspect the intervening cQuntry between these approaches Page 117 Cuip. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 117 The general directs me to say that the strength of the force to guard this line must depend upon circumstances, of which you must be the judge, as you will be held responsible that the duty is properly and thoroughly l)erformed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, No. 60. Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 2, 1863. * * * * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. Joshua T. Owen, volunteer service, is assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Second Corps, this assignment to have effect from the date he assumed command of that brigade. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS, DUMFRIES, March 2, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: The Twelfth Illinois Cavalry have the proper orders to go. This leaves us without a single cavalryman of any use whatever to this post. In regard to protecting the telegraph line, it cannot be done without cavalry to patrol on the Telegraph road, and as soon as the bushwhack- ers and rebel cavalry find out that we have no patrols on the road, they will turn the right of the Eighth New York Cavalrys picket-line and have everything their own way. As for protecting this place, we have no doubt but what we have sufficient force within ourselves, and ask no more. We should have cavalry at our disposal to make this post of any service whatever. W. IR. CREIGHTON, Colonel, Commanding Post. STAFFORD COURT-HOUSE, March 2, 1863. Capt. C. H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant-General: Please inform the post at Wolf Run Shoals that my command will probably cross to-night, and instruct them not to obstruct us. P. WYNDHAM, Colonel, & c. UNION MILLS, VA., March 2, 1863. Capt. C. II. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant-General: Your telegram in regard to Colonel Wyndhams move is received.* Numerous signals or camp-fires were observed last night in the passes Probably copy of Wyndliam to Potter, same daLe Page 118 118 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL and along Bull Run Mountains, such as we have before reported. The First Michigan Cavalry, returned just now (2 oclock) from a scout in front, report that, from smoke and fires observed in the same localities, there is a force there. Are our troops in front? For we fear a conflicti with them. All is quiet within range of our guns. ALEX. HAYS, Brig~tdier- General. UNION MILLS, VA., March 2, 1863. Capt. C. H. POTTER, A88i8tant Adjutant. General, Dept. of Washington: I have asked for informtttion, which has since been answered thus: The body of ours was driven into Centreville by the enemys cavalry from Aldie this day. It is now reported that a force is passing along our front at Yates Ford, 2 miles below this place. All apparently quiet otherwise, but we are oa the alert. ALEX. HAYS, Brigadier-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief: The field return for February 28, of the troops sent to replace the Pennsylvania Reserves, exhibits the following discrepancy in numbers, viz: Sick and under For duty. Eatra duty. arrest. .3 ~ I. a - 4) . 4) - ~ h 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Sent as per field return, Pennsylvania Re serves, January 29, 1863. 153 3, 516 24 477 21 330 4, 521 Received as per field return, One hundred and thirty-fifth, One hundred and forty- third, One hundred and forty-ninth, One hundred and fiftieth. One hundred and fiftyArst Pennsylvania volunteers, Feb- ruary28, 1863 153 2,549 5 249 11 321 3,288 Ag~ega~ of each class sent from herein excess of those returned . - - 967 19 228 10 9 1.233 The extra-duty men of the Pennsylvania Reserves have all been sent to join their command, with General Heintzelman. I have to request that two regiments, of an aggregate strength of 1,233 officers and men, may be sent to me to make up this deficiency. The absentees from the Pennsylvania Reserves that will undoubtedly soon rejoin their com- mands are so much in excess of those from the regiments sent here that 1,500 officers and men would not more than make the exchange equal. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, - Major-General, Commandin Page 119 CItAF. XXXVII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 119 CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 3, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to acknowledge a telegram from the major-general commanding the army, directing in future that all application for leaves of absence and furloughs be acted on at these headquarters, and that the right to grant them must not be delegated to corps commanders. Soon after assuming command of the Army of the Potomac, I had issued an order on the subject, for the purpose of establishing uniformity throughout the army in granting leaves of absence to the officers and men, and under the restrictions therein nau~ed,in which corps com- manders were required to perform this duty, holding them responsible for any infraction of the order. A copy was furnished the major-gen- eral commanding, and, asi supposed, was approved by him. It was issued under the conviction that it would be productive of beneficial results to the army, which have been fully realized. In order to pre- vent circumlocution and delay, and also to relieve the adjutant-gen- erals office at headquarters of a vast number of unimportant communi- cations, the authority to exercise this power, under well-defined restric- tions, was conferred upon corps commanders, and I have never heard of its having been abused by them. if officers holding these high positions cannot be intrusted with this duty, it seems to inc that they should be replaced by others who can. The delay incident to applications for leave will be appreciated when you are informed that my camp is nearly 100 miles in circumference, and, if acted on immediately on their receipt at these headquarters, would, in the majority of cases, delay the departure of the applicant eight and forty hours. On being informed of the facts, I cannot but request, for convenience as well as for the dispatch of the current busi- ness of this army, that corps commanders may continue to grant leaves of absence in conformity with General Orders, No. 10, headquarters Army of the Potomac, dated February 7, 1863. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 18. f Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 3, 1863. I. The large number of enlisted men detached as servants, orderlies, extra-duty men, & c., requires the attention of corps, division, and bri- gade commanders to the correction of abuses in this respect. II. Contrabands will be employed as laborers, teamsters, and servants whenever practicable, and all not so employed must be sent to the provost-marshal for his disposition. III. Citizens, non-residents, will not be allowed to remain within the lines or camp of this army without a permit from the provost-marshal- general. Commanding officers will cause all such persons within their commands to be brought before the provost-marshal-general for his decision and action. - IV. Commanding officers of corps, divisions, and brigades will cause strict inquiry to be made to correct abuses in the disposition of the funds of regiments and batteries accruing for hospital savings. They will take such means as may be necessary to punish delinquents and offenders in the premises Page 120 120 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. V. The inspection reports of the following regiments and batterie8 giving evidence of the necessity of strong exertions on the part of every officer and member of the command to bring them up to a proper 8tate of discipline and efficiency, no further leaves of absence or furlough8 will be granted to these commands, and all officers absent therefrom must be recalled, and their leaves revoked, viz: Regiments.Twelfth, Twenty.first, Twenty-third, Twenty.sixth, Thir. ty-fonrth, Thirty-fifth, Forty.second, Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth, Seventy. eighth, Eighty-eighth, One hundred and fourth, One hundred and fifth, One hundred and seventh, and One hundred and forty-fifth New York; Twenty-ninth, Sixty.eighth, Sixty-ninth, One hundred and twenty- fourth, One hundred and twenty-fifth, One hundred and thirty-second, One hundred and thirty-sixth, and One hundred and fifty-fifth PenrI8yI- vania, and the Twenty.seventh Indiana and Thirty-second Massachn8- etts Volunteers. Batteries.B, First New York, Pettits; Tenth New York, Bruens; Eleventh New York, Puttkammers; C, First New York, Barnes; B, First Maryland, Snows; A, First New Jersey, Hexamers; C, First Pennsylvania, McCarthys; D, First Pennsylvania, Halls; Twelfth Ohio, Johnsons; Third Pennsylvania, Hamptons; and C, First New York Battalion, Laugners. When, in the discretion of their corps commander, after a careful in- spection, any of the above commands shall show such improvement as to render it proper that the privileges of General Orders, No. 3, as to leaves and furloughs should be restored to them, an application to that effect, accompanied with a copy of the inspection report, may be for- warded for consideration to these headquarters.. VI. The following regiments and batteries appearing from the inspec- tion reports to have earned high commendation from inspecting officers, it is left to the discretion of the corps commander, having regard to the efficiency of the command, to increase the leaves of absence and fur- loughs to these commands for the fifteen days following the receipt of this order to 3 instead of 2 enlisted men for every 100 l)resent for duty, and 3 officers instead of 2, as provided in General Orders, No. 3, Jau- uary 30, 1863, from headquarters Army of the Potomac, viz: Regiments.First, Second, and Twentieth Massachusetts; Tenth and Nineteenth Maine; Fifth and Tenth New York; Fifth New Jersey; One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, Third Wisconsin, and First Minnesota Volunteers. Batterie~.FiftIi Maine, Leppiens; A, First Rhode Island, Arnolds; B, First Rhode Island, Hazards; K, Fourth United States, Seeleys; ID, First New York, Osborns; E, First Rhode Island, Randolphs; D, Fifth United States, Hazletts; C, First Massachusetts, Martins; A, First Massachusetts, McCartneys; Third New York, Barns; Second New York, Blumes; K, First United states, Grahams; Fifth New York, Tafts; B, First Connecticut,- Brookers. VII. The leaves and furloughs granted under the foregoing para- graph must state on the face thereof that they are given in pursuance of Paragraph VI, General Orders, No. 18, Army of the Potomac, and have a copy of the paragraph attached thereto. The commandant of the Cavalry Corps will discontinue the leaves and furloughs authorized under General Orders, No. 3, to regiments of his command neglectful in discipline, efficiency, care of arms, equipments, animals, & c. It is. expected that all commanding officers of corps and divisions will disap- prove and refuse leaves and furlor~ghs to those regiments or batterie8 which are similarly situated Page 121 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 121 VIII. Inspecting officers will note under remarks on their inspec- tion returns the extent of instruction and compliance with Paragraphs 254 and 257, inclusive, Revised Army Regulations. IX. The attention of all officers is called to the provisions of Para- graphs V and VI, of General Orders, No. 3. The proportion of fur. loughs must be based upon the effective men present for duty, and confined to soldiers whose behavior, appearance, and character make them proper representatives of their command and the army. X. Infantry outpost details will be made for three days from corps. The grand guards will be formally mounted; a medical officer must be detailed, the guard provided with three days rations for officers and men, and no officer or soldier will be allowed to return to camp during their tour of duty, except as special messengers or in cases of emer- gency. In such cases they must be provided with a proper pass from their commanding officer. In case of sickness, the pass must be ap- proved by the medical officer. XI. As the favorable consideration of applications for extensions of leaves of absence would, under the operations of existing orders, be productive of injustice to officers expecting the indulgence of a leave, such applications will in all cases be denied. All officers and enlisted men absent beyond the period of their leave or furlough must be tried by court-martial. XLI. When the absence of descriptive lists and advices of enlist- ment of returned deserters renders doubtful their regiment, company, or identity, provost-marshals or commanding officers will apply (hirect to the adjutant-generals office for the necessary copies of the recruiting returns of their regiment, battery, or company, to enable th erly dispose of such cases. em to Prol) XLII. Important information from the outposts or advices regarding movements of the enemy must not be delayed in transmission. All reports of this character must be marked upon the envelope impor- tant, and exertions made to hasten their arrival at headquarters. While the telegraph must be made use of to transmit such intelligence, dis- patching duplicates by couriers must not be omitted where the slight- est possible doubt exists as to certain and correct transmission by tele- graph. XIV. The reports called for under Paragraph IV, General Ord& rs, ~To. 167, October 24, 1862, Army of the Potomac, need be transmitted only to corps commanders, and in their discretion may be omitted, as the commanders of corps will be held responsible for the prompt trans. mission and proper execntion of orders within their respective com- inands. XV. The packages for commissioned officers arriving by express will not be subjected to examination by provost-marshals except in the presence of the officers themselves, and then only when there is strong reasons to suppose that the contents are contraband. XVI. All sutlers will confine their traffic to the regiment to which they are appointed and belong. The goods and property of those~ found violating this order will be confiscated upon proof thereof, one- fourth to the benefit of the informer and the remainder to the benefit of the hospital fund of the regiment of the officer or soldier who gives the information. Sutlers who use the names or orders of officers to procure transportation or purchase and sell conti-aband articles will be subjected to the same penalties. XVII. Commanding officers will see that within the limits of their respective commands the pnblic busine~s is promptly and efficientl Page 122 122 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVIL conducted, and they will tolerate no delays in the transaction of such business that are not unavoidable. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp near Hope Landing, March 4, 1863. Major MARKELL, Commandinq Pickets: MAJOR: I neglected to inform you that the Twelfth Illinois having been ordered away from Duinfries, you will patrol the Telegraph road to the same extent that it was patroled by that regiment. You will also send in a full report of the attack on your pickets and forage party, especially in reference to the attack on Company M. The report will show what disposition was made by the officer in charge to prevent a surprise, and the character of his defense. The attack must have been made by a small party, and it should have been det~ated,. If the conduct of the officer was not perfectly satisfactory, you will 8end him in arrest to these headquarters, with a full statement of the particulars. You will be relieved by the Third Indiana to.day or to-morrow. The picket-line will be drawn in some 5 or 6 miles. The colonel desires that you reconnoiter a new line at about that distance from the old, so tha1~ when the officer arrives he can post his pickets without delay; you will then withdraw yours atid return to camp. By order of Colonel Davis, commanding brigade: E. B. PARSONS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 4, 1863. Major-General SLoCuM: Your dispatch of March 1, from Dnmfries, to H. C. Rodgers, speaking of a force at Warrenton, & c., by some accident was mislaid, and I did not see it until this a. m. Colonel Wyndham, with 2,000 cavalry, was at Warrenton on Friday last. Was it not him? Can you get us further information on the subject? DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U. S. Army: I respectfully request authority to send upon the recruiting service, for the batteries of this army, 1 regular and 15 volunteer officers. Our batteries require over 3,000 recruits, and as the artillery is a popular arm of the service, I trust the efforts of recruiting officers directly inter- ested will result in supplying us with the men we need. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding Page 123 CRAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ItNTON. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 5, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your letter of the 3d instant, in relation to leaves of ab- sence, is just received. You will perceive by referring to C eneral Orders, Nos. 61 and 100, series of 1862, that authority to give leaves of absence, except on a specified surgeons certificate, was denied to all commanders of armies and army corps. This rule has been relaxed oniy in regard to yourself and General Rosecrans. From all other com- mands the applications for leave must go to the Adjutant-General, and no leaves can be granted except by order of the Secretary of War. A8 many officers presented themselves here in Washington with leaves from commanders of army corps, I applied to the Secretary to ascertain if such authority had been granted. He replied that he had conferred that authority only on you, and that it could not be given to command- ers of army corps. To give it to your generals of army corps~and refuse it to other commanders of armies and departments would iot be just. Last reports show that 9,692 officers are now absent from their com- mands. It is the determination of the War Department to diminish this number by retaining to itself the power to grant leaves and by refusing them except in the most urgent cases. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. MARCH 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. D. E. SICKLES Commanding Third Corps: It is of vital importance that the late deserters from the Third Corps be caught and returned. Please telegraph Generals Heintzehnan and Scheuck, in order that all of the bridges, boats, and avenues leading from this direction to Washington and Baltimore be thoroughly guarded and all travelers examined. The boats from the south of Maryland should be searched as they arrive in Baltimore. The deserters will be generally found in citizens or negroes clothes, with forged passes. The provost-guard should also examine the cars as they leave for the North. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 14. f Baltimore, Md., March 5,1863. The following-named troops of the Eighth Army Corps will constitute the Second Division, to the command of which General R. H. Milroy, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned: First Brigade, Brig. Germ. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Volunteers, commanding.The One hundred and tenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. J. W. Keifer; the One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. James Washburn ; the One hundred and twenty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. W. H. Ball; the One hundred and twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. W. T. Wilson; Battery D, First Regiment Virginia Volunteer Ar. tillery, Capt. John Carliu; the First R~giment New York Volunteer Cavalry, Col. Andrew T. McReynolds; the Twelfth Pennsylvania Vol. 12 Page 124 124 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. unteer Cavalry, Col. L. B. Pierce; the Thirteenth Regiment Pennsyl. vania Volunteer Cavalry, Col. James A. Galligher. Second Brigade, Cot. George flay, Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, coinmanding.The Ninth Regiwent Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Isaac H. Duval; the Tenth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Thomas M. Harris; the Twelfth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. John B. Klunk~ the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Lieut.Col. John W. Schall; Battery L, Fifth Regiment U. S. Artillery, Capt. S. F. Chalfin; Battery B, First Regiment Virginia Volunteer Artillery, Capt. John V. Keeper; Company K, First Regiment Virginia Cavalry, Capt. Weston Rowand; Companies D and E, Third Regiment Virginia Cavalry, Capt. James B. Utt. By command of Major.General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBROUG II, Lieutenant. Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 5, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communica- tion from Commodore Harwood, commanding the Potomac Flotilla, in reference to the conduct of the troops on duty at Piney Point.* Very respectfully, & c., - GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Inclo8ure.) POTOMAC FLOTILLA, WASHINGTON NAVY.~ARD Commandants Office, March 2, 1863. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: SIR: Lieutenant-Commander McCrea, commanding the lower division of the Potomac Flotilla, reports to me that the conduct of the soldiers stationed there is outrageous; constantly drunk, going 5 and 6 miles for liquor; insulting the wife of the proprietor at the Point, and threat- ening his life, and that they are without discipline. The lieutenant- colonel of the regiment seems also to object to any in. terruption of his boats while crossing troops from Piney Point to Point Lookout, but the guard-boat cannot discriminate, as boats with men in Federal uniforms have been afterward ascertained to be manned by rebel spies. The necessity of a pass of some kind is evident. I have inculcated the most entire courtesy toward and hearty co-operation with the army, and regret extremely to find fault, but I have seen a great deal of the conduct of undisciplined troops since the breaking out of the war, and the deplorable efThcts their treatment of citizens produces. I requested some time since that a cavalry force should be sent to patrol the shores of the river to l)revent contraband trade. I understand the body of infantry has been sent to the mouth of the See Watson to Welles, April 6, p. 191 Page 125 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 Potomac for that purpose; if so, I feel quite sure they would be of little or no service, even if their conduct were good. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, A. A. HARWOOD, Commodore, Commanding Potomac PlotiU~z. [Indorseinent No 11 WAR DEPARTMENT, March 7, 1863. Referred to the Adjutant-General for prompt investigation and report, numerous complaints of the bad conduct and inefficiency of these troops having been made. By order of the Secretary of War: P. H. WATSON, Assistant & cretary of War. [Indorsement No. 2.1 ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 12, 1863. Respectfully referred to the commanding general Middle Department for investigation and l)IoWPt report. Also to take efficient measures to put a stop to such outrages. By order of the Secretary of War; L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. [Indorsement No. 3] HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, Md., March 29, 1863. Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General, with the request that the attentioii of the Secretary of War may be especially called to the ex- planations of Brigadier-General Lockwood contained in his two letters of the 19th instant. The matters therein contained, I think, should also be specially looked to by the Secretary of the Navy. General Lockwood is an officer in whose energy, discretion, and loyalty I have the utmost confidence, and 1 believe he is tloing more effective service now on the bank of the Lower Potomac than has ever been accomplished by any officer in charge of that district before him. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- Gcneral, Commanding. [Inclosures to third indorsement.] DRUMMONDTOWN, VA, March 19, 1863. Lieut Col. W R CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eighth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have received the communication of Commodore Har- wood, commanding Potomac Flotilla, refeired to me under date of March 14,1863, and respectfully reply that since the (late of that letter, namely, the 11th instant, I was at Piney Point, and made particular inquiry as to the conduct of the troops stationed there by my order. The command- ing officer represented it as good, and this was confirmed by the pro- prietor of the hotel, with some trifling exceptions imfcidental to all troops,. whether disciplined or undisciplined, a~md for which the commanding otIicei~ was by no means responsible Page 126 126 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYIL Ihope there may be some mistake respecting the objections used by the lieutenant-colonel to uninterrupted passage of boats. I see no ob. jection to the regulations referred to, and should certainly have ordered respect for them, had the subject been named to me. I have also incul. cated the most entire courtesy toward the flotilla, and expressed to Lieu. tenant-Commander McCrea my desire for a hearty co-operation in a field where there is abundant room for the display of the energies of all. As to the proper treatment of rebellious and disloyal citizens, whether north or south of the Potomac, the commodore will permit me to use my own judgment, under the orders of military superiors, as also as to the quality and disposition of the troops committed to me with orders to break up the vet y large contraband trade passing through this region between the Patuxent and Potomac, and thence across the latter river, despite the flotilla on duty there. I, too, have had some experience in this business, and, with all due deference for the commodore, must differ as to whether the troops, as now disposed, will or will not be of service. I now have infantry pickets withiii sight of each other, along the en- tire north bank, with l)atrols connecting them, whilst five companies of cavalry scour the roads lying between the rivers. I have already captured some 700 letters and some goods, and expect large results from my efforts. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY H. LOCKWOOD, Brigadier- General. DRUMMONDTOWN, VA., March 19, 1863. Lient. Col. W. II. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Eighth Army Corps: COLONEL: The communication from the War Department, dated March 7, forwarding the letter of Commodore Harwood of the 2d, states that unmerous complaints have been made of the inefficiency and bad conduct of the troops stationed at Piney Point. I have referred to this letter in general terms in the accompanying letter of this date, but for the special information of the commanding general, I feel it my privi- lege to say more. In January last, a communication was referred to me from Mr. [Charles B.] Culvert, M. C., to General Scheuck, covering a letter from a Union citizen near Piney Point, stating that the present proprietor of the hotel at that place had for months beeii engaged in the contraband trade; indeed, had moved to the place for that purpose, and that efforts on the l)art of the l)rovost-marshal and board of trade to suppress it had re- sulted in a reign of terror iii the neighborhood; that there were but five Union men in Saint Marys County, and that the lives and property of these Union men, and the so-called provost-guard, were greatly imper- iled; that having called on the commandant (McCrea) of the flotilla, the Union men had arrived at the conviction that he was indifferent to stopping the trade; that he affiliated with the Secesh, and spent every evening taking suppers, & c., with those known to be in the trade and enemies to the Government. Afterward, in an interview with Gov- ernor Bradford, the same statement was made by him, with the decla. ration by the Governor that the efforts of the flotilla were a nullity. Particular reference was made to Piney Point. For these and other reasons, I placed troops there, with directions to occupy the vacant houses, but by no means to ~innoy the family. Visiting the place ~ft~ Page 127 CRAl. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 ward, I conversed with the Union men, an(l received the same state- ment respecting the conduct of the fleet and their affiliation with those whose hearts were in the rebellion. I found the impression strong that the blockade-runners had found friends in the naval men. The lieu. tenant-colonel complained of their coming on shore every night, and carousing and gambling with the Secesh proprietor, & c. Being re- spo~sible to Major-General Schenck that this very large traffic should be etopped, or at least greatly reduced, I felt that my proceedings must be independent of the Navy. I dont for a moment presume that the troops have been faultless, I presume, even, that they might have been more efficient. But it is hard to have their bad conduct and inefficiency referred to, after a trial of one fortnight only, on the report without specification of those who are regarded as not true to the Government by the only Union men in the county. Colonel, the task I have to do is a hard one; the results may perhaps be uncertain, and, whatever they may be, will bring no applause; but having undertaken this thankless task, let me pursue it my own way. always, of course, nn(ler the instructions of the general commanding, or give it to another. I protest against the interference of the Navy, or of those whom good men regard as untrue. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY H. LOCKWOOD, Brigadier-General. P. S.The irregularities spokell of by those at Piney Point arose from a disregard by the proprietor of the hotel of an order of the lieu. tenant-colonel not~ t~ sell liquor to the soldiers. As several parties were sent out to look up boats, possibly some of these may have got drunk. I will inquire more particularly in a few days. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 6, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: General Milroy thinks that a large cavalry force is collecting in front of Winchester, and asks re-enforcements. We have no cavalry to send him, except from your army. If General Milroys suspicious are well founded, your cavalry should move so as to cut off the enemy or compel him to fall back. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 6, 18631 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Generat-in.Chief: I have no means of verifying the suspicions of General Milroy. I only know that his general character is that of a stampeder, and that if a large cavalry force is in his front, I am puzzled t& know where it came from. Certainly not from the army in my front. If my cavalry is to be sent there on the present information, a positive order will b Page 128 128 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. required. That trip will disable my cavalry for service for six weeks.. It General Milroy has 4,000 infantry, he should be able to take care of himself against any cavalry force the enemy can send a2ainst him. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 6, 18632 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Dispatches just received from the South state that D. H. Hills forces are in North Carolina, and Longstreets in Charleston or Sa- vannah. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp near Hope Landing, March 6, 1863. Major MCCLURE, Commanding Outpost of First Cavalry Brigade: MAJOR: The colonel commanding directs that you send to these headquarters to-night a sketch showing your picket-line, the position of your small and main reserve, and all the various roads leading to and from your position. He also desires that, in addition to patrolling the Telegraph road, as heretofore requeste(l, that you patrol all the roads leading towar(l the enemy, so as to obtaiu reliable information of what is going on iu front. These patrols are to be sent out often, especially at night, and on the best horses. Orders from division headquarters require the line thoroughly ob- served and patrolled; and the colonel directs that if your present force is not sufficient, you make application for the number which you may consider necessary. The colonel commanding expects that your command will meet with no disgraceful surprise, such as occurred the other day iu the Eighth New York. I am, sir, very respectfully, B. F. DAVIS, Commanding First Cavalry Brigade. UNION MILLS, VA., March 6, 18637 p.m. Capt. C. H. POTTER Assistant Adjutant-General: Information is received that 150 of the enemys cavalry are near Manassas. Colonel Stagg, First Michigan Cavalry, has just received information of other bodies assembling for the purpose of effecting a crossing at Woodyard or Wolf Run Shoals. Two of the Michigan Cav- alry were yesterday caJ)tured within reach of my artillery. I have tele- graphed Colonel [Asa P.] Blunt, Colonel [C. I).] MacDougall, and Gen- ~ral Stoughton. We will be ready to receive them if they come. ALEX. HAYS, Brigadier- Ge,wral Page 129 CBAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 CAMP NEAR FALMoUTu, VA., March 7, 1863. General 11. E. LEE, Commanding Army cf Northern Virginia: I have the honor to inform you that the bodies of Surgeon [William B.] Davis, Lient. Edward [W.] Homer, and Private [George A.] Price, Second Virginia Cavalry, who fell in a recent skirmish, have beeti placed in coffins and taken to the Falmouth Depot. They will be delivered at the usual place for exchanging flags of truce to such officer as you may empower to receive them and at any hour you may designate. I will have an officer ready on Monday, the 9th instant, to receive the body of J. C. Newcomer, killed in the engagement at Fredericksburg Decem. ber 13, 1862, and which I have learned you have authorized to be sent across the river. As, in two instances of late, communications have been sent under flags of truce to subordinate officers of my command, I respectfully state that I have directed that, until further orders, no communication coming from your lines be received unless the same be addressed to myself, and, under existing circumstances, delivered in front of Fredericksburg. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. NEAR FORT WARD, VA., March 7, 1863. Major.General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: As you have requested me, I inclose copies of letters re- lating to equipment and putting into the field heavy guns. A well. organized train cannot in any event fail to be useful, whether for the attack of a fortified position or to hold some important point. I believe, too, that you will be satisfied that the only way to collect and move the material is on and by water. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. 0. 1 YLER, Brigadier. General of Volunteers. [Inc1~sures.I FORT WARD, VA., October 22, 1862. Brigadier-General HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I would propose the following as the most practicable organization for putting three heavy batteries, of four guns each, in the ifleld: The ten 4~-iuch guns now at Fort Ward, or Worth, to be replaced by 30-pounder Parrotl s. Two additional pieces of the same caliber to be supplied by the Ordnance Department. A company to be assigned to each four guns. A field officer to be in charge of the whole. To move the guns, 6 strong horses per gun will be requiredthe two wheelers with artillery harness; the remaining 4 horses to be hitched with wagon harness to lc~d bars. The implements to be ea~vied op the guns. 9 R ]~.YOI~ XNY, PT I Page 130 130 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Two wagons .per gun, each carrying 72 rounds of shell (twelve boxes, weighing 2,400 pounds), 1 wagon to four guns for powder, and 1 per company; in all, 1 forge wagon, B; 1 battery wagon, ID; 30 wagou~ 32 6.mule teams; 80 draught horses; 6 saddle-horses, 1 for the cap- tain, 1 for the quartermaster-sergeant and wagon-master per battery; 32 Bets of 6-mule harness; 12 sets of 4-horse team harness; 3 sets of team harness, lead (span), 13 sets of artillery wheel harness (1 span), and 6 sets of accouterments for saddle-horses. All the preliminaries will be arranged and the batteries sent forward by land as soon as possible after the receipt of your approval of this communication. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. 0. TYLER Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. [Thdorsernent.] OrrIcE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 22, 1862. This proposition approved with the following modification, viz, one forge, A (for shoeing). The officers should all be mounted, and the supplies increased accordingly8 horses for each siege carriage with its gun, 2 drivers, 1 for pole horses, the other for a 6-horse team at the end of the pole, and one-tenth of the number of spare horses. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery. FORT WAILD, VA., October 22, 1862. Brig. Gen. HENRY J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In anticipation of the probable necessity for a siege trin in the operations in Virginia, and the disadvantages arising from a hastily collected and heterogeneous mass of guns and ammunition, I would respectfully suggest 1. That immediate steps be taken to collect at a convenient point the necessary materials, in about the following proportions, viz: 40 rifles (4k-inch), 10 howitzers (8-inch, model 1861), 10 mortars (8-inch, model 1861), and 10 mortars (Coehorn), with the necessary mortar- wagons, battery-wagons, forges, sling-carts, gins, spare implements, & c. If guns are equipped to move with the army, the above estimate may be reduced by the number sent. No allowance is made in the abo~e train for any extraordinary calibers which may be found necessary in particular positions. 2. That these pieces be held in reserve until used, and not drawn upon for field work. 3. If Washington Arsenal be the point selected to collect the t~ai~, th& t suitable barges be procured from the Quartermasters Department, on which the ordnance will be stowed until needed, and where it will be ready for immediate transportation by water. 4. That previous to the siege train being disembarked at any point, sufficient notice he given to the Quartermasters Department to ~n& bIe them to supply the necessary animals for land transportation at the given point. Two regiments would be required to serve efficiently th Page 131 OKAP. XXXVII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131. above train. If a sit~ge train is required suddenly before the Ordnance Department can colloct the above guns, orders might be given to with- draw from the forts about Washington the necessary number, from the pieces added to the armanent of those works from the train formerly ~rnder my charge in the Peninsula. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. 0. TYLER, Colonel First Connecticut Artiller3j. [Indorsement.] OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 25, 1862. Approved, with the exception that, unless perfectly safe and dry barges can be obtained, the ammunition be kept housed until the train is ordered. HENRY J. HUNT, Brig~dier-Generat, Chief of Artitler~j. ETARPERS FERRY, VA., March 7, 1863. Lieut. Col. W. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore, Md.: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your comma- nication of the 4th instant, inclosing plan for the organization ut tk~s division, and asking for my views thereon. I have filled the blanks, and now return it herewith. As to the first point, I am not prepared to express a decided ophiion. In We~stern Virginia a somewhat anomalous state of affairs exists. A vote is about being taken on the new State question, and trouble is apprehended at the polls. Many of the citizens in prominent circles beticyc that the spring will witness renewed attempts on the part of the enemy to overrun that section of the country, destroy property, and prevent, if possible, the formation and organization of the proposed new State. Under these circumstances, it is believed that it is the desire ~f a large majority of the people of West Virginia that an officer who is presumed to be familiar with the country and the nece8sities of the service in that section should command the troops for its protection; and, should the general commanding (lecide to create a third division, I will be pardoned for saying that I would much prefer to be assigned to it. In case General Roberts is assigned to a division, the Second Brigade, as arranged, would be commanded by Colonel Staunton, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania, who is oldest in commission of the regimental command- ers. 1 cannot recommend the appointment of Colonel Staunton to this position. I am of opinion that, in view of the importance of the posi- tion, a good and efficient officera general officer, if practicableshould be assigned to the command of the brigade intended to be stationed on the Heights. I concur fully in the opinion that the. Massachusetts and New Yoik beavy artillery should be placed upon Maryland Heights, and the br Page 132 132 N. VA., W. VA., MD., ANI) PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. gade composed l)rincipally of infantry on the Harpers Ferry side of the river. Both these regiments are now on the Maryland side. The only change I suggest in the plan proposed is to allow one or both of the batteries of light artillery to remain on duty with Kenlys brigade on the Virginia side, where they could probably be of more service than om~ the Heights. The Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. J. N. Schoon maker, is not mentioned, bnt it is presumed that it will be included in the First Brigade. Owing to the very bitter feeling which is reported to exkt between the officers and men of the Twenty-third Illinois and the Second Po- tomac Home Brigade, occasioned by a conflict between the provost. guard in Cumnberland and some men of the Twenty-third, resulting in the death of one of the latter, which affair is about to undergo an investigation before a general court-martial, it is probable that the arrangement proposed in the Fourth Brigade will not work so harmo- niously as it ought; and yet, without a change of position, it is not seen how a better arrangement can be made. The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, ordered to General Milroy, will be relieved by Major Coles battalion, Potomac Home Brigade, in pur- suance of your telegram of yesterday. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS OF TIlE ARMY, Washington, March 7, 1863. Major.General SCHENOK, Baltimore: GENERAL: The substance of your dispatch* in regard to Winchester was telegraphed to General Hookerq who replied that no considerable forces of the enemy could possibly be in front of General Milroy, and that he was probably stampeded, as usual. General Milroy seems to be a very unreliable mami, and hardly fit for such a position. Can you not make a better disposition of him ~ In regard to reconstructing the railroad to Winchester, the Secretary of War is of opinion that to do so at the present time would be a mere waste of public money. I havo already communicated to you my opinion in regard to Win- chester. it is a mere post of observation, or, in military phrase, a post in the air. The Upper Potomac is a mere line of defense, not a base of oj)erations. It is, therefore, injudicious to risk any large number of troops at Winchester, and these must retire if there be any serious danger that the enemy will cut them off from Harpers Ferry. General Milroys plan of operations is contrary to every military rule. To mo~-e an army up the Shenandoah while Hooker operated from the Rappahannock, would be to repeat the same old error of distant parallel lines, with the enemy between thenin, ready to concentrate upon and crush our divided forces. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Not found Page 133 CHAP. XXXVII 1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 133 BALTIMORE, March 8, 1863. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: The following is from General Milroy, this evening: WINchEsTER, March 8, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Harpers Ferry, Va.: Various rumors reach me of a large rebel force having come across Luray. Some say it is Hamptons Legion, others that it is A. P. Hills forces. R. H. MILROY, Brigadier-General. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major. General. WINCHESTER, VA., March 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. C. SCHENOK: DEAR SIR: Pardon me for again calling yonr attention to the over- whelming imj)ortance of the repair of the railroad from Harpers Ferry to this place at the earliest possible moment. When it is remembered that this Valley is the key, not only to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, but to all of West Virginia; that, it is necessary to establish a pema- nent base at this place for supplies and operations, for taking and occu- pying the Valley south to Staunton; that the transportation now in use between this and Mart insburg would, by the repair of said railroad, all be released and be made available in an advance up the Valley; that said advance will be greatly delayed, if not defeated, unless the trans- portation is thus released and ma(le available; that the season for active operations is at hand; that the repairs of said railroad would give assurance to the inhabitants of this place and surrounding country that the Government had firmly re-established its power, and revive and call out a strong Union sentiment, now suppressed and held in check by our present apparently doubtfut4 occupancy. surely the wisest strategy, economy, and effort for the public good would require its immediate repair, cost what it may. I am, general, with great respect, your most obedient servant, B. II. MILBOY, Brigadier- General. ~UMFRIES, March 9, 18638 p. m. Major-General SLOCUM, Con~n~anding Twe~fth Army 61orjps: A red signal has been seen during the last hour between the Brents- yule road and Quantico Creek, about 4 miles distant. My pickets have just fired on a small party of cavalry near there. CHAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding Post. IIDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, THIRD ARMY CORPS, March 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army ~f the Potomac: SIR: While I was in command of military defenses southwest of the Potomac, and stationed at Arlington, a small brigade, called Carroll Page 134 134 N. VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. tCl~Ar. XXXVIL brigade, was added to my command. This was composed of the First WtW~Ehtfth and One hundred and tenth Pennsylvania y ea1irginia,igy-our olunteers, and Col. S. S. Carroll, of the Eighth Ohio, was in command. Afterward the First [WestJ Virginia was detached and sent to Western Virginia. The One huiidred and ~i~ty.third New York was then joined to the brigade. On the 14th of Jannary, Colonel Carroll obtained leave of absence for twelve days. He bas not since returned, having obtained, I believe, successive sick leaves from headquarters in Washington. Meanwhile, the One hundred and sixty-third New York has been de- tached from my command, and, by consolidation with the Seventy-third New York, joined to the Second Division of this corps. There were left of the so-called Carrolls brigade only two regiments, comprising about 570 men present for duty. In reorganizing my command, one was joined to the First Brigade, now commanded by Colonel Bailey, the other united to the Twelfth New Hampshire and the U. S. Sharpshooters, forming the Second Brigade, now commanded by Colonel Potter. It has occurred to me that these facts should be made known at head. quarters of the army, for, should Colonel Carroll return to this division, he would not find the command he left, and the colonels of regiments now here would doubtless feel annoyed should a colonel whose regiment is in another div~ion be selected to command them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General. [Indorsements.] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 10, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. It is presumed that Colonel Carroll will be ordered to hi~ regiment when he reports for duty. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 10, 1863. Respectfully submitted to the General-in-Chief. THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 19, 1863. The major-general commanding Army of the Potomac will inak~ all assignments in that army, except commanders of army corps, which latter assignment of permanent commanders must be made by the President. H. W. HALLECK, General in- Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 20, 1863. Respectfully returned to Major-General Hooker, commanding Army of the Potomac, and attention invited to the remarks of the General. in-Chief. THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- Ge~wva5 Page 135 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENC1~, ETC .UNION~ 135 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 11, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM, Twelfth Army Corps: Please see that the force at iDumfries and intermediate pickets are all vigilant to-night and to-morrow, and that every precaution is taken; also provision for prompt transmission of information. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. DUMFRIES, March 11, 186& Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS: The cavalry pickets on my right have been drawn in, leaving the entire country between the Quantico and Occoquan open to the enemy. What shall I do for patrols l The roads in that direction should be watched closely, to guard against surprise. Without cavalry here I cannot be responsible. CHAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding Post. DUMFRIES, March 11, 1863. Lieut. Col. II. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Twenty cavalry are to patrol the road from here to Occoquan, on the Telegraph read, every six hours. I considered it my duty to inform you that all the cavalry on my right had been removed, leaving the country open. Nothing but infantry in that direction, as far as I can learn. CIIAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding Po8t. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 11, 1863. Commanding Officer, Fifth Corps: Information received throngh one of our scouts speaks of an intended raid by the enemy toward Potomac Bridge for its destruction. You are informed thereof, to insure vigilance and care on the part of your re- serves and pickets. It may be deemed prudent, if the definite informa- ti.Qn necessary can be obtained, to withdraw the picket-line temporarily, ~z4 conceal General Sykes troops and camps for the purpose of per- nutting the approach of the enemy to the vicinity of the bridge. You will be prepared to meet such an order, if occasion should require it. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 11, 18638.20 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Washington, D. C.: ~harpea signals have all day indicated, as yesterday, a move. He will explain. A signal station of enemys reported broken up an Page 136 13~ N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. moved. Scout in (named Skinker) reports Stuart in the Valley with one brigade; also reports a raid contemplated on Potomac Bridge. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MARCH 12, 1863. General GEORGE STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you send out a force to make a reconnaissance to Kellys Ford and the intermediate fbrds be- tween that and our lines; that the force be one merely fbi observation and knowledge of what movements the enemy may be making in those neighborhoods. One regiment, properly commanded, ought to accom- plish this. That the force leave at daylight to-morrow; that means be taken to secure prompt and correct informatPrn from them, and that such information be reported here immediately upon its arrival. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Ckief of Staff BALTIMORE, MD., March 12, 18638.45 a. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Major-General Wright, commanding the Department of the Ohio, still claims the troops under General Moor, and asks me to recall my order directing General Moor to this command until you can decide. I have instructed General Kelley to suspend the order for a week. I certainly consi(ler these troops mine, under your authority. They belong to Gen- eral Kelleys railroad force and to General Milroy, and two regiments have been sent by you, since I have been in this command, transferred from General Cox, to rel)ort for duty to Brigadier-General Kelley. See my former communication. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding. ORDERS.] IIDQRs. MIDDLE DEPT., EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, March 12, 1863. In the absence of Major-General Schenck, the undersigned, iii pursu- ance of instructions from the War Department, assumes the command of the Middle Department. W. W. MORRIS, Brevet Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. w HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have reliable information from union men this moment from Charles- town that Herudon [l], Jones, and Imboden are with their forces at Stra Page 137 CHAP. XXXVII. 1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 137 burg, in all over 10,000 men, with ten or more field pieces. It is l)e- lieved they are moving on Winchester. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. (Copy to Major-General Heintzelman, Department of Washington; General Scheuck, Baltimore; General Hooker, Army of the Potomac.) BALTiMORE, MD., March 14, 18631.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Following sent to commanding officer, Harpers Ferry: You will immediately send forward two regiments of infantry to re-enforce General Milroy at Winchester. By order of Brevet Brigadier-General Morris: WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 14 186 Major-General STONEMAN, ~ p. ni. Commanding Cavalry C1orjps: I have just received the following from Damfries. I have sent for the scout to come in to-night: [MARCH] , 1863. COLONrL: I have returned from scouting in the vicinity of Brentsville. At Brents- yule and vicinity is Hamptons Legion. On Bacon Ridge, en route to Occoquan, abont ~25t) cavalry. On the road from Dumfries to Brentsvillo three or four squads, nnmber- big from 80 to 100. Met none of our cavalry on my route. At Breutsville one piece of artillery. Enemy nuder the impression that this place (Dunifries) has been evacn- ated, and are ravaging the country. From information, I learn there is quite a force near Warrenton. Have you any directions to give, or shall I return to you or start again in the direction of Brentsville and vicinity? Answer immediately. A. YAGER. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 27. Camp near Faimouth, Va., March 14, 1863. * * * * * * * III. Officers reviewing the proceedings of courts-martial will here- after withhold their approval from sentences which cannot be carried into effect with in the limits of this army. When such are awarded, the court will be directed to reconsider its action. IV. The commissions directed by Paragraph I, of General Orders, No. 20, of the 5th instant, from these headquarters, to be appointed to ex- amine into the cases of officers absent ;from duty without proper au- thority, will be detailed by corps commanders, and the I)roceedings o Page 138 1~. VA., W. VA., M~, AND PA. (CHAP. XX~VIL such commissions will be forwarded for the consideration of the com- manding general. V. No furloughs will be granted to enlisted men except under the provisions of Paragraph Vi, of General Orders, No. 3, of January 30, 1863, from these headquarters. When, in the opinion of the medical officers in charge of a. regiment or field hospital, it nay be neeessa~ry to remove a soldier for treatment beyond the limits of this army1 an apph- cation for the purpose will be transmitted through the prescribed chan- nel to the medical director at these headqnarters, and, if he approves the same, he will indicate the hospital to which the soldier is to be sent, and return the application to the corps commander, who will give the requisite order in the case. VI. Copies of all orders sending officers or enlisted men to the gen- eral hospitals in Washington, Alexandria, or Georgetown will be trans- mitted, at their dates, to Surg. B. 0. Abbott, medical director of the Department of Washington. VII. As the inspection reports of the following-named regiments and battery show that they have greatly improved in condition since the promulgation of General Orders1 No. 18, of March 3, 1863, from these headquarters, they are relieved from the disability as to leaves of ab- sence and furloughs placed upon them by Paragraph V, of those orders, viz: Thirty-fourth, Forty-second, Fifty-ninth, and Eighty-eighth New York Volunteer Regiments, Sixth-ninth and One hundred and fifty. fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiments, and Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Battery. VIII. All orders and instructions given by a staff officer at any head- quarters to his subordinates on duty with troops, affecting the troops or their supplies, will be issued in the name of the commander with whom such staff officer may be immediately serving, and be transmitted to the officer or agent for whom they are designed through the com- mander with whom the officer or agent may be on duty. IX. Scouting parties and pickets will exercise a wise discretion in the arrest of citizens peaceftilly remaining at home. Such persons will not be brought within the lines of this army unless upon proof suffi- cient to warrant their being taken into custody, and in all cases the witnesses, or a statement showing their names and places of residence, will accompany the parties held as prisoners. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CINCINNATI, OHIO, March 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. E. P. SOAMMoN, Charleston, Va.: General Moor telegraphs that ~e has information that Summerville will be attacked in a few days, and that rebels know exact streng~ ~t that post. Send this intelligence to the commanding officer, and give him such aid as you can spare, and is necessary. Similar instructions given to General Moor, with directions to report to you direct in this matter. H. G. WRIGHT [Major- GeueraL Page 139 CHAP. XXX~II.J CORRESPONPENCE, ETC.tTNION. 189 CINCINNATi, OHIO, March 15, 1863. Brig Gen. A. Moon, Buckhannon, Va.: Your dispatch to Major Bascom is received.* General Scammon has been instructed to notify commanding officer at Suinmerville of appre- hended attack, and to send such aid as he can spare. You will do the same thing, and report direct in this matter to General Scammon, at Charleston. You must head off the rebels in this matter. H. G. WRIGHT, Major. General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, I) C., March 16, 18631.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Reports received here to-day, apparently more reliable than hereto- fore, indicate that the enemy has concentrated some 10,000 men near Strasburg, to threaten the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. You have the only cavalry force to cope with that of the enemy, and it is expected that you will observe or occupy it so as to prevent any large body from moving toward Harper~s Ferry. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 16, 18632.30 p. in. Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Aid.: All troops in Western Yirginia will be added to your command. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company represent that their road about Harpers Ferry is unsafe under General Milroy. Can you not put a more competent officer in his place I I must again call your attention to the importance of constructing block-houses for the defense of rail- road bridges. H. W. HA LLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 18636.30 p m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Have just received your telegram of this p. m. This morning I dis- patched 3,000 cavalry to attack and break up the cavalry camp of Fits- hugh Lee and Hampton in the vicinity of Culpeper. Is it ordered that the residue of my cavalry force shall be sent on to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, so as to prevent any large body from moving toward Harpers Ferry I Can no one tell where all the enemys cavalry come from? JOSEPH HOOKER Major-General, Comma~.ding. * Substance given in Wright to Scammon, p 13 Page 140 140 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [(~TrAr. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 18636.30 p. in. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have just received a telegram from the major-general coin manding the army, informing me that it is expected that I will dispatch all my cavalry force to the protection of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. As this movement will involve consequences of the most momentous character, I have applied for unconditional orders. Please see that they are sent me. See my telegram to Major-General Halleck. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. (3., March 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: I am not aware that any of your cavalry has been ordered to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It is expected, however, that you will not permit a very large cavalry force to pass from your fiont to destroy that road without intercepting oi~ destroying it. Very possibly Mil- roys report of over 10,000 in his front is the old story. It was sUpI)050(l you would know from your scouts whether or not there was good tounda. tion for the report. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 66. Washington, Miarch 16, 1863. * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. D. P. Woodbury, U. S. Volunteers, is relieved from duty with the Army of the Potomac, and assigned to the Department of the Gulf, to command the District of Key West and Tortugas. III. All Western Virginia is included in the Middle Department. By order of the Secretary ef War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. WASHINGUON, March 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: In compliance with your request, contained in note of 28th ultimo, I now forward you the name, rank, regiment, and battle where the officers were killed, with date, after whom certain forts in this vicinity were recommended to be named: Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, U. S. Volunteers, was killed at the battle of Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862. Maj. Gen. Jesse L. Reno, U. S. Volunteers, captain of ordnance, died of wounds received at the battle of South Mountain, Md., September 14, 1862. Brig. Gen. Joseph K. F. Mansfi~ d, IT. S. Army, died of wounds re- ceived at the battle of Autietam, Md., September 18 [17], 1862 Page 141 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCIiI, ETC.UNION. 141 Maj. Seneca G. Simmons, Fourth Infantry (colonel U. S. Volun- teers), killed June 30, 1862, at the battle of White Oak Swamp, Va. Brig. Gen. George ID. Bayard, U. S. Volunteers (captain Fourth Cavalry), died of wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 14,1862. Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny, U. S. Volunteers, killed at the battle of Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862. Capt. Henry Benson, Second Artillery, died of wounds received at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., Angust 11, 1862. Capt. John IR. Smead, Fifth Artillery, killed at the battle of Bull Run, Va., August 30, 1862. First Lieut. Henry W. Kingsbury, Fifth Artillery (colonel of volun. teers), died of wounds received at the battle of Antietarn, Md., Septein. her 18, 1862. Lieut. Col. Julius P. Garesch6, assistant adjutant-general, killed at the battle of Murfreesborough, Te,nii., December 31, 1862. Capt. Guilford D. Bailey, commissary of subsistence (colonel of vol. unteers), killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. Your obedient servant, J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier. General. P. S.Brig. Gen. Charles ID. Jameson, after whom it is proposed to name the battery near Fort Lincoln, served as colonel of the Second Regiment Maine Volunteers, at Bull Run. He was appointed brigadier- general September 3, 1861. His brigade formed part of the army corps under General Heintzelman, and Distinguished himself individually at the battle of Williamsburg, being at the front rendering aid to General Kearny, though his brigade was not engaged, * * and he particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Fair Oaks, where his horse was shot under hin4 in battle, receiving three balls. He died rNo~~ember 6, 1862] of typhoid fever (at Old Town, Me.), brought on, no doubt, by exposure and the excite.. ment of the battles alluded to.E.rtract from a letter from General Heintzelman. [Inclosure.] WASHINGTON, February 10, 1863. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of & aff: SIR: I recommend that the battery which I proposed to be called Battery Maine be named Battery Jaineson, after Brig. Gen. Charles D. Jameson, who died of disease contracted in the service on the Penin. sula. lie was a citizen of the State of Maine, was in the first battle of Bull Run, and in all the battles of the Peninsula. I am, your obedient servant, J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier. General. HARPERS FERRY, March 16, 1863. Lieut. Col. W. ID. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore: COLONEL: I have the honor to communicate, for the information of the general commanding, my opinion of the defenses in and about ilarper8 Ferry Page 142 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. 142 (CHAP. xxxvii Having carefully examined them. I am convinced they a~e ineffi~,ient for the purposes intended, so far as I understand what those purposes are. Bolivar Heights, the key to this post, a positiou of great strength, commanding one of the main approaches, is without works for guns of any caliber. It is true the guns of Fort Duncan, on the Maryland side, command these heights and the entire length of their crest, the nea*~est point being 1,250 yards, and the most distant only 2,900 from that wock.. These heights are commanded, and would be enfiladed, by enemys batteries from Loudoun Heights, on the opposite side of the Shenan. doab, could batteries be established there. But our guns on Maryland [Heights] so completely command Loudoun fileights] that it may be regarded as altogether impracticable for those heights to be held by an enemy while Maryland Heights are in our possession. This condition of defenses is such that an enterprising enemy can easily possess them. selves of Bolivar Heights, and hold them without serious damage from the gnns of Fort Duncan by the construction of a few traverses for the protection of gunners, the labor of a single night. That position in the possession of an enemy of sufficient force to attempt the capture of this place l)y seige or coup de main, would compel the withdrawal of our troops to time Maryland side. There the natural difficulties of attack and the strength of our works would secure small forces against five times their numbers. We should have, then, the singular spectadeof a plaee commanded by two contending armies while neither can hold or occupy it. The bridge and the railroad would then fall into the power of the enemy, and by night enterprise of small parties could be destroyed. It would be im~ possible for the forces on IM aryland Heights to prevent such destrnction~ If, as I suppose, one of the main purposes of holding Harpers Ferry and the erection of the defenses already made here is to protect the Bal- timore and Ohio Railroad, it seems to me certain that such intentlos maybe defrauded, be cause of the failure to fortify Bolivar Heights, the main key and strength of this position on the Virginia side. If, in fh~ct~ Harpers Ferry is of any considerable military importance, either foi~ the protection of the railroad, to hold Maryland from invasion, or as an exterior defense to aid Washington, and is to be held at any cost, I conceive it to be essential to fortify strongly Bolivar bights. With these views, I ask the major-general commanding the depart. ment to order an experienced engineer officer to report to me without delay, to plan defenses for Bohivar Heights, to superintend their con- struction, and to determine the number and caliber of guns needed to arm them. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier. General, (Jommandinj. CiRCuLAR.] BALTIMORE, MD., March 16, 1863. (Addressed to the military officers stationed along the line of the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad, the Potomac River, and at all points within this department between the meridians of Washington, D. C., and Piedmont, Va., from which goods are carried into Virginia%) The major-general commanding the department and Eighth Army Corps directs me in this manner to enjoin upon all officers stationed as above mentioned a strict enforcement of General Orders, No. ~, issued on the 14th day of January, 1863, Prescribing regulations for the tran Page 143 GEAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 ~ortation of such goods as are thereby authorized to be taken or sent into Virginia, south of the Potomac, and between the parallels named. It will be remembered that family supplies, in quantities such as are oedinarily required for actual family consumption, and intended for tIle use of those who have properly and satisfactorily established tlroir loyalty, and authorized sutlers goods, for lawfully and regularly ap- pointed sutlers of regiments, and such goods and packages as are in- tended for the private use of officers and soldiers of the United States Army, are the only goods allowed to be transported to or into the inter- dicted district; and these must not be allowed to pass unless mocosa- pained in each case by a custom-house permit, signed by a proper rev- enue officer or aide, and further approved in writing by one of the military officers specially appointed or detailed to examine such permits and indorse upon them the necessary authority for the parties and their goods to pass. No goods whatever, upon any pretext, are to be allowed to go within the interdicted district unless accompanied by the permit and pass named. The military officers appointed or detailed to indorse passes upon permits are not so to indorse them as a matter of course, but must irst satisfy themselves, beyond a doubt, of the certain loyalty and good intention of the parties presenting such permits, as well as of the loy- alty of those to whose use the goods covered by such permits are being conveyed; and that the parties presenting such permits are identical with those named therein, or are duly and properly authorized by those named to act for them. And it is the duty of all military officers sta- tioned at points where there is any likelihood of goods being carried within the said district not only to see that all goods are accompanied. by the required permits and passes, and to satisfy themselves of the genuineness of the same, but also, in each case, to examine every trunk, box, or other package, in order to ascertain by comparison whether its contents correspond with the inventory accompanying the permit. And it is further required of all military officers stationed at all those points along the river from which goods are carried into Virginia, after having carefully examined the permits and passes, and after having compared the contents of trunks, boxes, and packages with the invoa- tories, to take up and cancel such permits and passes, in order that they may not be again fraudulently used to cover other bills of goods. No permit will be allowed to cover spirituous liquors, excepting where taken by, or sent to, medical purveyors or army surgeons for medicinal purposes, and it is enjoined upon all officers commanding posts, detach- ments, & c., to seize all spirituous liquorsexcept such as are intended for use as above specifiedall articles contraband of war, and all goods of whatever description not protected by the proper permits and passes, attempted to be carried within the interdicted district. Whenever officers stationed at points where goods are being carried into Virginia are clearly convinced that those who hav~e obtained per- mits and passes for goods are not what they have represented them- selves to those granting such permits and passes, but aie really disloyal and seditious, and have only assumed the cloak of loyalty to iznp~e upon the authorities, they will seize and hold the goods and parties implicated, and report as in other cases. All persons arrested attempting in any way to violate the revenue and department regulations respecting the transportation and a~e of goods must be sent through the lines, after being strictly searched, or reported to the provost-marshal of th~ army corps, to be held to b Page 144 144 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXVII. otherwise dealt with, according to the aggravated character of the offense. Simply taking the oath of allegiance is not to be regarded as proof of loyalty, where it is evident it is only taken to profit by the privi- leges accorded to the loyal, and those granting and indorsing permits must see to it that they are not thus imposed upon. All seizures of goods must be immediately reported in writing to Maj. William S. Fish, military provost-marshal of the Eighth Army Corps, with all the circumstances attending such seizures, an exact inventory of the articles taken, and the names and rank of the officers and soldiers performing the duty, as well as the names of the parties detected. Any officer or soldier appropriating to his own use, selling, giving, or otherwise disposing of any article seized on personal account, will, upon the facts being established at these headquarters, be severely punished for such dishonesty and misconduct. The following is a list of the names of the custom-house officers authorized to grant permits: * * * * * * * List of military officers detailed to examine permits, and who alone have the authority to indorse upon them the required passes: * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Scheuck: WM. M. ESTE, Major and Aide-de-Camp. CINCINNATI, OHIO, March 16, 18638.30 p. in. Maj Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: General Scammon, commanding in the Kanawha Valley, is desirous of mounting two regiments of, say, 1,000 in all. He is sanguine that, with this mounted force, he can not only better protect the country in his neighborhood, but act offensively against the rebel communications. Have I authority to procure the necessary horses and equipments I H. G. WRIGHT, Major-GeneraL MARIETTA, OHIO, March 16, 1863 Maj. N. H. MCLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Cincinnati, Ohio: The following dispatch just received from Buckhannon: Major Lang, commanding at Sutton, reports that a prisoner brought in last night states that he left Frankfnrdon the 10th; that a cavalry raid of 300 or 400 was to be made on Sutton or Builtown on the 18th or 20th instant. Major Long states that ho is sadly in need of arms and ammunition. My whole command is in the same condition. Requisitions have been made long ago. Telegraphed you of our wants on the 3d in- stant; also February 19. A. MOOR, Brigadier-General. I have telegraphed to General Moor for particulars in regard to the requisition forwarded, G. M. BASCOM, an~ Assi~ta~$ Adjutar~t-Qen~rG4 Page 145 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 145 WAR DEPARThEENT. Washington, March 17, 1863. General II. G. WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio: Western Virginia has been transferred to the Middle Department. A new commander has been appointed for the Department of the Ohio. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief BUCKHANNON, VA., March 17, 18637.50 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati: I am in communication with General Scammon. Birch Station was attacked yesterday, bnt the attack was repulsed. He has re-enforced Bulitown and Sutton; apprehends no. danger if ammnnitiou reaches there in time. Ammunition for one regiment only got to Clarksburg yesterday, one month after req aisition had been forwarded for same, and for about 500 arms. Ordnance officer answered: No stores at Wheeling. This brigade should be fully equipped for active service at once. My entire front is menaced, and my available reserve to support any threatened part or main attack on Beverly (as expected) consists of 700 armed men. A. MOOR, Brigadier. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., General R. E. LEE, March 17, 1863. Commanding Army of Northern Virginia: The accompanying General Orders from the War Department, dated Febrnary 28, 1863, in regard to paroles, is respectfully transmitted to you, in compliance with the requirements contained in its closing para- graph. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 49. f Washington, D. C., February 28, 1863. I. The following rules in regard to paroles, established by the com- mon law and usages of war, are published for the information of all concerned: 1. Paroling must always take place by the exchange of signed dupli- cates of a written document, in which the name and rank of the parties paroled are correctly stated. Any one who intentionally misstates his rank forfeits the benefit of his parole and is liable to punishment. 2. None but commissioned officers can give the parole for themselves or their commands, and no inferior officer can give a parole without the authority of his superior, if within reach. 3. No paroling on the battle-field, no paroling of entire bodies of troops after a battle and no dismissal of large numbers of l)risoners, with a general declaration that they ar~ paroled, is pcrmittcd or of any value- 10 R RVOL XXV, PT I Page 146 146 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. 4. All officer who gives a parole for himself or his coniwand on the battle-field is deemed a deserter aiid will be punished accordingly. 5. For the officer the pledging~ of his parole is an in(liVi(lUal act, and no wholesale paroling by an officer for a iiumbcr of inferiors in rank is permitted or valid. 6. No non-commissioned officer or private can give his [)arole eXcCl)t through an officer. Individual paroles not given through an officer are not only void, but subject the individual giving theni to the 1)UlJi8lILtWIlt of death as deserters. The only admissible excel)tion is where ilt(liVi(1- nals, properly separated from their commands, have sufiere(l long confine- ment without the J)ossibility of being paroled through an officer. 7. No prisoners of war can be forced by the hostile Government to pledge his parole, and any threat or ill-treatment to force the giving of the parole is contrary to the law of war. 8. No prisoner of war can enter into eiigagements inconsistent with his character and duties as a citizen and a subject of his State. He can only bind himself not to bear arms against his captor for a limited period or until he is exchanged, and this only with the stipulated or iml)lied consent of his own Government. If the engagement which he makes is not approved by his Government, he is bound to return and surrender himself as a prisoner of war. His own Government cannot at the same time disown his engagement and refuse his return as a prisoner. 9. No one can pledge his parole that he will never bear arms against the Government of his captors nor that he will not bear arms against any other enemy of his Government not at the time the ally of his caI)tors. Such agreements have reference only to the existing enemy and his existing allies and to the existing war, and not to future bel- ligerents. 10. While the pledging of the niilitary l)arole is a voluntary act of the ~n(1ividual, the capturing power is not obliged to grant it, nor is the Government of the individual paroled bound to approve or ratify it. 11. Paroles not authorized by the common law of war are not valid until approved by the Government of the individual so pledging his parole. 12. The pledging of any unauthorized military l)arole is a military offense, punishable under the common la~v of ~var. II. This order will be published at the head of every regiment in the service of the United States and will be officially communicated by every general commanding an army in the field to the commanding general of the opposing forces, and will be hereafter strictly observed and enforced in the armies of the United States. By order of Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck: L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE Amwx, ADJT. GEN.s OFFICE. No. 125. f Washington, March 17, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel, U. S. Volunteers, now serving with the Army of the Potomac, is assigned to duty with the command of Major- General Heintzelman, and will report accordingly. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Halh~ck; L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General Page 147 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 75. Gamp near Fabnouth, Va., March 17, 1863. I. Col. E. Schriver, inspector-general, having reported for duty to the commanding general, is announced as the chief of his department, at these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Commanding First Corps; I send, for your information, the following synopsis of Averells affair: He sent in a large number of prisoners (about 80), including 1 major. Captain Moore, of General Hookers staff, who accompanied him, re- ports it as a brilliant and splendid fightthe best cavalry fight of the warlasting five hours, charging and recharging on both sides, our men using their sabers handsomely and with effect, driving the enemy 3 miles into cover of earthworks and heavy guns. Forces about equal. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. (Copies furnished commanding officers of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps.) GENERAL ORDERS, HEAD QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 28. Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 18, 1863. I. Pursuant to instructions, which have been received from the Sec- retary of War, it is hereby ordered that the commander of each regi- ment, battery, independent battalion, and company serving in this army prepare immediately duplicate lists of deserters now absent from their respective commands, and transmit the same, without delay, to the Provost-Marshal-General of the War Department, Washington. One copy will be sent direct aiid the other through the usual military channel; and hereafter similar reports will be made out and forwarded in like manner to the Provost-Marshal-General on the first day of each month. II. All officers, guards, and sentinels are required to arrest any en- listed man, teamster, or other person found violating the provisions of Paragraph I, of General Orders, No. 134, of June 12, 1862, from these headquarters, with respect to fast riding and driving, it being as fol- lows: All fast riding or driving of public horses and mules is positively prohibited, unless in cases of necessity. Trains will not move faster thaa a walk, except under written orders to the officer or wagon-master in charge. Officers sending mounted messengers with dispatches, which are to be carried at a faster pace than a walk, will indicate upon the envelope the gait the messenger is to take, whether a trot or a gallop. The same directions may be indicated by the seals on the envelopeone seal for the walk, two for the trot, and three for the gallop. Officers will be held responsible for the in- structions they give to mounted orderlies or trains with regard to their gait. All provost-marshals and provost-guards are specially charged with the enforcement of this order. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 148 14& N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CITAP. XXXVII. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 18, 186310 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE, (Care Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas, Fort Monroe, Va.:) Embark the troops as nearly by brigades as possible, with their wagons, camp equipage, and animals belonging to the brigades, so that they may arrive nearly together, that the men may unload the wagons and start them with the commands. You may have to put the wagons, & c., on different vessels, hut they ought to arrive about the same time. Five days grain should be on the boats, and the men should start on the. vessels with five days cooked meat, so that they can start when they land with three in their haversacks. I will make all necessary arrange- ments for coffee, & c., on the route. Make your orders for embarkation distinct, and place the responsibility of carrying them out upon the division commanders. Is it necessary for me to be with you before you land? Telegraph fully in cipher. All men on extra orderly duty anywhere must join their regiments, and all that are able to go must be taken. Have all the staff horses, baggage, servants, and orderlies sent in a separate small vessel as soon as possible French can come with it. it can bring anything else you wish. Telegraph progress two or three times each day. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major. Gea& oral. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 19, 18639.45 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: I congratulate you upon the success of General Averells expedition. It is good for the first lick. You have drawn the first blood, and I hope now soon to see the boys up and at them. Give my compli- ments and thanks to Averell and his command. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No 129. Washington, March 19, 1863. Col. George Thom, aide-de-camp, will proceed to Baltimore, Md., and thence, with such officer as Major-General Schenck may designate to accompany him, will examine the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and branches to the Ohio River, and designate positions for block-houses. He will report the result of this examination to General Schenck, and, returning to Washington, will also report to tbese headquarters. By command of Major-General Halleck: L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 77. Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 19, 1863. * * * * * * * 9 There being now 2,000 pack-saddles for issue at Aquia Creek, t-hey will be distributed as follows, and corps commanders will at once caus Page 149 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TTNION. 149 requisitions to be made for the number apportioned to them, viz: First Corps, 329; Third Corps, 361; Fifth Corps, 328; Sixth Corps, 450; Elev- enth Corps, 275; Twelfth Corps, 257. Of these pack-saddles, two will be distributed to eaeh regiment to carry the shelter-tents, with which officers will be provided, and extra rations for them. The remainder will be devoted to the transportation of ammunition, the average amount of whicl~,to be carried in each pack-saddle, will be two and a half boxes; the stronger and larger animals to carry three boxes, and the lighter ones two boxes. Water-proof pouches will be used to protect the ammunition in rainy weather. Drills for a few hours each (lay in packing and unpacking will be instituted, without delay, to familiarize the men and animals to the use of the pack-saddles. The animals for the ammunition-pack, if there are none extra on hand, will be taken from the ammunition wagons, in which case the wagons and harness will be turned in to the quartermasters department. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General, U. ~. Army: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Presidents proc- lamation, issued in compliance with the twenty-sixth section of the act of March 3, 1863, pardoning all soldiers now absent without leave from the army who report at certain posts before April 1.* There are numer- ous cases in this army of men now undergoing punishment for desertion, or awaiting sentence or trial for that crime, many of those awaiting sentence being sentenced to death. As it would seem to be unjust to visit the severe penalty of the law upon deserters who have been ap- prehended, while pardoning those who have succeeded in evading appre- hension, I have the honor to recommend that the President, by a general order, pardon all persons now undergoing punishment for desertion, those awaiting sentence, and those awaiting trial for that offense, all, of course, to forfeit pay and allowances for the time lost by (lesertion. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. FAIRFAX COuRT-HousE, March 20, 1863. C. H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet along our lines last night. Mosby was threatening our post in the direction of Frying Pan last night, bat did not venture to attack. The Eighteenth Pennsylvania go on duty to-day, and, unless sup- ported by some other troops, I feel apprejiensive. The men are utterly Printed in Series III Page 150 150 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. discouraged with their arms, and in several instances the men of that regiment have deserted to the enemy. One company mutinied rather than go on picket. Very respectfully, ROBT. JOUNSTONE Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. DUMFRIES, March 20, 1863. Lent. Col. II. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Clifford, the scout, has reported. Cannot some cavalry be assigned temporarily for duty here? Can subsist and forage them better than they can themselves, thereby saving the Government considerable ex- pense. Without cavalry, it would be madness for him to venture outside my lines without support, as the enemy are in the immediate vicinity, pressing men into their service, and driving Union families from their homes. The country between the Quantico and Maple Valley is open, as far as I can learn. Small parties are heard from (laily, robbing, & c. CHAS. CANDY 6~olonel, & c. BALTIMORE, March 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding: Having no returns yet from Western Virginia, please telegraph me what general officers are on duty there, commanding divisions or bri- gades, and where stationed. Can you send me by mail copy or last consolidated report? I will attend to General Moors ammunition. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 78. Camp near Falmouth, March 20, 1863. * * * * * * * V. Maj. Gen. J. Stahel, volunteer service, is relieved from further duty with this army, and will proceed to Washington, D. C., and report for instructions to Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman, commanding Depart- ment of Washington. * * * * * * * XII. Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham will relieve Brig. Gen. D. P. Wood- bury in the command of the Engineer Brigade, and the latter will then comply with Paragraph IV, of Special Urders, No. 123, of the 16th in- stant, from the headquarters of the Army, assigning him to duty in the Department of the Gulf. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 151 CORRESPONDENCE, P~C.~tJNION. Col. R. INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster: * * * 151 CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 21, 1863. * * * * The accompanying statement gives the number of men for duty in each corps, according to the report of the 10th instant. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. First Corps 15,510 Second Corps - - 15,337 Third Corps 17,438 Fifth Corps 15,467 Sixth Corps 22,076 Eleventh Corps 12,880 Twelfth Corps 11,933 Cavalry 11,937 Total 122,578 Total, without cavalry, 110,641. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 79. March 21, 1863. * * * * * * * VIII. The batteries of horse artillery will reduce the number of am- munition chests on the caisson body to one, which will be arranged so as to sit over the axle, as in the Sixth New York Battery (Martins). The remaining chests will be kept full. But one spare wheel to the section will be taken by each field battery of the army; the remainder will be turned into the ordnance department. To reduce the weight, only six felloes, twelve spokes, one jack-screw, and one splinter-bar will be carried in the battery wagon. The excess of these articles will be turned into the ordnance department; no other stores than those authorized in the table of contents will be carried in the battery wagons and forges, except spare fuses and primers, well boxed and secured. Repairs of gun-carriages, of wheels, & c., will, so far as possible, be made from the stores carried with the battery. When, from the extent of injuries received, in action or otherwise, it is necessary to employ more labor than the battery can supply, the commandant of artillery of the corps may collect such wheelwrights and other mechanics as are disposable from the batteries of his corps to effect it; when carriages and wheels are so broken as to be useless, the sound parts will be secured, and as soon as possible the repairs effected. When in canil), the coal-boxes will be filled with hard coal, if pos- sible, and remain so, as they are intended to carry coal for the march. For ordinary nse, other sources of supply must, when practicable, be depended on. When the batteries go into camp with a prospect of remaining suffi- ciently long, the commandants of artillery will cause coal-pits to be made for current uses. In the batteries of light 12-pounders, it is very important that the fuse be screwed down tightly, so that the horseshoe on the bottom may be supported by the shoulder of the fuse-hole. If this is not done, a pre- mature explosion may result. The fuse-wrench, furnished with the CHAP. XXXVII Page 152 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. battery stores, is used for this purpose, and, when practicable, the fuse should always be screwed down just before firing. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CIRCULAR.J IIEADQTJkRTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1863. For the purpose of ready recognition of corps and divisions in this army, and to prevent injustice by reports of straggling and misconduct through mistake as to its organization, the chief quartermaster will furnish without delay the following badges, to be worn by the officers and enlisted men of all the regiments of the various corps mentioned. They will be securely fastened U~OIl the center of the top of the cap. Inspecting officers will at all inspections see that these badges are worn as designated: First Corps, a sphereFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. Second Corps, trefoilFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. Third Corps, lozengeFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. Fifth Corps, Maltese crossFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. Sixth Corps, crossFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. (Light Divis- ion, green.) Eleventh Corps, crescentFirst Division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. Twelfth Corps, star~First division, red; Second, white; Third, blue. The sizes and colors will be according to pattern.* By command of Major-General Hooker: * As printed, the badges are one-half size. 152 S. WILLIAMS, As8istant Adjutant- General Page 153 CHIP, XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 153 HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF WASHiNGTON, March 21, 1863. Commanding Officers, Poolesville and Union Mills: The following information is just received from Harpers Ferry: General HEINTZELMAN: I have received reliable information that Stuarts cavalry is moving in the direc- tion of Loudoun County, 3 miles from Fish Gap. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. The general commanding desires that attention be given to this in- formation, and that your commands be on the alert. It is possible that Fish Gap means some other point. You will report any information you have. S. H. LATUROP, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector- General. POOLESYILLE, [MD.,] March 22, 1863.4 p.m. Lieutenant-Colonel LATHUOP, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Washington: COLONEL: Your dispatch in relation to movements of Stuarts cavalry is received, and measures taken to carry out the generals wishes. The men will not be caught napping. I have been along the bank of the river this p. in., and could discover no signs of an enemy. The river is high and unfordable. We shall be able to give him a warm reception if he attempts to cross within our lines. With high respect, your obedient servant, A. B. JEWETT, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 23, 18639.30 p. m. Major-General HEINTZELMAN, Commanding Defenses of Washington: Colonel Schley has just this moment telegraphed me that Stuart. with his cavalry, is this side of Leesburg, in the direction of Nolans Ferry. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., March 23, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: In view of the fact that when this army moves the sudden stoppage of all visitors to this camp would be a pi~eliminary notice thereof; als Page 154 154 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. that the attention of all officers and men is now absolutely required to be free from the interference of such visitors, I would respectfully sug- gest that hereafter the permits to visit this army be restricted to ab- solute positive necessity, and that the permission heretofore granted to females is denied. It is advisable that these restrictions be gradually introduced within the next few days, and not upon the ground that anything is likely to occur here requiring such a course. It cannot be foreseen at what moment this army will move, and the action in respect to the stoppage of travel heretofore has invariably been such as to indicate to the coun- try pretty nearly the precise time of a movement. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. WINCHESTER, VA.., March 23, 1863. VIA MARTINSBURG, VA., March 25. Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore: The enemy has fallen back beyond Mount Jackson. Heavy firing heard yesterday in the direction of Culpeper, or to the left of that place. It. H. MILROY, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 18. Baltimore, Md., March 23, 1863. The following officers are announced as the staff of the major-general commanding, or assigned for staff duty with this army corps: Lient. Col. Doun Piatt, assistant inspector-general and chief of staff. Lieut. Col. William H. Chesebrough, assistant adjutant-general. Licut. Col. J. L. Donaldson, depot quartermaster at Baltimore, and acting quartermaster Eighth Army Corps. Lieut. Col. Joseph G. Crane, commissary of subsistence. Col. William F. Raynolds, additional aide-dc-camp, chief of engineers. Lient. Col. XVilliam D. Whipple, a(lditional aide- de camp, an(l assist- ant adjutant-general, on special duty corn in an diiig at Philadelphia. Maj. William M. Est6, aidede-camp. Capt. Maxwell V. L. Woodhull, aide-de-camp. Capt. Dickin soii P. Thruston, aide-dc- cain p. Lieut. Col. W. S. Fish, First Battalion Connecticut Cavalry, provost- marshal. Maj. H. Z. Hayner, additional aide-dc-camp. Maj. H. W. Wharton, U. S. Army, commissary of muster. Maj. William L. Marshall, judge-advocate. Maj. Josiah Simpson (surgeon), medical director. Maj. C. C. Cox (surgeon), medical purveyor. Maj. T. P. Gibbons (surgeon), in charge of invalid officers. Capt. N. L. Jeifries, assistant a(ljutantgeneral. First Lieut. David S. Gordon, Second U. S. Cavalry, acting assistant adjutant-general - By order of Major-General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBIIOUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 155 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ~I55 BALTIMORE, March 24, 1863. Colonel TRUEX, Frederick City, Md.: At midnight Colonel Schley reported from Point of Rocks that Stuart, with his cavalry, had passed Leesburg in the (lirection of Nolans Ferry. Doubtful; but still you will be on the alert with your Jerseymen at Monocacy and on the railroad. This will be communicated here to Gen- eral Brigga. R. C. SCHENOK, Major. General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., March 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General.in.Chief: Have you any information of rebel cavalry movements in Londoun County? General Roberts last night telegraphed me a report from Colonel Schley, Point of Rocks, that Stuart, with his cavalry, had passed Leesburg, in the direction of Nolans Ferry. R. C. SCHENCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., March 24, 1863 Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Md.: We have no information of Stuart except General Roberts telegram. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 24, 186311.30 p. m. General SLOCUM, Twelfth Army Corps: The commanding general directs that you give the necessary orders to your infantry pickets to permit the officers and messengers of the cavalry on duty to pass through their line at such points and with such pass as may be agreed upon between yourself and General Pleasonton. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 24, 186311.30 p. m. Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding Twelfth Army tiorps: The following dispatch has been received here from General Meade: The rebel cavalry bave been seen in front of our lines. A dash is anticipated. All is quiet along the right wing. S. P. STENSENTSEN, Colonel One hundred and fifty-dghth New York Volunteers Page 156 156 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. We know of no such regiment or colonel. Can you enlighten us? Have your pickets vigilant. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 24 18 Major-General SLOCUM, 6311.36 ~ m. Commanding Twelfth Army Corps: Please furnish General Pleasonton with COI)Y of dispatch. If any. thing authentic by any information you have from your front or in flout of the Eleventh Corps, keep him advised. Let me know if it is con- firmed in any way. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, 863w Major-General HOOKER, Washington, D. C., Marck 25 1 Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Yours of the 23d is just received. I give no passes to the Army of the Potomac. Those given are given under the direction of the War Department. I have shown your letter to the Secretary, who will see that your wishes are complied with. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 30. 1? Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 25, 1863. On and after the receipt of this order, all requisitions for ordnance stores will be made in duplicate. Those for infantry and cavalry, after being signed by the colonels of the regiments, will be presented to the acting or(lnance officers of divisions, who will make consolidated requi- sitions for all stores required for their divisions. These consolidated requisitions, after being signed by the general commanding the division, and, when for the cavalry, by the general commanding the corps, will also be presented to the chief ordnance officer at these headquarters, and, after being approved by him, will be issued upon. In all cases the division ordnance officers will present, along with the consolidated requisitions, the original regimental requisitions or copies of the same for the examination of the division commanders and to the chief ord- nance officer at these headquarters, for his approval, to be forwarded to Washington. All requisitions for ordnance and ordnance stores for batteries, after being signed by the captain of the battery, the chief of artillery of the corps, and the chief of artillery of this army, will be presented to the chief ordnance officer at these headquarters, and, after being approved by him, will be issued upon. Blanks for requisitions can be obtained from division ordnance officers, and szfficers requiring stores are directed to fill up all the columns according to the printed headings, and to fo Page 157 CNAp. XXXVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 low all the printed directions therein. Requisitions, when the l)rinted form has been mutilated and changed, will not be approved. Division ordnance officers will be held responsible that the following supply of ammunition is kept constantly ou hand: For infantry, 140 rounds, with that in the cartridge-boxes; for cavalry, 100 rounds of car~ bine and 40 rounds pistol, with that in the cartridge-boxes; for artil- lery, 250 rounds, with that in the ammunition-chest. The 20 rounds infantry ammunition heretofore carried in the knapsacks of the men, after that is expended which they now have in their knapsacks, will not thereafter be carried by the men; but, immediately before an action, generals commanding divisions will see that 20 extra rounds are issued to the men, to be carried in their pockets. The wagons containing the reserve ammunition will be under the control of the division ordnance officers. Ammunition wagons will be distinguished by a horizontal stripe, 6 inches wide, painted on each side of the cover; for artillery ammunition, red; for cavalry, yellow; for infantry, light blue. The wagons will also be distinctly marked with the number of the corps and division to which they belong and the kind and caliber of ammunition contained. The main depot for the army will be designated by a crimson flag marked Ordnance Depot, U. S. A. Upon the march, or when the brigades are widely separated from each other, the wagons containing the reserve ammunition for each brigade may, at the discretion of the division commander, be turned over to the brigade quartermaster, who will draw his supplies from the division ordnance officer. In time of action, division ordnance officers will be careful to get ex- plicit instructions from their division commanders in regard to the dis- position to be made of their trains, and they will themselves remain with their trains to attend to the issue of ammunition. If it should be necessary during a prolonged action to replenish the trains, the division ordnance officers will be informed where the ammunition can be obtained, and they will send for it a portion of their trains,in chargeofacom. petent officer or non-commissioned officer, with a correct list of the kind and amount of each kind they require. Division ordnance officers will keep themselves constantly informed of the condition of the regiments in their division, and when deficien- cies in ordnance stores are found to exist they will see that requisitions are promptly made to supply them. They will, on the 15th of each month, submit for the examination of the general commanding their division, to be forwarded through corps headquarters to the chief ord. nance officer at these headquarters, a report of the number, kind, and caliber of arms in each regiment of their division, and of the amount, kind, and caliber of ammunition in their trains. Unserviceable and condemned ordnance stores, which are to be turned in, will not pass through division ordnance officers. When the com- panies of a regiment have such stores to turn in, they will first turn them over to the quartermaster of the regiment, who will, as will also be done in all other cases, turn them in at the ordnance depot, or send them to an arsenal, transmitting with them invoices aNd receipts, stating the exact condition of the atores, as shown by the inspectors report. So much of General Orders, No. 152, of August 9, 1862, from head- quarters Army of the Potomac, as conflicts with this order is hereby revoked. The officer detailed as division ordnance officer witi be relieved from all other duty, and will report at the headquarters of his division. He will select from the privates and non-commissioned officers of his divisio Page 158 158 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL a competent clerk and an acting ordnance sergeant, who will be detailed for extra dnty by the division commander, to report to the ordnance officer. When the provisions of General Orders, No. 189, of November 18, 1862, from the War Department, are not sufficient to keep in repair the arms of a brigade, the brigade commander will detail an armorer from his brigade, to report to the division ordnance officer, who will supply him with a set of armorers tools. The extra-duty rneii thus detailed will be under the charge oC the division ordnance officer, and will be borne on his extra-duty rolls. By command of Major.General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 27, P632.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Falmouth, Va.: Dispatches from Generals Dix, Foster, and Hunter, and from the west, indicate that the rebel troops formerly under Lee are iiow much scattered for supplies, and for operations elsewhere. It would seem, under these circumstances, advisable that a blow be struck by the Army of the Potomac as early as practicable. It is believed that dur- lug the next few days several conflicts will take place, both south and west, which may attract the enemy~s attention particularly to those points. H. W. HALLECK, Generai.in- Chief. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, iNo. 19. Baltimore, Md., March 27, 1863. The following named troops of this army corps will constitute the First Division, charged especially with the protection of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad* from Monocacy Bridge to the Ohio River, and to the command of which Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelley, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned; First Brigade, Brig. Gen. John R. Kenly, U. S. Volunteers, command- ing.The Firsf Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. N. T. Dushane; the Fourth Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. H. N. Bowerman, commanding; the Seventh Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. E. H. Webster, commanding; the Eighth Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. A. W. Denison; Balti more Battery Light Artillery, Capt. F. W. Alexander; Seventeenth Bat- tery Indiana Light Artillem-y, Capt. Milton L. Miner; the Fourteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Col. J. IN. Schoonmaker. Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. William II. Morris, U. S. Volunteers, corn- manding.The Fiftli Regiment Maryland Voluti teem infantry, Col. Will- jam L. Schley; the Sixth Regiment New York Ileavy Artillery, Maj. E. H. Travis commanding; the Fourteenth Regi zuent Massachusetts Heavy Artillery (four compammies), Maj. F. A. Rolfe, commanding; Fourth Battery Maine Light Artillery, Capt. ONeil W. Robinson; de. See Imbodeue report of expedition into We~t Yir~inia April ~OMay 14, Part I, p. 97 Page 159 CHAP. XXXYII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 tachment Fiftieth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, as engi- neers, Capt. W. V. Personius commanding; independent company Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as engineers, Capt. Albert S. White commanding. Third Brigade, Gol. B. F. Smith, One hundred and twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanding The One hundred and twenty- sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer infantry, Lieut Col. William H. Har- lan commanding; the Fifteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Col. M. McCaslin- the One hundred and sixth Regiment New York Vol- unteer Infantry, Col. E. C. James; Battery C, Sixth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, 3erving as artillery, Capt. T. A. Manlsby; Com- panies A. B, C, and D, Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteer Cavalry, Maj. H. A. Cole. Fourth Brigade, Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In- fantry, cornmanding.The First Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Joseph Thoburn: the Fifty-Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teer infantry, Lieut. Col. John P. Lintoii commanding; Battery E, First Virginia Volunteer Artillery, Capt. A. C. Moore; Ringgold Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. John Keys coin manding; com- pany of independent cavalry, Capt. A. V. Smith; company of Washing- ton Independent Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. A. J. Green- field. Fifth Brigade, Col. James A. Mulligan, Twenty-third illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanding. The Twenty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Lient. Col. James Quirk commanding; the Fourteenth Regi- ment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Andrew S. Core; the Second Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Col. Robert Bruce; Mulligans Illinois battery, Capt. John Rourke. Sixth Brigade, Col. N. Wilkinson, Sixth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, commanding.The Sixth Regiment Virginia Volunteer In- fantry, Maj. J. H. Showalter; the Eleventh Regiment Virginia Volun- teer Infantry, Col. D. Frost; two independent companies (exempts), Capts. R. Hamilton and Perry G. West. By command of Major-General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. MARIETTA, OHIO, March 27, 1863. Lient. Col. W. H. CHESEBROUGH, A. A. G., fldqrs. Middle Department, Baltimore, Md.: SIR: Upon sending you my dispatch of 22d instant, I also sent to headquarters Department of the Ohio a letter, a copy of which 1 in- close herewith,* together with copy of reply* received by me by last nights mail. In accordance with the instructions contained in the latter, I have the honor to report to Major-General Scheuck for orders. No reply has as yet been received by me from the Adjutant-Generals Office at Washing- ton to my letter referred to in the inclosed copy. The fact that my subordinates have been reporting to other head- quarters than mine for some time past makes inc take the liberty of suggesting that a new order organizing the district issue from Middle * Not found Page 160 1c6~I~ N~ VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIAP. XXXVII. Department headquarters. TWe most cordial understanding exists be- ~ween both General Kelley and General Scammon and myself; and both have expressed themselves desirous of reporting to these district head- quarters whenever the ambiguity in former orders shall be removed. The post at Gallipolis has always heretofore been of necessity re- garded a part of the West Virginia District, even when no other point in Ohio was included, it being the supply depot for the Kanawha Dis- trict, and experience there having proven that it cannot be dispensed with. A company of independent Ohio troops is the post garrison there, they being enlisted and stationed there under a special agreement between the Administration and the Governor of Ohio, that they should be permanently used for that purpose. I suppose no objection can exist to their being still regarded as part of the forces of the district under the stipulations mentioned. If the district remains as heretofore (except the border counties of Ohio), I take the liberty of suggesting that either Parkersburg or Wheeling would be the best points for headquarters, as the communi- cation by rail and water would make either of them practically central, and if any accident in the Shenandoah Valley should occur similar to that of last year, the communication with department headquarters would be more easy and constant by way of Pittsburgh, & c. Although I some time since made application for transfer to one of the large active columns in the field, I beg leave to assure the com- manding general of my personal satisfaction in reporting to him, if the change from territorial to active field command cannot be made, and I have the honor to remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J.D. COX, Major. General. CHARLESTON, [W. VA.,] Colonel TOLAND, March28, 1863. Comma~#& ding Fa~yette. Troops at Hurricane Bridge were attacked this morning by Jenkins. Enemy repulsed after four hours fighting. Keep everything in order and ready. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier-General. (Also to Colonel Furby, Gauley, and Colonel Paxton, Camp Piatt.) WAR DEPARTMENT, U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS, Washington, D. C., March 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Herewith you will irlease find copy of a letter containing instructions to A. Anderson, chief engineer of military roads of Virginia, sent him this day. Most respectfully, & c., H. HAUPT, Chief of Construction a~id Transportation, U. ~. Mit. If. 1f Page 161 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 [Inclosure.] WAR DEPARTMENT, U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS, Washington, D. C., March 28, 1863. A. ANDERSON, Esq., Chief Engineer Military Railroads of Virginia: SIR: You will take measures to have everything in readiness to meet the wishes and second the movements of the commander of the Army of the Potomac, sparing no labor or necessary expense to secure the most effective action when called upon, and to provide the materials and men necessary for the purpose. You will have a well-organized force of skilled men, complete in its appointments, and fully provided with every means and appliance to facilitate the work it may have to do. You will apply to the com- mander of the army for such details of soldiers as you may want and to the chief quartermaster for transportation of all kinds and forage for animals. While endeavoring to consult a judicious economy in expenditures, avoid that false economy which is purchased at the expense of efficiency. When acfive forward operations are resumed, the all-important object will be to secure the reconstruction of roads and bridges and the re- opening of communications in the shortest possible time. You must necessarily keep in service a sufficient number of skilled and reliable foremen and mechanics to perform the duties required in the period of active operations which we soomi anticipate, but it is desir- able to have them at all times filly employed, and, when work is not sufficient in the department of construction, they may assist in transpor- tation, or aid the quartermasters, commissaries, or military engineers iu any way in which they may be useful. in the construction of block- houses for the protection of bridges, their services may be particularly valuable. When not otherwise employed, the oxen could be used to haul wood and ties, and the men can be exercised in the construction of board and trestle bridges. Very respectfully, II. HAUPT, Chief of Construction and Transportation, U. ~. Mil. R. R. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 31. Camp near Ealmouth, Va., March 2~, 1863. I. The major-general commanding has learned that soldiers are fre- quently discharged from this army and furnished with a discharge only, and directed to report to the Adjutant-Generals Office, XV ashington, through which they are informed their final statements will be sent to them. It also appears that soldiers discharged for disability in many cases receive with their discharge the surgeons duplicate certificates. The papers to which a discharged soldier is entitled have been clearly set forth in the general orders which have from time to time been l)ub- lished to this army, and no neglect of any officer whose duty it may be to furnish such papers to supply them will, in the future, be overlooked. II. Every discharged soldier, whether his discharge be honorable or otherwise, is entitled to have a discharge and final statements in du- plicate of his pay and clothing accounts; these are to be furnished by 11 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 162 [CHAP. XXXVII. 162 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. his company commander or the officer under whose immediate care he may be at the time of his discharge. In the case of a dishonorable discharge, the papers will state the facts of the case, in order that the paymaster may have no difficulty in prop- erly adjusting the accounts of the discharged soldier. III. Certificates of disability will be made out in duplicate by the soldiers company commander, or other officer commanding the separate detachment to which he be- longs, and sent by him to the surgeon who has charge of the hospital where the soldier is sick. The surgeon will then fill out and sign the surgeons certificate, and forward these papers to the regimental. detachment, or post commander, who will forWard them, with his action indorsed thereon, through the proper channel, to the division commander, or, if the troops are not attached to a division, to his corps, department, or other commander or officer to whom the authority to discharge en- listed men may be specially delegated. These certificates, after having received the action of the highest authority to which they are required to he sent, will be returned throuh the same channel to the regirnenta~, post, or detachment commander, who will, fr the discharge is authorized by the indorsement of the proper authority, sign the soldiers discharge and the last certificate on this paper; see that the soldier is furnished with the proper final statements in duplicate, and forward both of these certificates direct to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. They will not, nuder any circmnstances, be given into the hands of the soldier, or to any person in his behalfExtracts from instructions from the Adjutant-Generals Office upon this subject. When certificates of disability in the case of a volunteer are forwarded to the com- inander having authority to grant his discharge, they will be accompanied by the blank referred to in Paragraph 165, Revised Regulations, on which the discharge from service is finally made; and the said commander will indorse thereon the same orders that he gives upon the certificate of disabilityExtract from General Order8, No. 83, War Department, 1861. IV. All the blanks required for discharges are now furnished by the Government in profusion, and there can be no excuse for sending a discharged soldier away from this army without the papers he needs to secure a speedy adjustment of his accounts. Any officer, therefore, who shall hereafter fail in his duty in this respect, will be deemed guilty of a grave misdemeanor, and brought to trial before a general court-martial for neglect of an important obligation, and it is recom- mended to courts-martial in such cases to impose sentences of unusual severity. V. It is made the duty of all officers and soldiers whose province it may be to examine the passes of persons leaving this army, to carefully scrutinize the papers of discharged soldiers, and in case any such dis- charged soldier is without the papers he should have, or has those he should not have, he will be sent, with the papers given him, to the commander of the corps, or other independent command to which he belonged, who will see that the proper papers are furnished, and promptly arrest and bring to trial the officer responsible fbr the non- observance of the regulations governing the case. VI. The following extract from General Orders, No. 86, of July 23, 1862, from the War Department, relating to the reissue of discharge papers, is published for the guidance of all concerned: The giving in duplicate, by any officer of the army, of certificates of discharge or final statements, is peremptorily forbidden (see Paragraph 165, ot Revised Regula- tions). Not even if such papers are lost or destroyed is any officer of the army authorized to replace them. General Orders, No. 86, of 1862, and No. 30, of 1863, from the War Department, point out the course to be pursued in cases where certifi- cates of discharge or final statem~ients are lost or destroyed. VII. The following extract frotu General ~Order~, ~o. 98, of Nove Page 163 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. 163 her 13, 1861, from the headquarters of the Army, is published for the information and government of all concerned, viz: The insane of the military service are entitled to treatment in the Government hos- pital established in this city. To protect, however, their own interests, as well as those of the Government, it is prescribed by the Secretary of War that, to procure admission into the hospital, application must be made to the Adjutant-General, setting forth the name, rank, company, and regiment of the patient, with a certificate from the snrgeon of the regiment as to the duration of the insanity, and whether insane before enlistment. It will likewise be accompanied by the descriptive list of the sol- dier, and copies of his pay and clothing accounts. The application should precede the arrival of the soldier in this city by at least one day, that the signature of the Secretary of War may be obtained to the paper authorizing admission into the hos- pital, and that the patient may not have to wait in the streets during that time. On the departure of the patient from his station, the eommanding officer will give such orders to the person in charge as will provide for the transportation of the neces- sary attendants to the institution and back again to their post, and for their subsist- ence, either in kind or by commutation, during their absence. To procure the release of a patient when cured, or for delivery to his friends, appli- cation must again be made to the Adjutant-General, who will procure the necessary authorization, and also cause a statement of his accounts to be made and delivered to him. VIII. The following correction will be made in Paragraph I, of Gen- eral Orders, No. 27, of March 14, 1863, from these headquarters: For the words, his superior in command, in the next paragraph to the last of the letter from the Adjutant-Generals Office insert the ~ord~,his successor in command. IX. Paragraph II, of General Orders, No. 26, of March 13,1863, from these headquarters, is amended by adding the following words, viz: Except that in the case of ordnance property the three reports will be sent to the officer accountable for the property, to be used by him as vouchers to his triplicate returns. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLiAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 85. f (lamp near Falmouth, March 28, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. J. F. Knipe, volunteer service, will report to the com- mander of the Twelfth Corps for assignment to a brigade of the First Division of that corps. * * * * * * * By command of General Hooker: S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. MiDDLE DEPT., ST H ARMY CORPS, No. 20. Baltimore, Md., March 28, 1863. The following-named troops of the Eighth Army Corps will constitute the Fourth Separate Brigade, to the command of which Brig. Gen. Benjamin S. Roberts is hereby assigned: The Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. A. Moor; the Second Regiment Virginia Volunteer Inflintry, Col. G. R. Latham; the Third Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. F. W. Thompson commanding; the Eighth Regiment Virginia Volunteer In- fantry, tient. Col. John H. Oley commanding; Ewings battery ligh Page 164 164 N. VA., W VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. artillery; Company A, First Regiment Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, Captain Hagan; Company E, Third Regiment Virginia Volunteer Cav- alry, Captain Bowen; Company E, Third Regiment Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant Flesher commanding; Company D, First Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, Captain Schambeck. By command of Major-General Schenck: WM. II. CHESEBROUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., March 29, 1863. Major-General HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I send to you my aide, Capt. D. P. Thruston, with several voluminous dispatches received to-night, indicating rebel movements ill Western Virginia. They all rest on information from Brigadier- General Scammon, at Charleston. Instead of forwarding an abstract, I have thought it might be more satisfactory to you to hand you the original telegrams. What I gather from them is, that two movements are perhaps being made or threatened by the enemy sirnaltaneously. One from Lewisburg, by the way of Summerville, toward the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the other down the Big Sandy and across to the Kanawha Valley, in the rear of Scammon. General Scammon having but few troops, and those scattered, at long intervals, as far up ns Fayetteville, has been very anxious, since his force cannot be increased, to be supplied with horses, so as to move his infantry with celerity from point to point. Can anything be done to supply him at once, or soon, with the horses he wants? I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. P. 5.I suppose General Burnside has been informed of these move- ments on the Big Sandy. [Inclosures.] CUMBERLAND, MD., March 28, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEIBROUGH: The following dispatch just received from General Cox. In a dis- patch from General Scammon, he says: Lewisburg information says it is intended to attack Baltimore road and Summer- rUle by collecting men in small squads and meetin~ at a common rendezvons. I dont think this very important, but send it to you that Moor may be kept watchful. I do not regard it important or reliable; neverthe less have cautioned Moor to be on time alert. There was no trouble in taking the vote in West Virginia on the 26th instant. The rebels made no raids or other demonstration. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General Page 165 CHAP. XXXVH.] CO1~ESPONDENCE, ETC.TTNION. 1435 CHARLESTON,W. VA., March 29, 18638 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH: Yesterday I sent this to General Cox: Two cavalry forces are coming down Sandy toward Ceredo, one on either side of the river. Hear of fighting yesterday at Louisa all day. Posts were immediately warned, and scouts were ordered on all approaches meantime heard from Lewis- burg that Jenkins was en route here with 1,500 cavalry, via Sandy. Colonel Paxton, with some 300 men, had been ordered to scout from Camp Pi~tt, through Boone and Logan Counties. He returned last night with 7 prisoners; two officers. Lewisburg informant says it is to attack Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and Summerville by col- lecting men in small squads and meeting at a common rendezvous. The Twenty-third Regiment is here, with three pieces of artillery. Fayette is watchful. Please hurry the horses and saddles, and, if you can, give us the force we had before Crook and Ewing left Valley. E. P. SCAMM OK, Brigadier. General. CHARLESTON, W. VA., iMarch 29, 18638 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH: This morning was advised that Jenkins had attacked my outposts at Hurricane Bridge, 12 miles west of Coalsmouth, but troops were four companies of Fifth Virginia, very well posted, and, after four hours fighting, report the enemy in retreat. Have sent three more companies to strengthen the post. Our loss trifling. Colonel Toland reports that he has scouted the country 50 miles be- yond Fayette, toward Packs Ferry, and head of Coal. No enemy there. In this connection I beg to say that I have been trying for months to get horses to transport men to the front with celerity; this, for de- fense, would be best policy; offensively, we can do nothing without them. iNly troops are few and the district large; therefore rapid movement or nothing. I beg the general commanding army corps to order at least 2,000 horses with equipments for this district, otherwise we are neces- sarily harassed. Later intelligence shows the attack at Hurricane had been by 400 men. We lost 4 killed, 5 wounded. Enemys loss not given, but report speaks of a wounded prisoner, who says there are more rebel troops coming. He says there will be 20,000; this I give as received, but I doubt not that an attempt will be made on the Valley; if not, the way will be open for us to attack the railroad and salt-works, if we have means of locomotion and meu to use them. This talk of prisoner accords with report received from Lewisburg; force exagger- ated, I presume, but all indicating the purpose of the enemy to be what would make our increase profitable in any event, and indispensable if reports be true. At present we are too few for so wide a district, em- bracing so important a portion of the Ohio River. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier. General. MARIETTA, OHIO, March 29, 1863. Lient. Col. W. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General: Reports from Kanawha region show that some rebel cavalry force has come in from Kentucky; a brisk skirmish took place day before yester- day at Hurricane Bridge, about 12 miles south of Red House, in which the enemy were driven off. Report to.night of one of the Kanawh Page 166 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND A. 166 [CHAr. XXXVII. boats being fired into by several hundred rebels below IRed House, on the Kanawba. General Scammon is watchful and active, but hi~ force is, of course, mostly on the Upper Kanawba. The Big Sandy Valley, which is the key to the Lower Kanawlia re- gion, is in charge of the Department of the Ohio, and the opening has been made by the recent retreat of the forces in Eastern Kentucky. I have no doubt General Burnside will correct that at once, and am confident the present movement cannot be more than a petty raid. J. D. (IlOX, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CoRPs, No. 21. Baltimore, Aid., March 29, 1863. I. Officers and soldiers of the army of the so-called ContiAerate States having in many instances, by capture or by stripping the bodies of the dead, possessed themselves of uniform, clothing, and equipments of officers and soldiers of the United States, which articles of uniform they have afterward worn and used to aid them in making their way within the lines of this army, an(I to enable them to approach and deceive, and sometimes make prisoners of; those who did not recognize them, by reason of such disguise, as enemies, it is ordered: That here- after any rebel officer or soldier who shall be found and taken, either within the lines or otherwise, wearing any article of clothing, or any accouterment belonging to the usual jiniform of a Union officer or sol- dier, so as to make such rebel officer or soldier appear as an officer or soldier of the United States, shall not be held or considered as a pris. oner of war, but shall be treated and dealt with as a spy. And proof of the possession and wearing by a rebel officer or soldier of such Union uniform shall be taken to be sufficient evidence in itself of his character as a spy by any court-martial or military commission before which he may be ordered for trial. II. Maj. Gen. B. II. Milroy, commanding the Second Division of this army corps, is directed to communicate copies of this order, by flag of truce, to the commander of the rebel forces in the Valley of the Shen- andoah. By command of Major-General Scheuck: WM. II. CJIESEBROUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, [W. VA.,] March 29, 1863. Colonel HAYES, Gaul~y: Cannelton is the point at which the enemy would strikc, where the road comes to the river, near Ayers works. I would like to make a stand at this point, in case of attack, and have directed Paxton to report to you as to points in the road south from there, as well as the result of reconnaissance ordered to be made from Piatt. Write freely. They could not cross the river at Cannelton if the approach should be by the other side of the river, as I suppose. Fayetteville is safe enough, but I would like another regiment with you. It is impracticable at present. See that the scouts are doing their duty, and I think that we will weather the storm. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General Page 167 CHAP. XXXVI1.J COR1~1~SPONDENCt, ETC.UNION. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 32. Camp near Ealmouth, 17a., March 30, 1863. The following-named officers are announced as serving on the staff of the major-general commanding, in addition to those mentioned in General Orders, No. 2, of January 29, 1863, from these headquarters, viz: Brig. Gen. G. K. Warren, volunteer service. Col. E. Schriver, inspector-general. Lieut. Col. N. H. Davis, assistant inspector-general. Lieut. Col. E. R. Platt, captain Second Artillery, judge-advocate- general. Maj. S. F. Barstow, assistant adjutant-general. Col. G. H. Sharpe, One hundred and twentieth New York Volunteers, deputy provost-marshal-general. Capt. Ulric Dahigren, aide.de-camp. Capt. Charles E. Cadw aide-de.camp. alader, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, acting By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., March 30, 1863. Commanding Officer, Aquia Greek Landing: The defenses of this place consist of a line of slashing, running from Kings house, on Aquia Creek, south to Accakeek Creek, strengthened by two redoubts and an advanced redoubt iiear Watsons house, occu- pying a position from which the enemy might shell the landing. These redoubts are numbered from right to left, No. 1 being near the Watson house, No. 2 on the Stafford Court-House road, and No. 3 near the rail- road. The enemy might attack, first, to force their way at once to the depots; secondly, to reach the hills immediately over the depots to shell the latter; thirdly, by shelling depots from north side of Aquia Creek, or simultaneously engage or threaten the redoubts and shell the depots from the north side. The first two attacks would fail if the advanced redoubt and defensive line were held. To do this, Redoubt No. 1 will have a garrison of 100 men and no guns; Redoubt No. 2 a garrison of 200 men and two 3-inch guns; Redoubt No. 3 a garrison of 100 men and four 3-inch guns, these guns at Redoubt No. 3 being outside the work. There should be a post of one company where the slashing ends at Aquia Creek, to prevent cavalry moving along the shore, and a reserve of 800 men near Redoubt No. 2, to move when needed. One gunboat, at least, should be kept at Aquia Creek, to prevent the enemy from putting a battery in position on the north side of Aquia Creek, to shell the depots, and should be assisted by the guns taken from the redoubts and placed on the hills immediately over the landing, these hills com- pletely commanding the north shore of Aquia Creek. In case the de- fensive line were forced, the gunboat would be of service in the immedi- ate defense of the depots. The commanding officer will keep up an efficient system of outposts and lookouts, so that there may be no possibility of surprise. It is doubtful if a cavalry raid would attempt to break through the line without first carrying one of the redoukts. The reserve should move to the threatened point, and, keeping a sufficient sub-reserve, take a Page 168 168 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. active part in the defense. If iRedoubt No. 2 or No. 3 were attacked, the reserve should form to its right and left, under its cover, and, if the enemy were repulsed, should charge to complete his overthrow. The guns of these works are intended to fire at the enemys troops, not at his guns. If the enemy should at any time shell a redoubt, the garrison should cover themselves by a parapet, or, if it was certain that no enemy was near, a part might get in the ditches, returning to the work the moment the artillery fire ceased. If any assault was made, the garrison should mount on the parapet and bayonet the enemy back into the ditch. As Redoubt No. 1 is isolated, and must take care of itself it should have a good officer in command. The commanding officer will be held responsible that the works are kept in perfect repair. Commanding Officer, Accakeek Greek Railroad Bridge: The garrison for the upper redoubt will be 100 meti, with two 3.inch guns; for the lower, 25 men. When not surrounded by other troops, the commanding officer must take every precaution against surprise, keeping the garrison at the works and maintaining sufficient guards and lookouts both by day and night. If the attack were in the day, an attempt would probably be made to carry the works, as it would be difficult to burn the bridge without. This attempt might be preceded by shelling. Ordinarily no rep]y should be made to this, as the guns are inten(led to fire at troops, and not to run the risk of being disabled by a superior artillery. The garrison should shelter themselves behind the parapets; or, if it is certain the enemy are not near the works, a part might get in the ditches, returning to the work the moment the artil- lery fire ceases. If the enemy attempts an assault, as soon as he reaches the ditches the garrison should rush on the parapet and bayonet him as he attempts to ascend. At night the enemy might try to burn the bridge without taking the works. In this case a part of the garrison of the upper redoubt should move down to the bridge, keeping in good order, and attack the enemy, knowing the ground well. Having a secure place to fall back on, they would have every advantage over him. If the lower redoubt were taken, the bridge should be defended with musketry and canister from the upper. More men can fight in these works than can well sleep in them. In case of an alarm, all railroad guards and others in the vicinity should at once rally upon the works. The commanding officer will be held responsible that the works are kept in perfect repair. Commanding Officer, Potomac Creek Railroad Bridgc: The garrison for the upper redoubt will be 75 men; for the lower, 75 men, with two 3-inch guns outside; for the stockade, at the south end of bridge, 50 men, and for block-house at north end, 30 men. When not surrounded by other troops, the commanding officer must take every precaution against surprise, keeping the garrison at the works, and maintaining efficient guards and lookouts both by day and night. If the attack were in the day, an attempt would probably be made to carry the works, as it would be difficult to burn the bridge without. This attempt might be preceded by shelling. Ordinarily no reply should be made to this, as the guns are intended to fire at troops, and not to run the risk of being disabled by a superior artillery. Th Page 169 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 169 garrison should shelter themselves behind the parapet, or, if it is cer- tain the enemy are not near the works, a part might get in the ditches, returning the moment the artillery fire ceases. If the enemy attempts an assault, as soon as he reaches the ditches the garrison should rush on the parapet, and bayonet him as he attempts to ascend. At night the enemy might try to burn the bridge without taking the works. In this case, a part of the garrison of the two upper redoubt should move down to the bridge, keeping in good order, and attack the enemy. Knowing the ground well, and having a secure place to fall back on, they would have every advantage over him. A good officer should have command of the upper redoubt, which should be held to the last, as, if this were taken, it would be difficult to hold the lower. More men can fight in these works than can ~vell sleep in them. In case of an alarm, all railroad and other guards in the vicin- ity should at once rally upon the works. The commanding officer will be held responsible that the works are kept in perfect repair. Memoranda with regard to the artillery.The engineers ask for ten gunssix for the defenses of the landing at Aquia Creek and two for each of the railroad bridges. Should it be deemed necessary to move the guns from the works at the landing to fire across Aquia Creek, a field battery should be furnishedtwo sections of guns, under the cap. tam at Redoubt ~o. 3 (Comstocks numbers), one section at No. 2, the caissons, stables, & c., at a central position between and in rear of these. * * * * * * * The captain of the battery at the landing should be directed to have men properly drilled and instructed, and be required to see that the ammunition, magazines, & c., are kept complete and in good order. By command of Major.General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS ABEROROiVIBIES DIVIsIoN, March 30, 18635.20 p. m. Capt. C. H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant. General: I have just received information from one of my staff, just returned from Vienna, that the scouts of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry report Stuart has arrived at Aldie this afternoon in considerable force. Colonel Gurney would like another infantry regiment at Vienna. J. J. ABERCROMBIE, Brigadier. General, Commanding. P. S.And Mosby with another force on the left of him. FAIRFAX CouRT.llousE, VA., March 30, 186311 p. m. Major.General HEIKTZEL1~IAN, Commanding Department of Washington: Scouts sent out toward Goose Creek, ~n the Fryimig Pan road, have re. turned, and report, from intelligence received from Union citizens there Page 170 170 NATK, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. X~X~II. that Stonewall Jackson is at or near Aldie, with a large force. The parties sent out toward Aldie and on the Warrenton pike have not yet veported. JUL. STAHEL, Major- General. P. S.I transmit the above as a report received, but do not give it any credit. I have just received information to the contrary. Camp- fires have been seen to-night west of Leesbnrg. GENERAL ORDERS, UD QRS. ABEROROMBIES DIVISION, No. 13. f Arlington House, Va., March 30, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. Robert Cowdin is hereby relieved from the command of the Second Brigade of this division. Col. Burr Porter, Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers, will assume command. * * * * * * * By order of Brigadier-General Abercrombie: J. A. SLIPPER, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 30, 18632.45 p. m. Major-General SCnENCK, Baltimore, Mid: You must employ the troops of your department against the enemys raids in Western Virginia. Troops from other departments cannot be sent there.. It seems to me that the troops in Western Virginia are too much scattered, and that they should be more concentrated on un- portant points. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 30, 1863. Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Md.: GENERAL: Your letter of yesterday, with inclosed telegrams, is re- ceived. General Hooker assures me that no considerable force of the enemy can possibly be operating in Western Virginia. Probably they are only small cavalry raids. These you must meet by rapidly concen- trating your troops on the points really threatened. Yon must, for this purpose, depend upon your own troops. Additional forces from other departments cannot be sent to you; that is now an impossibility. You have troops enough to defend Western Virginia, and you must rely upon yourself. In regard to additional horses, you must make your requisitions on the Quartermasters Department for their purchase. We cannot, at the present time, raise any more cavalry for your department, as everything in the shape of cavalry equipments that we can obtain must be sent to Kentucky and Tennessee. If you can move your infantry with ad- vantage in the Kanawha by horses, the Quartermasters Department will furnish them, although I think mounted infantry the poorest troops in the world Page 171 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, l~TC.tiNION. 171 The threatened raids in Kentucky are of a much more formidable character than those in Western Virginia, and we must direct all our energies to meet them; otherwise they will cut off~ General Rosecrans line of supplies, and force him t;o retreat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief. BALTIMORE, March 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Commanding, & c.: General Halleck telegraphs that no troops can be sent from other departments into this, and that those on the railroad must be used as far as possible to meet the raid of the cavalry in Western Virginia. Look out toward the west. General Roberts will concentrate, as far as practicable, in that direction, and you will co-operate with him. R. C. SCHENOK, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 30, 186310.55 p. in. Major-General SCHENOK, -Baltimore, Md.: if the enemy are at Point Pleasant, throw sufficient of your forces on that point to drive them out. It is useless to talk about additional cavalry troops. I have none to give you, nor any means to arm them. Act with the forces at your command. I can give you no others. II. W. HALLECK, General-in Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT - Washington, March 30, 18633 j. in. Major-General BURNSIDE, Cincinnati, Ohio: General Schenck has received advices that there is a rebel force on the Big Sandy, threatening the Kanawha Valley. You must look to this, and not let the enemy turn the Kanawha from the Kentucky line. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 1863. General BURNSIDE: Some rebel cavalry, estimated about 400, have passed from Sandy Valley and East Kentucky into the Lower Kanawlia region. The Sandy Valley posts still belong to the Department of the Ohio, I be- lieve, and as the troops in the Kanawha are necessarily concentrated near Gauley Bridge, they have to rely almost wholly on your forces at Louisa, & c., to protect their right flank, I respectfully suggest the i Page 172 172 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. portance of holding these positions strongly, and would like to be in- formed of the present condition of Eastern Kentucky, so that we may calculate accordingly in West Virginia. Truly, yours, J.1). COX, Brigadier-General. MARIETTA, [OHIo,j March 30, 18636.30 p. m. Major.General BURNSIDE, Cincinnati: Rebels reported repulsed from Point Pleasant at 5 p. in., and have retired. No further particulars received as yet. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 18636.30 p. in. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Baltimore: Dispatch from Point Pleasant, 5 p. in., says rebels are repulsed and have retired. No further particulars. I hope part of Scammons force is within reach of them; also from above. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30 18 Capt. E. P. FITCH, 63 6.30 ~ in. Point Jileasant: Have the rebels followed up closely, so as to know their route. I hope Scammon will intercept their retreat. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 18636.30 p. m. General E. P. SCAM ON, Charleston, W. Va: Rebels repulsed from Point Pleasant. I hope you may get a rap at them before they get out. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, OHIO, March 30, 1863. General E. P. SCAMMON, Charleston, W. Va.: The commandant at Point Pleasant is ordered to send as large a de- tachment as he can spare, to reopen communication with you. The rebel cavalry which fired into the, boats near Halls Landing is esti- mated at about 400. Unless it be much heavier than this, you will b Page 173 CHAP. XXXYII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 173 able to take care of it without materially weakening your posts up the river. I shall urge General Buruside to put a strong force in the Sandy Valley at once. J. D. (JOX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 186311.30 a. m. General A. E. BUENSIDE: The rebels on Lower Kanawba are below all our troops, except one company at Point Pleasant. If any of your troops are passing, it would be highly desirable for a regiment or two to stop at Point Pleasant till the whole magnitude of the raid is known, and communication with General Scammon at Charleston reopened. I will send you further news as fast as I get it. I have been informed that about 700 of your men were expected at Parkersburg this morning; if so, the loan of them for a few days might put everything right. J. D. COX, Brigadier. General. MARIETTA, [OHIo,] March 30, 186312.30 p. m. (Received March 3012.50 p. in.) Major-General BURNSIDE: Dispatch from Gallipolis, just received, says the rebels have taken Point Pleasant, at mouth of Kanawba. Only one company of troops is at Gallipolis, and the river is, therefore, the chief protection to the Ohio shore. All sorts of rumors as to their force, up to thousands, but nothing reliable. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 186312.30 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEEROUGIT, Baltimore: Dispatch from Gallipolis, just received, says the rebels have taken Point Pleasant. All sorts of exaggerated rumors as to numbers. There are no troops along the Ohio line, and the river is probably sufficient protection, but, if the force is large, I fear they may move northward toward the railroad. I have informed General Buruside also of the condition of things. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 186312.30 p. m. General KELLEY, Gumberland: Dispatch, just received, says the rebels have taken Point Pleasant. This would look as if their force was larger than first reported, and their being on the north bank of that river will make it necessary to look out for them farther north. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General Page 174 174 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, [1863]I 2.30 p. m. Capt. E. P. FITCH, Gallipolis: Your last just received. You are doing the best possible. Keep the little force watchful, and report. Warn boats along the river to leave the Virginia side. This shonid be done both by telegraph and mes- senger. I have informed General Burnside, & c. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 30, 18632 p. m. (Received March 303 p. in.) Major.General BURNSIDE: The number of the enemy at Point Pleasant first sent you is best cor- roborated by late reports, but even that number is larger than all our troops between here and Portsmouth. I am trying to get volunteers at Gallipolis to go up and relieve Point Pleasant, where, at latest ac- counts, the company still held the court-house. Is there anything at Portsmouth which can be ordered up? J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, OHIo, March 30, 18632 p. m. General E. P. SCAMMON, Charleston, via Clarksburg: The best information puts the rebel force below you less than 500. I have ordered a boat down for Zeiglers regiment, and am trying to raise citizens enough, with the company at Gallipolis, to relieve Point Pleasant. Am also urging General Burnside for aid from the Depart- ment of the Ohio. You had better push as large a force as you can mount rapidly down the river, and sustain them by what can be spared without abandoning posts above. I am practically witbout command, but assume this much as a necessity. Be assured everything possible will be done below, and I am confident all will come right shortly. J.D.COX, Brigadier- General. MARIETTA, [OHIo,] March 30, 18632 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore: Latest and most reliable reports are confirmatory of the first sent you as to enemys numbers. The company at Point Pleasant was this morn- ing, at 11, still in the court-house, and hoped to hold it till night. I have directed the company at Gallipolis to raise volunteers of the citizens there, and endeavor to relieve the garrison. Have also ordered a boat to go down from Gallipolis for a regiment (Fifth Virginia), lately at Ceredo, and bring it unless it has its hands full there. Have also tele- graphed General Burnside to send some aid from below, if possible, and have warned Kelley and all in ~orthwestern Virginia. Am still confi- dent Scammon will be able to hold his position in the upper valley, and detach force enough to reopen his communications. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General Page 175 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 MARiETTA, [OHIo,] March 30, 18632 p. m. Capt. E. P. FITCH, Gallipolis: I have a dispatch from Mr. [William H.] Tomlinson, of Point Pleas- ant. He is at Mr. Langleys, I suppose. See him, and, if his report is reliable, the company at Gallipolis, together with citizens who will vol- unteer and arm for that purpose, ought to make force enough to relieve Captain Carter before night. See Captain Smith, and, if l)ossible, let this be done at once. I am trying to get aid from below. Send down a boat if you have one, and bring up Zeiglers regiment unless it has its hands full where it-is. Sign orders by my command. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 146. Washington, March 30, 1863. * * * * * * * XI. Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person, without delay, to Major-General Schenck, U. S. Volunteers, command- ing Middle Department, for duty. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FIRST ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1863. Lient. Col. CHARLES KINGSBURY, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General, First Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Colonel Fairchild has just returned from Lower Machodoc Creek. I inclose his report, a letter from Colonel Kress, in command of the cavalry, and some Richmond papers.* I will send up in the course of [the day] a deserter or a pris- oner. He came over with a furlough, or, as he says, for the purpose of deserting; wishes to take the oath of allegiance; has friends at George- town; brought his family up with him. I think that reports confirm the opinion I have hitherto expressed as to the expediency of occupying the Neck with sufficient force of infantry and cavalry to intercept contraband trade, the supplies furnished to the enemy, and receive supplies for our o~vu army. These supplies are taken from wealthy farmers, undisguised rebels, and who are only anx- ious to send their crops to the enemy. This force on the Neck would give facility to deserters from the enemy, and intercept his means of procuring information from within our lines. The wealthiest region on the Neck, on the Yocomico, is yet untouched by us. If the troops of this division are not required immediately for other l)url)oses, I respect- fully recommend that an expedition be sent to that point. I beg leave further to report that this division is fully supplied with horses and mules, and to ask where the majom- general command- ing desires that the animals brought up by the expedition should be turned in? JAS. S. WADSWORTH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. * Inclosuresnot found Page 176 176 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 87. f Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 31, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Maj. Gen. 0.0. Howard, U. S. Volunteers, being the senior major- general not in command of a corps, is temporarily assigned to the corn- mand of the Eleventh Corps, and will assume the duties appertaining thereto without delay. III. Brig. Gen. J. Gibbon, U. S. Volunteers, will report without delay, for assignment to duty, to Major-General Couch, commanding Second Corps. * * * * * * * XIII. In consequence of the continued bad weather, the circular from these headquarters, dated the 24th instant, suspending, after the 1st proximo, the operation of so much of General Orders. Nos. 3 and 10, of the present year, as authorizes leaves of absence and furloughs, is re- voked, and leaves and furloughs may be granted as provided in those orders until otherwise directed. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., ]Jfarch 31, 186312.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Your orders I anticipated. I did not mean to ask for cavalry, but only to indicate what troops I find especially wanting in Western Vir- ginia. General Scammon, I ascertain, has been desirous to mount 2,000 of his infantry; but I understood son not to approve of that sort of mongrel force. Nothing further heard. I hope we shall inter- cept the rebels retreat. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, March 31, 1863. Major.General SCHENCK, Baltimore: GENERAL: You are mistaken in telegram in supposing that I disap- prove your mounting a portion of General Scaininons men. On the contrary, I approved your making requisitions for horses, & c., for that purpose. But I think such mongrel force is very poor, and should be organized so far only as is absolutely necessary. They should, as soon as possible, be changed into cavalry or replaced by cavalry. The horses so procured can be used for that purpose. The difficulty is in procuring horse equipments and cavalry arms. Everything of this kind which we can get now must be sent west. If each army should purchase for itself Government agents would be bidding against each other in the market. The attention of Assistant Secretary Watson was called to the im- portance of giving more cavalry equipments and arms to Western Vir- ginia several weeks ago, and he will be able to supply you as soon as other and more pressing wants are attended to. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief Page 177 CHAP. XXXVH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 Capt. A. V. BARRINGER, MARIETTA, [OHIO,] March 31, 1863. Parkersburg, W. Va.: I think all is now right below. We are in possession of Point Pleasant again. Let me know when with the baggage-fleet is ready to start, and I will then determine whether I shall need them at Point Pleasant. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. S. P. IIEINTZELMAN, WASHINGTON, March 31, 1863. Commanding Department of Washington: GENERAL: I herewith send a tabular statement# of armament, garrisons, & c., of the forts constituting the Defenses of Washington. Also a statement of the length of lines of rifle~pits.* Also a state- ment giving a list of batteries for field guns, indicating their location and the number of gnus they will receive.* Drawings will be made and sent to you, which will indicate the position of these rifle-pits and batteries, as also of all the forts. It will be seen that the total of fall garrisons for all the forts is 26,725 men, of which 10,305 consists of artillerymen and 16,420 of infantry. These garrisons are apportioned as follows: Location. Artillery. Infantry. Total. Fort Lyon position 890 1, 260 2, 150 From Fort ~Ellsworth to Fort Corodran ~. 3, 315 4, 730 8, 045 Chain Bridge position. 600 1, 000 1, 600 Potomac to Eastern Branch 3, 500 5, 700 9,200 Over Eastern Branch 2, 000 3, 730 5, 730 Total 10, 305 16, 420 26, 725 It is a matter of some difficulty to say with any precision what addi- tional troops are necessary to hold Washington, as it would depend much upon the circumstan~es and force of the attack, and also upon the Condition of the Potomac. It may be stated, in the first place, that besides the full garrisons at the Chain Bridge, there should be, when the enemy is, or can be, near enough and strong enough to attack in any force, an additional infantry force there (with some cavalry) of about 2,000 men, making, say, 3,600 in all. With this force, the rifle-pits can be sufficiently manned to resist a strong attack. Should an attack be protracted, or should an enemy appear before the position in force, about 4,000 more men, and at least three field batteries, would be required for a protracted resistance. The rifiepits of the positiou are 3,500 yards (say 2 miles) long, but here, as elsewhere, it will be never necessary to man the whole length. A considerable portion of those between Fort Ethan Allen and the Potomac, for example (behind the ravine), would be sufficiently guarded by two companies, as it is almost unassailable, and needs only to be carefully watched. At Fort Lyon and outworks there should be permanently, I think, a force equal to the full garrisons (2,150 men), and, if the enemys move- ments or positions are such that he can throw himself in force upon this * Not found. 12 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 178 178 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAP. XXXVIL position, 1,000 men, in addition, should be added to guard the rifle-pits. (about 1 mile long); and this latter number may need to be increased from the reserves in case of a prolonged attack. The artillery garrisons of all the forts should be kept full. I have calculated for three reliefs of gunners for all the guns. This provides for contingencies, and the artillerymen are counted as part of the gar- rison, as all not serving guns would be subject to man the parapets in case of assault; 10,305 men are necessary for this purpose. There should be at least infantry enough to fill up all the garrisons of all the works south of the Potomac; to supply an additional 1,000 men at Fort Lyon, and 2,000 at the Chain Bridge, and a reserve of 15,000 men, besides 2,000 or 3,000 cavalry and eight or ten batteries of artillery, making 35,000 men in all, besides cavalry and field artillery; and this is the very lowest estimate for defense, under the most favor- able circumstances, as will be seen hereafter. If thc enemy was in front of Washington in force, and the Potomac was low, we might expect him to threaten both sides, and it would be necessary to have the works between the Potomac and Eastern Branch fully garrisoned. Finally, should he establish himself iu force on the north side of the Potomac, we might expect formidable assaults upon the works over the Eastern Branch, unless they were fully garrisoned. In general, how- ever, the defenses of part of the works might be safely trusted to their artillery garrisons. The following extract from the report of the commission ordered last autumn by the Secretary of War to report on the Defenses of Wash- ington may be interesting: The total infantry garrison required for their defense, bomputed at 2 men per yard of front perimeter, and 1 man per yard of rear perimeter of works, is about 25,000. The total number of artillerymen (to furnish three reliefs for each gun) required is about 9,000. It is seldoa necessary to keep these infantry supports attached to the works. The artillerymen, whose training requires much time, having learned the disposition of the armament, and computed the distances of the ground over which attacks may be looked for, and the ranges and service of their guns, should not he changed; they should remain permanently in the forts. The 25,000 infantry should be encamped in such positions as may be most cQnve- nient to enable them, in case of alarm, to garrison the several works, and a force of 3,000 cavalry should be available for outpost dnty~1 to give notice of the approach of any enemy. Whenever an enemy is within striking distance of the capital, able by rapid march to attenipt a coup de main, which might result in the tem~)orary occupation of the city, the dispersion of the Government, and the destruction of the archives, all of which could he accomplished by a single (lays possession, a covering army of not less than ~25,000 men should be held in position, rea(ly ~o march to nieet the attacking column. Against more serious attacks from the main body of the enemy, the capital must depend on the concentration of its entire armies in Virginia or Maryland. They should precede or follow any movement of the enemy seriously threatening the capital. You will observe that from Hunting Creek north to the Potomac there are about 11,000 yards of rifle-pits. As observed elsewhere, it will never be necessary to man the whole at once. Take that part be- tween Hunting Creek and Four-Mile Run, for example. There are 5,100 yards of rifle-pits connecting the works, but the actual front before which the enemy could arrange his line of battle will not be more than 2,100 yards. He will not mass his men in the valleys, or on the slopes of the valleys of these streams, where they would be seen and cut up by plunging and cross-fires of our forts. He may try their flanks with small columns, favored by darkness, & c., and they would be resisted by the fire of the forts, and by a few men holding the pits until reserves- could be brought up Page 179 C1L~r. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 179 Let it be supposed that the total of 35,000 men were provided, and that the enemy attacked our lines on the south side; of these 35,000, there would be appropriated as artillerymen for all the works, 10,300; for corn- plement of infantry, to make up full garrisons for all the works soath of the Potomac, 7,000; for additional supports to Fort Lyon and Chain Bridge position, 3,000; making a total of 20,300. This force would hold our two flanks at Fort Lyon and the Chain Bridge strongly, and would distribute along the line of forts from Ellsworth to Corcoran, as artil- lerymen and snpports ,8,045 men, of which the infantry supports would be posted near the works, and need not be shutup in them except in case of actual assault. There would remain 15,000 men, of which 4,000 might be in reserve at Arlington, 2,000 men where the Military road crosses Four-Mile Run, and 4,000 or 5,000 near the toll-gate, on Alexandria and Leesburg turnpike, leaving but 4,000 or 5,000, and such portions of the cavalry not employed in patrolling, and portion of the field artillery as a general reserve north of the Potomac, the works of which would only be held by their artillery garrisons. It will be seen, therefore that a force of this magnitude wonid not furnish a satisfactory defense against a powerful and prolonged attack. It would be necessary to sustain it by arming all the able-bodied men in the District, and putting them upon the lines and in garrisons in the northern forts, and even then the defense would be weak. If the river was low, and the enemy held both shores, the necessity of more troops would be still more apparent, and it would be unsafe to mentin a less number than 50,000 or 60,000 men as sufficient to make a good defense, and this last number coincides nearly with what the commission thought necessary to hold and cover the city in case an enemy is within striking distance, and even then they would rely only upon the concentration of our entire armies for ultimate security against more serious attacks from the main body. The tabular statement of armament, garrison, & c., gives the number, caliber, and character of guns in the works.* In those few cases where the guns are not on hand, the figures are entered in red; so also are the names of two or three forts not actually commenced, or as yet not materially advanced. Most of the guns wanting can be supplied at short notice from the Arsenal, as soon as the works are ready to receive them. It should be remembered that the commission recommended a strong work on Roziers Bluff, opposite Fort Lyon, to defend water batteries on the left bank of the Potomac; a water battery on Jones Point, be- low Alexandria, and two works in advance of the Arlington lines, none of which are included in the statement. They would probably require in all 2,000 more men. The figures representing actual garrisons at this date are the numbers of enlisted men present at the work. While in some few cases (as at Fort Corcoran) there are more than required as artillery garrisons, in others there is a deficiency. The rifle-pits south of the Potomac require but a very short period of good working days to be completed, with the force now detailed for that purpose. At the Chain Bridge they are completed; at Fort Lyon, nearly so. From the Potomac to Eastern Branch the line has beeii run through, but it is proposed ultimately to enlarge the part from Rock Creek to the Eastern Branch. This, with good weather, would require a regiment a couple of weeks to do. I understand from General Barry that there are on hand in the * This statement not found Page 180 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. forts 100 rounds of ammunition per gun, and sometimes more, except for the 100-pounders, for which ammunition is now being supplied. The statements as to number of guns required for new or old works are not regarded as final and exact. There is indetermination on these points and others in some few cases. J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier- Generat, & c. Abstract from consolidated morning report of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. Jo8eph Hooker commanding, for March 31, 1863; headqnarters, camp near Falmonth, Va. Command. General and staff Detachment Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Capt. James Starr.~ Provost-guard, Brig. Gen. NI. R. Patrick Regular Engineer Battalion, Capt. C. B. Reese. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham. U. S. Signal Corps, Capt. S. T. Cushing Artillery Reserve. Capt. G. A. IDe Russy First Corps, Maj. Gen. J. F. Reynolds . Second Corps, Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch. - . Third Corps, Maj. Gen. D. E. Sickles Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick Eleventh Corps, Maj. Gen. C. Schnrz Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum Cavalry Corps, Brig. Gen. George Stoneman... Present for duty. 9 0 66 159 2 28 22 53 972 1, 013 1, 004 845 1, 204 643 711 594 2 2, 345 351 544 77 1,362 15,586 15, 893 17, 591 15, 786 22, 384 13, 224 12, 452 11, 811. 4 a a a a be be be 68 3, 082 419 684 134 1, 561 20,216 20, 581 21, 560 19, 594 27, 077 16, 117 15, 466 16, 046 Total . 7, 316 129, 408 163, 005 8 - a- aa ~ a a bL be ~ a be be -~ .,~ p~ 68 67 137 3,755 3,290 468 469 2,041 2,050 180 191 1,745 1,944 58 27,011 27,320 52 29, 268 29, 745 48 28, 306 28, 577 60 2~, 796 25, 992 42 33, 635 33, 798 58 20, 117 20, 300 36 20, 126 20, 639 34 22, 251 22, 201 22 214, 767 216,718 410 Command. General and staff Detachment Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Capt James Starr.* Provost-guard, Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick. Regular Engineer Battalion, Capt. C. B. Reese. Volunteer Engineer Brigade, Brig. Gen. H. W. Beuham. U. S. Signal Corps, Capt. S. T. Cushing- Artillery Reserve, Capt. G. A. IDe hussy First Corps, Maj. Gen. J. F. Reynolds Second Corps, Maj. Gen. B. N. Couch Third Corps, Maj. Gen. B. E. Sickles Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick Eleventh Corps, Msj. Gen. C. Schurz . Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum Cavalry Corps, Brig. Gen. George Stoneman Infantry. ~1 o Present for duty equipped. Cavalry. Artillery. 96 0 ____ __ 130 2 28 88:: 45 911 14,270 i03 27 943 14,813 4 19 21 16, 195 30 810 14, 996 .. - 17 1,155 20,847 j 37 604 12,315 4 32 14 688 11,857 - . - ..-- 15 1 ~ 8 0 1,839 2 85 351 544 1,004 930 1, 156 864 1,173 588 595 472 Total -. 6, 2081 108, 135 * Now included in provost-guard. 552 10, 295 214 8,056 18 Page 181 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 181 Ab8tract from retnrn of the Department of ,Wa8hington, Maj. Gee. S. P. Heintzelman com- manding, for the month of March, 1563; headquarter8, Washington, D. C. Present for ~ of ~ a ~ieces duty. ~ ~. artillery. ~, aJ Command. -~ .3~ 5 5 a . ~ o 0 a b~ et a a o ~ .sI ~ ~ General headquarters 16 47 63 64 District of Alexandria . 102 1, 965 2, 450 2, 942 Camp Convalescent . 13 2, 537 2, 537 Camp Distribution 6 987 1, 080 1,080 Artillery defenses of Alexandria 122 2, 353 2, 929 3 447 162 Heavy Artillery Brigade 71 1, 687 2, 074 2, 824 89 17 Aberorombies division 239 5, 389 6, 406 8,736 36 25 Caseys division 351 6, 914 8, 472 9, 538 24 Pennsylvania Reserve Corps . 2Q8 4, 352 5, 278 7, 387 Cavalry Division . - . 299 4, 944 6, 748 7, 912 District of Washington . 194 4, 127 I 5, 173 6, 143 149 117 Artillery camp of instruction 34 814 948 1, 130 42 Defenses north of the Potomac 253 5, 908 7,400 8, 357 Cows of observation 131 3,026 3,644 4,112 6 Railway Brigade 30 722 875 907 Fort Washington 5 110 144 151 70 3 Total 2, 074 43, 345 56, 221 67, 267 506 262 Troops in the Department of Washington, Iiliaj. Gen. Samuel P. Heintzel. man commanding, March ~il, 1863. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. 5th New York Cavalry, Company I, Capt. George C. Morton. DISTRICT OF ALEXANDRIA. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. SLOUGH. 1st District of Columbia, Lieut. Col. 153d. New York, Maj. E. P. Davis. Lemuel Towers. 11th Rhode Island, Col. George E 26th Michigan, Col. J. S. Farrar. Church. ARTILLERY DEFENSES OF ALEXANDRIA. * Brig. Gen. ROBERT 0. TYLER. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Col. H. 2d New York Heavy Artillery,t Lient. L. Abbot. Col. Jeremiah Palmer. 19th Connecticut, Col. L. W. Wessells. 3d New York Artillery Battalion, Lient. 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery,t Col. Col. A. Senges. Thomas R. Tannatt. Wisconsin Heavy Artillery (one company), 34th Massachusetts, Col. George D. Wells. Capt. C. C. Meservey. ABERCROMBIES DIVISIoN4 Brig. Gen. J. J. ABERCROMBIE. Second Brigade. Third Brigade. Col. BURR PORTER. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY. 22d Connecticut, Col. George S. Burn- 127th New York, Lient. Col. S. L. Wood- ham. ford. 40th Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. Jos. A. 142d New York, Col. N. M. Curtis. Dalton. 143d New York, Col. D. P. De Witt. 141st New York, Maj. J. W. Dininny. 144th New York, Col. R. S. Hughston. 16th Virginia, Col. J. T. Close. * Comprising Forts Barnard, Blenker, Ellsworth, Lyon, Richardson, Scott, Ward, and Worth. These regiments constituted a heavy artillery brigade, under Col. M. Cogswell. Near Fort Albany, and at Arlington, Clouds Mill, Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, Minors Hill, Uptons Hill, and Vienna Page 182 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCHAP. XXXVII. Una8sig%ed. 9th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. J. Bigelow. 4th New York Heavy Artillery, Lient. Col. H. H. Hall. 17th New York Battery, Capt. G. T. Anthony. CASEY~8 DIVISION. * Maj. Gen. SILAs CASEY. Fir8t Brigade. Col. FRANK FESSENDEN. 25th Maine, Lient. Col. C. E. Shaw. 27th Maine, Col. Mark F. Wentworth. Second Brigade. Col. ASA P. BLUNT. / 12th Vermont, Lient. Col. Roswell Fain. ham. 13th Vermont, Col. F. V. Randall. 14th Vermont, Col. W. T. Nichols. 15th Vermont, Col. Redfleld Proctor. 16th Vermont, Col. W. G. Veazey. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER HAYS. 39th New York, Lient. Col. Charles Schwarz. 111th New York, Col. Clinton D. MacDougall. 125th New York, Col. George L. Willard. 126th New York, Col. Eliakim Sherrill. Artillery.t 2d Connecticut Battery, Capt. J. W. Sterling. 11th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. E. J. Jones. Keystone (Pennsylvania) Battery, Capt. M. Hastings. 1st Rhode Island Artillery, Battery H, Capt. Jeffrey Hazard. PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES. t Col. HORATIO G. SIcKEL. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM SINCLAIR. 1st Rifles, Col. C. F. Taylor. 1st Infantry, Capt. William C. Talley. 2d Infantry, Capt. Richard Ellis. 6th Infantry, Capt. James Cane. Second Brigade. Col. HENRY C. BOLINGER. 3d Infantry, Maj. William Briner. 4th Infantry, Col. R. H. Woolworth. 7th Infantry, Capt. L. B. Speece. 8th Infantry, Maj. S. M. Baily. Third Brigade. Col. J. W. FISHER. 5th Infantry, Lient. Col. George Dare. 9th Infantry, Lient. Col. James McK. Snodgrass. 10th Infantry, Maj. J. B. Knox. 11th Infantry, Lient. Col. Samuel M. Jackson. 12th Infantry, Col. Martin D. Hardin. * At Centreville, Chantilly, and Union Mills, Va. t The Second Connecticut and First Rhode Island Batteries with Second Brigade; the others with Third Brigade. Transferred February 512 from the ~irst Army Corps. Encamped at Fairfax Sta- tion, Minors Hill, and Uptons Hill. 18 Page 183 ~CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 183 CAVALRY DIVISION. Maj. Gen. Juuus STAHEL. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. Jos. T. COPELAND. Col. R. BUTLER PRICE. 5th Michigan, Lient. Col. Ebenezer Gould. 1st Michigan, Col. Charles H. Town. 11th Michigan, Col. George Gray. 1st Ohio (two companies), Capt. N. Jones. ~th Michigan, Col. W. D. Mann. 2d Pennsylvania, Lt. Col. J. P.Brinton. 1st Vermont, Col. Edward B. Sawyer. Third Brigade. Lient. Col. ROBERT JOHNSTONE. 5th New York. 18th Pennsylvania. 1st West Virginia. Artillery. 9th Michigan Battery, Capt. J. J. Danie1~. DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON. Brig. Gen. J. H. MARTINDALE. 2d District of Columbia, Col. C. M. Al- Pennsylvania Infantry (six corn. exander. panies. ) t 10th New Jersey, Col. W. R. Murphy. 11th New York Cavalry (six companies), 118th New York, Lieut. Col. 0. Keese, jr. Col. J. B. Swain. 152d New York, Lient. Col. Alonzo Fer- U. S. Ordnance Detachment, Lient. guson. Cot. George D. Ramsay. 169th New York, Col. Clarence Buell. 1st U. S. Cavalry, Company L, Capt. 27th Penn~ylvania, Company F, Capt. C. R. Fisher. Chauncey Spering. 2d U. S. Cavalry, Company M, Capt. 150th Pennsylvania, Company K, Capt. C. W. Canfield. David V. Derickson. 5th U. S. Cavalry, Company M, Capt. 157th Pennsylvania (four companies), William McLean. Maj. Thomas H. Addicks. ARTILLERY CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. BARRY. 1st Delaware Battery, Capt. B. Nields. 19th New York Battery, Capt. William 10th Michigan Battery, Capt. J.C. Shuetz. H. Stahl. 1st New York Artillery (Battery A), 27th New York Battery, Capt. J. B. Eaton. Capt. Thomas H. Bates. Independent Pennsylvania Battery, 12th New York Battery, Capt. George F. Lient. E. H. Nevin, jr. McKnight. 1st West Virginia Artillery (Battery A), 16th New York Battery, Capt. F. L. Lient. Max. Sivers. Hiller. DEFENSES NORTH OF THE POTOMAC. Lient. Col. JOSEPH A. HASKIN. Eir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. AuGusTus A. GIBSON. Col. LEwIS 0. MORRIs. ~3d Maine Battery, Capt. James G. Swett. 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, Col. D. 2d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Col. Chaplin. A. A. Gibson. 7th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery, Cob J. M. Lewis 0. Morris. Warner. 9th New York Heavy Artillery, Cob J. Welling. 9th New York Battery, Capt. Emil Schubert. 117th New York (Battalion), Lient. Col. A. White. * Near Fairfax Court-House. Stahel assigned to command March 21. t Drafted men attached to the Second District of Columbia. ~ Advance battery, Battery Jameson and Forts Alexander, Baker, Carroll, Lincoln, Pennsylvania, Ripley, Simmons, and Slocum Page 184 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM R. PEASE. 5th New York Heavy Artillery (Battalion), Maj. G. F. Merriam. 10th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. Alex. Piper. 117th New York (Battalion), Col. William H. Pease. CORPS OF OBSERVATION.* Col. A. B. JEWETT. 23d Maine, Col. William Wirt Virgin. 11th New York Cavalry, Companies E, F, 39th Massachusetts, Col. P. S. Davis. and I, Limit. Col. S. H. Wilkeson. 14th New Hampshire, Col. Robert Wilson. 10th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. J. 10th Vermont, Lient. Col. William W. Henry Sleeper. Henry. 6th Michigan Cavalry, Companies I and M, Capt. Charles W. Deane. RAILWAY BRIGADE. 109th New York, Col. B. F. Tracy. FORT WASHiNGTON. Col. CHARLES S. MERCHANT. 16th Indiana Battery, Lieut. Charles R. Deming. 4th U. S. Artillery (headquarters). Abstract from return of the Middle Department, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schench, U. S. Army~ commanding, for March 31, 1863; headqzearter8, Baltimore, Md. Present for +~ -~ ~ of Pieces artillery. duty. -~ H ~n0 a Command. . a H H ~ ~ H HO H ~ ~c ~ ~o ~ H be be be H H 0 ~ -~ -~ ~ Department staff 22 22 22 38 First Division (Kelley) 563 12, 198 14, 945 16, 560 19, 215 25 35x Second Division (Milroy) 386 7, 775 9, 596 11, 323 5, 696 20 First Separate Brigade 123 2, 255 2, 592 2, 838 2, 098 . Second Separate Brigade 102 2, 275 2, 941 3, 311 3, 394 . Third Separate Brigade 159 2, 925 3, 679 4, 087 4, 251 Fourth Separate Brigade (no report) Annapolis 30 491 583 636 713 Philadelphia 11 173 237 275 263 . - Fort Delaware 15 558 722 747 549 67 6 Camp Chesebrough 3 97 185 347 342 Total.. - - 1, 417 28, 747 35, 502 40, 146 36, 557 92 64 RECORD OF EVENTS. From the 1st to the 11th March, Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelley commanded the troops in and around Harpers Ferry, Va., and the Defenses of the Upper Potomac and the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On the 11th March, he was relieved of this com- mand, and assigned to the Command of the Third Division, transferring his headquar- ters to Cumberland, Md. March 16, Brigadier-General Kelley assumed Command of *At Edwards Ferry, Poo,lesville, and Whites Ford. t Headquarters at Annapolis, Md. 18 Page 185 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. the Third Division, relieving Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, assigned to the command of the Fourth Separate Brigade, comprising a portion of the troops of Western Virginia, transferred to this department by General Orders, No. 66, War Department, 1863, the troops of the Third Division being assigned to the First Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Kelley commanding. The remainder of the troops in Western Virginia, Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon commanding, constituted the Third Division of this department, and will be reported in next monthly return. The First Separate Brigade is engaged in preventing illicit traffic between the lower counties of Maryland and Eastern Virginia. The Second Separate Brigade is engaged in garrisoning the forts around Baltimore, and guarding the Philadelphia, Wilming- ton and Baltimore Railroad. The Third Separate Brigade is doing guard duty in and around Baltimore, and guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as far as Monocacy Junction. They are also doing guard duty in and around Frederick City, Md. The troops at Annapolis furnish guards for the general hospitals and the camp of the paroled prisoners. The troops at Philadelphia are doing guard and provost duty. The troops at Fort Delaware are engaged in garrisoning the fort. The First Con- necticut Cavalry are engaged as provost-guard and furnishing orderlies for the head- quarters. Abstract from return of the District of the Kanawha, Brig. Gen. B. P. Scammon, U. S Aiay, commanding, for March 31, 1863. i~F Present for ~ duty. ~ ~ a a ~,n Command. a ~ 5 5 bL bL~ a a~ S a . - a o ~ bt tbt S a bCbt o ~ ~i ~ General headquarters 4 4 4 First Brigade (Hayes) 44 953 1, 215 1, 414 - Second Brigade (White) 71 1, 708 2, 090 2, 386 . 5th West Virginia 32 453 625 771 . - Cavalry (District) -. 32 698 508 925 Artillery - 6 227 270 336 14 Total 189 4, 039 5, 012 5, 836 14 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18632.30 a. m. General SLOCUM, Twelfth Corps: General Siekiles, commanding Third Corps, reports that he has just received word from his outposts that the enemy have appeared in force in his front. The commanding general thereCore directs that you have your advance guards well on the alert, and your troops in readiness to meet this threatened demonstration. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM: The following is forwa~rded for your information, by order of Major- General Hooker: POTOMAC CREEKMidnight. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: I have just received the following from the~, commanding officer of my picket to- ward Hartwood: The colonel commanding infantry pickets has sent here a report that the cavalry 18 Page 186 186 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. vedettes on our right have been driven in by a large force of the enemys cavalry, supported by six guns. I have received no report of this from my line, but will take measures to ascertain the truth, and report at once. J. L. THOMPSON, Lieutenant-Colonel. I have given the necessary orders, and am ready and waiting for further informa- tion. W. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide.de.Camp. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 149. Washington, April 1, 1863. * * * - * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. Thomas G. Pitcher, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person, without delay, to Major.General Hooker, commanding Army of the Potomac. * * * * * * * By command of Major.General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEKD, Assistant Adjutant.General. HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, W. Va., April 1, 1863. (Received, Clarksburg, April 1.) Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS: Guerrillas have retreated by the way they came or through the same 4istrict of country. All these raids are but to withdraw attention from the front. Rebels were whipped back with loss; but without horses no long or rapid movements can be made in this country, especially at this season. My posts all duly cautioned and are on the qui vive, but I doubt their effecting anything decisive against the retreating rebels. Infantry cannot pnrsue cavalry, nor effectually block a dozen roads against half their own numbers. What cipher do you use ~I E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General, Cammanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 83. Washington, April 1, 1863. The new or modified forts and batteries around Washington will here- after be known by the following names: The name of the enlarged work now known as Fort Massachusetts to be changed to Fort Stevens, after Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, U. S. Volun- teers, of Massachusetts, who was killed September 1, 1862, at the battle of Chantilly, Va. The name of the enlarged work now known as Fort Pennsylvania to be changed to Fort Reno, after Maj. Gen. Jesse L. Reno, U. S. Volun- teers (captain of ordnance), of Pennsylvania, who was mortally wounded, September 14, 1862, at the battle of South Mountain, Md. The fort next and east of Fort Ripley to be called Fort Mansfield, after Brig. Gen. Joseph K. F. Mansfield, U. S. Army, who was mortally wounded, September 17, 1862, at tlie battle of Antietam, Md. The new fort next and east of Fort Mansfield to be called Fort Si Page 187 CRAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 187 mons, after Col. Seneca G. Simmons, Pennsylvania Volunteers (major Fourth U. S. Infantry), who was killed, June 30, 1862, at the battle of White Oak Swamp, Va. The round fort near Great Falls turnpike to be called Fort Bayard, after Brig. Geti. George D. Bayard, U. S. Volunteers (captain Fourth U. S. Cavalry), who was mortally wounded, December 13, 1862, at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. The new fort between Forts Reno and De Hussy to be called Fort Kearny, after Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny, U. S. Volunteers, who was killed, September 1, 1862, at the battle of Chantilly, [a. The battery between Forts Ripley and Mansfield, and west of Powder Mill Branch, to be called Battery Benson, after Capt. Henry Benson, Second U. S. Artillery, who died August ii, 1862, of wounds received at the second engagement at Malvern Hill, Va. The battery east of Battery Benson and Powder Mill Branch to be called Battery Bailey, after Capt. Guilford D. Bailey, commissary of subsistence, U. S. Army (first lieutenant Second U. S. Artillery), who was killed, May 31, 1862, at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va. The battery between Forts Heno and Kearny to be called Battery Rossell, after Maj. Nathan B. Rossell, Third U. S. Infantry, who was killed, June 27, 1862, at the battle of Gaines Mill, Va. The battery west of Fort De Hussy to be called Battery Sme~d, after Capt. John R. Smead, Fifth U. S. Artillery, who was killed, August 30, 1862, at the battle near Centreville, Va. The battery on the right of Fort De Hussy to be called Battery King8bury, after Col. Henry W. Kingsbury, Connecticut Volunteers (first lieutenant Fifth U. S. Artillery), who was mortally wounded, Sep. tember 17, 1862, at the battle of Antietam, Md. The battery on the right bank of the Eastern Branch of the Potomac to be called Battery Jameson, after Brig. Gen. Charles D. Jameson, U. S. Volunteers, who was in the battle of Bull Run, and who distinguished himself at the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and died, No. vember 6, 1862, at his house in Old Town, Me., of typhoid fever, con- tracted in the field. The 100-pounder gun battery on Maddoxs place to be called Battery Kemble, after the venerable Gouverneur Kemble, of Cold Spring, N. Y., formerly president of the West Point Foundry, where most of the Army and Navy heavy guns have been made. The 100-pounder gun battery between Batteries Kemble and Cameron to be called Battery Parrott, after Robert P. Parrott, of Cold Spring, N. Y., formerly a captain of ordnance, U. S. Army, and the inventor of the Parrott gun. The battery in advance of Fort Blenker, to be called Battery Garesch6, after Lient. Col. Julius P. Garesch6, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Army, who was killed, December 31, 1862, at the battle of Murfrees- borough, Tenn. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assi8tant Adjutant-Generat. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: M~ DEAR SIR: I send you our last advices from Richmond. The papers contained but little news. Lieutenant.General Longstreet wa Page 188 188 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII.. on the opposite side of the river night before last. It is reported that his command is returning. Shall know the fact, if it be so, to-day. The transfer of troops to Lees army will afford a solution of the re- port that the enemy is evacuating Ricliniond, which will never be until he is coml)elled to. Why is not the Second Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers on its way back ~ Very truly, yours, JOSEPH HOOKEF~, Major. General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, No. 35. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 2, 1863. I. In pursuance of instructions which have been received from the War Department, there will be a general muster of all the troops serving in this army on the 10th instant, and the muster-rolls will be imme- diately thereafter sent to the Adjutant-General of the Army, for the use of the Provost-Marshal-General in making drafts to fill up regi- ments and batteries to the proper complement. II. Accounts for company savings should be forwarded to the Com- missary-General of Subsistence, at Wasliiugtou, D. C. When such ac- counts ar~ made out as required by the regulations, and the commis- saries signing the certificates to them have taken up the stores on their return, payment will be made. The envelopes containing the accounts, besides having the usual direction, must be indorsed company savings.~ III. Application for the return of absent officers and men must be accompanied by separate lists of those who aiSe at different stations or places. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant- GeneraL WINCHESTER, VA., April 2, 1863~ Major-General SCHENOK, Balttmore: I have just received a message from General Elliott, at Lost River, 5 miles beyond Wardensville. He found the river too high to cross with his infantry and artillery. Sent on a regiment of cavalry toward Moore- field. Says he cannot cross his infantry and artillery without bridging, an(l he has not tools to build a bridge. I think before he can cross, Jones will have escaped. What do you say to having Elliott go from Wardensville to Woodstock, then up the Valley to Harrisonburg, to head Jones off~ I think it would be best to turn Leopole over to the civil authorities of Maryland. Shall I do so l R. H. MILROY, Major- General. BALTIMORE MD April 2,1863. Major-General BURNSIDE: If your troops have arrived at Parkersburg, please direct them to push forward by the railroad toward Clarksburg, clearing the road of guerrillas who may be engaged interrupting communications, and ad- vancing as far, if possible, as New Salem, where there is an importan Page 189 CHAP. XXXvII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 crossing, and where they may communicate with and support General Roberts, who is at Clarksburg, and has been joined by General Kenlys brigade from Harpers Ferry, and have troops enough to engage the divisionI think the combined forces of the rebels, Imboden, [W. L.] Jackson, and Joneswho have made a junction 6 miles south of him. I am occupying and working the road as far west as Grafton. The rebel force which was at Morgantown, and is, I still believe, never very large, has gone, I think, with Jones by way of Fairmont to the neighborhood of Clarksburg. I have been endeavoring to allay the wild panic in Clyde and at Wheeling, and to have them advance what troops they can toward Morgantown and Grafton. SCHENOK, Major- General. APRIL 3, 1863. Information relative to the command of General David R. [William B.] Jones, at present reported to be in the Valley. The following information was obtained from a deserter last Feb- ruary: That Brigadier-General Jones commands in the Valley of the Shenan- doah, his force consisting of two small regiments of infantry, three small regiments of cavalry, one battery of artillery, and the Maryland bat- talion of infantry. At Woodstock there was a force of cavalry about 300 strong. At Edenburg General Jones has his headquarters, with his infantry and artillery. The remaining force of cav~lry is at Mount Jackson. [E. V.] Whites battalion was at New Market, and six companies in Ilarrisonburg. The above was the distribution of General Jones forces last Febrn- ary, and is very reliable. From later information, we are enabled to give the organization of General Jones forces more fully. Infantry: First Maryland Battalion [cavalry], White [Ridgely Brown] commanding; Forty-fourth Virginia Regiment, Maryland Line [First Maryland Infantry]. Cavalry: Sixth Virginia Regiment; Seventh Virginia Regiment; Twelfth Virginia Regiment. It is reported that he has a few other regiments or battalions of Vir- ginia cavalry, all of which are small. Artillery: Baltimore Light Artillery. This comprises all the reliable information we have concerning Gen- eral ~ command. Respectfully snbmitted. GEG. H. SHARPE, Department Provost-ifarshal- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 8, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, through headquarters of the Army, for the information of the major-general commanding Defenses of Washington. It is believed that some dependence can be placed upon the information contained within, collected from scouts and. spies employed in this army. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & aff Page 190 190 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 155. Washington, April 4, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. R. B. Ayres, U. S. Volunteers, will report to Major- General Hooker, commanding Army of the Potomac, for assignment t~ duty. * * * * * * * By command of Major.General ilalleck. E. P. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. SUFFOLK, VA., April 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I am honored with your communication of the 2d,* touch- ing the strength and position of my troops; also the strength and position of the enemy in my front. As these data may have an impor- tant bearing upon your operations, I most cheerfully l)roceed to give you the desired information: By the inclosed map* you will perceive that a large district is under my command, being, in general terms, all east of the Blackwater and Chowan. Several counties of North Carolina are nominally in Gen. eral Fosters department, btft really dependent upon me for protection. General Viele has a small force at Norfolk. My headquarters are at Suffolk, where I keep nearly the whole force, and from which point I move my columns according to ~ircumustances. The service is bard, and they are kept active when the weather l)erlnits. The enemy occupies the Blackwater in force dowii to the Chowan and probably below Win- ton. From the fact that some 4,000 have been several weeks fortifying Fort Powhatan, on the James, I infer that Chipoak and tirchen I~ivers, with Cypress Swamp, form the lefi of their line. (See military map of Southeastern Virginia, from Coast Sn vey.) All the fords, passes, and bridges aic fortified and guarded. He oc- cupies Surry Court-House, an(l pickets a belt of 5 or 6 miles on this side of the river. The intermediate country is traversed by both, and is the theater of many eel I isions. On the 1st of March, Hoods and Picketts divisions left Fredericks- burg for Petersburg, and General Longstreet assn med command about that time or a thw (lays before. One division started for Charleston, but returned. General Longstreet made a reconnaissance, with Gen- eral [M.] Jenkins commanding, on the river last week, a 11(1 returned to Petersburg. My information from numerous sources has been that Longstreet had within 20 or 30 miles of this place 15,000, and 15~000 along the railway this side of Petersburg which he could concentrate in twelve hours, and I was advised from headquarters a few days since that one of our spies had a list of the regiments and the strength, and they amounted to 28,000. Deserters who left the PAackwater on the 1st, say that General [M. P.] Corses brigade of Virginia troops arrived at Zuni on the 23d; also that a large pontoon train came by rail. They state that Hoods division was expected to follow. A large brigade of Mississippians, under General Notfound Page 191 CaAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 J. ZR. Davis, arrived recently from Goldsborough; also a brigade of South Carolinians, under General [John] Bratton. He is strong in cav- alry and artillery. Ever since my arrival, the enemy has been impressed with the idea. that an army would attempt this route, and they have watched very closely. Much of the time their force has been greatly in excess ot mine. This has been in part due to the demonstrations I have made. My force has been greatly magnified by our people, and the rebels was rated from 30,000 to 50,000, when I had less than 12,000. Total infantry for duty 12, 59G Total cavalry 1,683 Total artillery 893 Two divisions, total for duty 15, 166 Four of my batteries are good and three are indifferent. There is no foundation for the report of an intended evacuation of Richmond. It will give me pleasure to advise you from time to time of any im- portant changes made by the enemy and of the information brought to me from creditable sources. Wishing you all success in your very responsible command, I remain, very truly, yours, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. CLARKSBITRG, [April] 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS: Governor Peirpoint telegraphs as follows: A number of horses were stolen last nit~ht from the head of Fishing. Watch the points. Dont catch th~ thieves alive. General, there is no doubt in my mind but that this is the beginning of a concerted l)lan to get recruits and horses for the rebel forces. I have telegraphed to commander of post at Weston to carefully watch for the thieves. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., April 6, 1863. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, & ?cretary of the Navy: Sin: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th ultimo, inclosing a copy of a communication from Commodore ilarwood, commanding the Potomac Flotilla, in reference to the conduct of the troops at Piney Point, and to inform you that, on reference to the Adjutant-General, he has returned the same, with the report of Maj. Gen. ZR. C. Schenek, made to him, indorsed thereon, as follows: Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General with the request that the attention of the Secretary of War may be especially called to the explanation of Brigadier- General Lockwood, contained in his two letters of the 19th instaut. The matters therein contained, I think, should also be specially looked to by the Secretary of the Navy. General Lockwood is an officer in whose energy, discretion, and loyalty Page 192 192 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. have the utmost confidence, and I believe he is doing more effective service now on the bank of the Lower Potomac than has ever been accomplished by any officer in charge of that district before him. Copies of the two letters of Brigadier-General Lockwood, mentione~i in the above report of Major.GeueraL Schenck, are herewith trans. lnitted.* Very respectfully, yours, P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. BALTIMORE, MD., April 7, 186310.50 a. in. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General.in- Chief: General Scammon telegraphs of our pursuit of the rebels on the Kanawha that Captain Dove, Second Virginia Cavalry, returned to Coalsniouth yesterday with 34 prisoners and same number of horses. He had also destroyed between 75 and 100 stand of arms of the enemy. No further particulars.t Jenkins reported to be at Salt Rock, on the Guyandotte, with 800 men. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. SUFFOLK, April 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac, Falmouth: Answered your communication. j: Just examined a man who left Petersburg on Wednesday; confirms my previous information. Long. 8treet moving troops this way last week. JOHN J. PECK, Major. General. BTJCKHANNON, VA., April 7, 1863. GOVERNOR OF WESTERN VIRGINIA: I have the honor to send you a letter I thought proper to address to the loyal citizens of the counties embraced in my command. If yoa see any merit in the organization I propose to them, it may be well for you toindorse the recommendation, and make it general and uniform through- out the State. A determined will on the part of the people to aid in this way (the army) in destroying the outlaws now busy in planning their system of brigandage, will have a great moral effect. If the pretending neutrals see that the people are rising and organizing to make war upon them, I am undoubting in my convictions that their atrocious schemes will at once be abandoned, and comparative quiet will be restored to your new State. If this address meets your approval, you will oblige i~ne by sending * See inclosures to third indorsement, pp. 125, 126. t See Part I, p. 79. I See Peck to Hooker, April 4, p. 190. ~S t~{ot found Page 193 CHAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 193 it to your Union paper that has the greatest circulation in these coun- ties, with my request to the editor that lie will Publish it iii his daily and weekly. I also inclose a letter I have addressed to Major-( ~eneral Schenek, sug- gesting my views of a policy that sholll(l, in my judgment, be adopted to purge your new State of the (lisloyal families making habitual mis- chief while remaining within our hues. Should my views accord with yonrs, you may aid me in persuading General Scheuck, or the War Department, to a(lopt them. I am, Governor, very resj)ecthhlly, your obedient servant, B. S. L{OBERTS, Brigadier General, Commanding. Inclosuic.] BUcIuIANNON, VA., Col. W. II. CHESEBROUWBI, April 7, 1863. Assistant Adjutant General: SIR: 1 have the honor to suggest to the commanding general of the department the line of policy I wish to pursue iii my ue~ulation of the district of country embraced in uriv comman(l to~vard that class of people who favor secession and the reUellion, and who are alike op~)osed to the new State government of Western Virginia amid the Federal Gov- ernment of the Union. This class is very much more numerous than I had expected to find them, and are much more (lamigerous here than they could possibly be in open rebellion amid in arias within the rel)el lines. They harbor and give shelter to the guerrillas, and to rebel soldiers who, in disguise, pass into our lines, l)rnmgiimg inloramation, amid returning wit Ii intelligence for our enemies, amid carry off horses and other property they steal from Union citizens, or that are snl)l)hied to them by the class who con- ceal them. They are especially active at this tinme, and prompt and severe measures must be adopted to strike down this great mischief. The character of this country favors this kind of brigandage, and the disloyal portions of the citizens who claim to be neutrals can, as a gen- eral thing, escape detection. I propose to cormipel this class to go beyond our lines, making few eXcel)tions, if any, and to take with them their families, old and young, but not their property, or anything that could aid the rebels. I see neither liumanity justice, nor any wisdomn in permitting them to live under the protection of the new State government of Western Virginia, or the Federal Government, while they withhold their allegiance to either, and covertly aid the rebellion, vexing the loyal citizens, infiam- ing resentments, and encouraging the raids of the guerrillas in the de- struction of their property, and in continuing the system of brigandage, planned by Governor Letcher at liichmond, for the overthrow of the new State govermimuent at Wheeling. There is another class that should be sent at once into the enemys lines. They are the wives and families of officers and soldiers in the Confederate service. They carry information and supplies from point to point in these mountains, where they meet their friends, and thus keep np a channel of communication that can only be broken up by expelling them froni the country. I have consulted with the prominent and most intelligent Union citi- zens in and about this region, and there is but one sentiment among 13 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 194 194 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. them, and that is that the measures I propose have become now a ne- cessity. .That is my undoubted conviction. But I beg to suggest to the general commanding that this policy should receive his sanction by a general order that shall make it uni- form throughout Western Virginia, and if such order should emanate at Washington, its execution and effect would be still more beneficial. I am, very respectfully. your obedient servant B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Go?nrnanding. CAMP NEAR HOPE LANDING, April 8, 1863. Colonel CLENDENIN, Eighth Illinois Garalry: COLONEL: Colonel Chapman, commanding pickets, reports a com- pany of rebel cavalry in the vicinity of Brentsville. The colonel com- manding the brigade directs that, in accordance to the detail for pickets, you send a squadron to-morrow morning, under an energetic officer, to scout in that vicinity, and to endeavor to capture them. The squadron should not be gone more than two or three days, and, after reporting the result of the scout to the officer commanding pickets, to return to camp. The officer commanding pickets, if called upon to do so, will furnish an escort to the telegraph operator at Duinfries, to protect working par. ties on the line from that place to Occoquan. Instruct him, also, to be on the lookout, for it is about time Stuart was making another raid. If he thinks his force insufficient, direct him to report to that effect. Very respectfully, E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, First Cavalry Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 39. f Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 8, 1863. I. Each purveyor, desiring to obtain Government transportation from Washington to this army for his supplies, will applyfwith the approved list prescribed in Clause 3, Paragraph VIII, of General Orders, No 10, of February 7, 1863, from these headquarters, to First Licut. C. D. Mehaffey, First U. S. Infantry, who is hereby appointed inspector of purveyors supplies for the Army of the Potomac. This officer will be posted at Washington, at such convenient place as may be assigned him by the Quartermasters Department. H~ will carefully inspect each package, and, if satisfied that it contains nothing not borne on the approved list, will place upon it a label denoting that it has been in- spected and approved for transportation. The Quartermasters De- partment will furnish transportation to purveyors for all packages so approved, when it can be done without detriment to the service, and to none others. II. The lists aforesaid will be made out in triplicate; will state in precise terms the quantity of each species of goods ordered, and will be ~WOQmp4I1iO~i. 1y ~ o~i~inal orders calling fo~ the same. The items QI Page 195 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 these lists will be numbered, and opposite each item will be placed the name of the officer ordering it. No list, wherein the l)rovisions of this order are not complied with, will be approved at these headquarters. III. Purveyors, in putting up their packages, will mark each package with nnmbers corresponding to the numbers of the items contained therein, as borne on their approved lists, so as to be enabled to tell, if called upon, the contents of each package. IV. Misrepresentation to the iiispector as to the contents of a pack- age, or any attempt to evade the inspection herein provided for, will be punished by forfeiture of parveyorship and confiscation of the goods. V. No officers name will be placed on any package, but each will be marked distinctly with the numbers aforesaid, the purveyors name, and the point to which (i-overnipent transportation is desired. VI. No orders for supplies will be given to any purveyor by an officer, unless in good faith, and for the l)ersonal use of the officer or his mess. Vii. While the army remains in its present position, no passes for sutlers or purveyors to points beyond Aquia Creek will be granted, ex- cept l)y the l)rovost-marshal.general. These passes will expire with the trip for which they are given, and will be taken up on the return of the party to whom they are granted. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HP QRS. I)EPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, No. 17. April 8, 1863. I. No passes whatever will be respected to cross or recross the lines of this department on the south side of the Potomac. II. Should any persons be permitted to pass the lines, they will be accompanied by a military escort. By command of Major.General Heintzelman: C. II. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, April 10, 1863. Adjutant. General U. ~. Army: Having learned that the recommendations of the general officers commanding corps in this army for the appointments on their re- spective staffs authorized by law cannot be favorably considered until the corps commanders themselves have been regularly designated by the President, I respectfully request that the President will be pleased to confirm the following selections with as little delay as prac. ticable: First Corps, Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds; Second Corps, 1~Iaj. Geim. I). N. Conch; Third Corps, Maj. Gen. D. E. Sickles; Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade; Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick; Elev- enth Corps, Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard; Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum; Cavalry Corps, Maj. Gen. George Stoneman. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major4ieneral, Commanding Page 196 196 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOITTH, VA., April 10, 1863. GEORGE H. STUART, Esq., Chairman U. S. Christian Commission, Philadelphia, Pa.: Major-General Hooker directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, asking that, in the event of a forward move- merit of this army, the delegates of the Christian Commission serving with it may be furnished with certain facilities to enable them to ac- company the troops, and, in reply, I am directed to state that while the major-general commanding fully appreciates the benevolent spirit which has brought here the gentlemen of your commission who are with us, and is sensible of the valuable services th.ey render, as well as of the good they do, he regrets that he cannot give you any assurance that when the army is actually on the move it will be in his power to provide your delegates with anything in the way of means of transportation or of supplies. The army will, without doubt, on such an occasion abso- lutely need all its resources. I am directed to add that the major-general commanding will at all times be very happy to provide your delegates with any assistance in the discharge of their noble mission to this army that the state of the military service will justify. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FIRST CAVAL1~Y DIV., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 10, 1863. P. H. WATSON, Esq., Assistant Secretary of War: MY DEAR SIR: Mr. G. S. Smith, whom you sent down to me, has made his report, and his explanations are consistent, and appear satis- factory. I have sent him to General Hookers headquarters, and sub- mitted his case to that officer. He gives some points of information that seem to be important for yon to know: 1. The rebel force on the Rappahannock has not been diminished. Two divisions of Longstreets troops have returned to Fredericksburg. 2. The rebels are fortifying the fords of the iRapidan, and intend to fight on that stream and at Fredericksburg. 3. There are no works or troops on the railroad from Culpeper to within 3 miles of Richmond. All the heights around Richmond are fortified. lie saw three of these works, viz: One on the Williamsburg road, with ten heavy guns mountedvery formidable; one on Murray , with eight heavy guns and two light onesmounted; one be- tween Murray Hill and the river, with three light guns. 4. * * * The Merrimac No. 2 and one gunboat are at Fort Dar- ling. Two new iron-dads now building, on model of Merrimac No. 2; no iron on yet; one planked, the other not quite. The iron appears to be ready. No troops to be seen near IRiclimond, e xcept in the fortifi- cations. 5. * * * The bread riots in Ricliniond wvrc gotten up by Union men, of whom there are as many as ever. There is immuch sulkring among the citizens in the South, but the soldiers are well supplied and are in good heart and spirits. Everybody has becim conscripted. The troops have 22 ounces per day of flour, one-fourth pound of meat, with some sugar and rice occasionally. The rebel - officers at Culpepe Page 197 CHAP. XXXYII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 197 appear to think it is not the intention to hold that country if pressed, but to fight on the Bapidan and at Fredericksburg. 6. * * * The blockade-runners ship their goods by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Long Creek Station, and from thence pass down the Valley through Brocks Gap to Staunton. 7. * * * There is a brigade of cavalry near Winchester, under Jones. Whites battaliou is between Jones and Culpeper. Cobbs Cavalry Legion is near Madison, at Wolftown. 8. * * * The rebels are seizing all the able-bodied negroes north of the Rappahannock and taking them south. Please acknowledge the receipt of this. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General. P. S.The rebels have [arrested] numbers of Northern men, under the plea of their being spies. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TUE POTOMAC, No. 40. Camp near ialmouth, Va., April 10, 1863. I. Unnecessary delay has occurred in forwarding to these headquar- ters deserters, contrabands, and prisoners captured or coming into the lines of this army. It is the duty of all to see that every prisoner, deserter, contra- band, or citizen, also all newspapers, communications, or other articles, wherever received, whether captured or coming from the enemy, are sent, withont delay, to the provost-marshal-general, at these headquar- ters. II. The commanding general regrets that it has become necessary for him to reprimand, in general terms, officers who send incorrect informa- tion from the picket lines. The outposts of an army are its safeguards, and this duty must be so performed that the camps are not unnecessarily disturbed. Officers of outposts are expected to inform themselves accurately of all events transpiring in their vicinity, and those whose fears magnify trifling squads into large bodies of the enemy as richly deserve death as the base wretch who deserts his countrys flag or his comrades in battle. It has been too much a practice, upOli outposts and battle-fields, to send back reports and calls for re-enforcements, founded upon imagination or the tales of a frightened or cowardly shirk. The fate of battle may be changed by such reports. Officers will be held responsible that their reports from the front are perfectly reliable. Their aAention is called to the Forty-ninth Article of War. Corps and division commanders are required to see that any officei or soldier, guilty of conduct in conflict with its provisions, or of. the character referred to in this order, is brought before a court-martial without delay. III. Upon the march straggling must not be permitted. Corps corn - manders will take effectual measures to prevent it. Officers who fail to prevent it in their respective commands must be relieved and sent to the rear, and their names and the number of their regiments for- warded for publication in orders. Leaves of absence and furloughs must also be withheld from regiments in which straggling is tolerated. Drum-head courts-inartial,if necessary, cami be held, for the punishment of this class of offenders Page 198 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND t~A. [CHAP. xXXVII. IV. Corps and division commanders, and assistant inspectors-gen- eral, should watch the conduct and behavior of officers and men on the march as ~vell as in battle. Regiments not moving promptly, as ordered, permitting straggling, or where the officers show a lack of ca- l)acity and zeal in ~)ushing lbrward and overcoming obstacles, must be specially reported for such neglect, in addition to other measures that may be taken by commanders in such cases for the enforcement of dis- cipline. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CLARKSBURG, April 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS: I have from a scout on Cheat River as follows: This is to inform you that I have found out the plans of the Secesli at Beverly. Learn they have frequently conveyed news to General Imboden by letters every week. The Beverly ladies say that if they knew the time when the Secesh would make an attack on Beverly, and if they would send them the materials, they would spike their cannons. rhey say they are not guarded. We have this news from reliable persons. There is news carried which you are not aware of Tell them to watch Jedson B. Wqre. He conveys news to his brother Haman, and Haman conveys it to Imboden. Attend to this immediately, and convey it to the commander at Beverly. Imbodens forces are not exceeding 800. The foregoing is a true copy. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding Sixth Brigade, & c. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 11, 1863. I. The etThctive force of this corps will be in readiness to move at daylight Monday, April 13. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Stoneman: J. II. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant inspector- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 167. Washington, April 11, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. George J. Stannard, U. S. Volunteers, will report for d iity to Major-General lleintzehmnan, commanding Department of Wash- iiigton. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Ilalleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, No. 55. April 11, 1863. * * * * * * * XIII. The Second Brigade, PeiinsylvanialReserve Corps, and Eleventh Vermont Heavy Artillery, will prepare to report on the 13th instant to 19 Page 199 CHAP. XXXVIJ.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 199 Brig. Gen. J. II. Martindale, Military Governor of Washington, for tem- porary duty. No movement will be made without further orders from these headquarters. XLV. The Third Brigade, Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, will prepare to report on the 13th instant to Brig. Gen. J. P. Slough, Military Gov- ernor of Alexandria, for temporary duty. No movement will l)e made without further orders from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Heintzelman: C. H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUTTON, [April] 11, 1863. Capt. JOSEPH MoC. BELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, Buckhannon: That scout I informed you of yesterday came in last night, but has no particular information of the rebel movements. There is no citizen here in whom I can trust. I will send a party of 3 or 4 out to-morrow toward Lewisburg, and dress them in rebel uni- forms. H.P. MAYER, First Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 11, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: After giving the subject my best reflection, I have concluded that I will have more chance of inflicting a heavier blow npon the enemy by turning his position to my right, and, if practicable, to sever his con- nections with Richmond with my dragoon force and such light batteries as it may be deemed advisable to send with them. I am apprehensive that he will retire from before me the moment I should succeed in crossing the river, and over the shortest line to Richmond, and thus escape being seriously crippled. I hope that when the cavalry have established themselves on the line between him and Richmond, they will be able to hold him and check his retreat until I can fall on his rear, or, if not that, I will compel him to fall back by the way of Cul- peper and Gordonsville, over a longer line than my own, with his sup- plies cut oIL The cavalry will probably cross the river above the Rap- pahannock Bridge, thence to Culpeper and Gordonsville and across to the Aquia Railroad, somewhere in the vicinity of Hanover Court- House. They will probably have a fight in the vicinity of Culpeper, but not one that should cause them much delay or embarrassment. I have given directions for the cavalry to be in readiness to commence the movement on Monday morning next. While the cavalry are mov- ing, I shall threaten the passage of the river at various points, and, after they have passed well to the enemys rear, shall endeavor to etkct the crossing. I hope, Mr. President, that this plan will receive your approval. It will obviate the necessity of detaching a force from Wash- ington in the direction of Warrenton, while I think it will enhance my chances for inflicting a heavy blow upon the enemys forces. We have no news from over the river to-day, the enemy refusing t Page 200 200 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL let us have the newspapers. I sincerely trust that you reached home safely and in good time yesterday. We :dl look back to your visit with great satisfaction. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH hOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. WASnINGroN, I). C., April 12, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: Your letter, by the hand of General Butterfield, is received, and will be conformed to. The thing you dispense with would have been ready by midday to-morrow. A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, I3rigadier-General GREGG, April 12, 1863. Commanding Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you will move with the entire effi~ctive force of your division (with pack and supply trains) at 7 a. in. to-morrow, reporting the arrival of th~ head of your column at these headquarters, where you will receive further instruc- tions. The regiment which you were notified to hold in readiness to scout the Lower iRappahannock will be instructed to be kept constantly on the move, keeping np as decided a show of force as possible, and the commander of it will report for instructions to the headquarters Army of the Potomac. Corps headquarters tomorrow night will be at Spotted Tavern, where you will send, on your arrival at your designated camp, a ~taff officer, with a small escort, for further instructions. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Fjta~J. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 12, 1863. Brigadier-General GREGG: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from headquarters Army of the Potomac, the major-general commanding directs that you keep the regiment you have as picket, moving so as to produce as much show as possible, in order to prevent communications across the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR HOPE LANDiNG, April 12, 1863. Captain COHEN, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Cavalry Division: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report my brigade ready to move to-morrow morning, in compliance with orders, excepting the Eight Page 201 CHAP. XXXVH.] COkRESPONDENCE, ETOUNIO1~. Illinois, which has not yet returned from picket, and which is not fully supplied with forage. Upon examination, 50 horses of the Eighth Illi- nois and 100 of the Eighth New York are found to be in such poor condition that they would undoubtedly give ont in two or three days march. I have directed them to be sent to the depot, subject to the approval of the division commander. The regiments report as follows, inclusive of packers and pioneers, Viz: Eighth New York Cavalry 560 Eighth Illinois Cavalry 450 Third Indiana Cavalry . 340 Third Virginia Cavalry . 60 Ninth Ne~v York Cavalry 90 Making the total strength 1,500 The Third Virginia have live wagons, but no pack mules nor sad~11es. They have been ordered to retain one wagon, to carry forage and rations. I presume the pack-saddles could now be obtained, ftr which I re- spectfully request the approval of the general commanding. I am, very respectfully, B. F. DAVIS, Colonel Eighth New York Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. BALTIMORE, Mn., Maj. Gen. II. ~. HALLECK, April 12, 1863 1.25 p. m. General-in- Chief: Brigadier-General Scammon telegraphs from Charleston: Detachment of cavalry, under Major McMahan, just retnrned from Logan. Killed 3, wounded 2, and captured 20 of the enemy. Our loss, 1 horse killed. Thus far the rebel Jenkins bus lost 200 men. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major-General. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, SUFFOLK, VA., April 12, 1863. head quarters Army of ilte Potomac: Longstreet is now before me with a very heavy force. The attack is on my front, which cnts off much of the aid of the gunboats on the flanks. Prisoners say 30,000 and more. JOHN J. PECK, (Copy to General ilalleck.) iliajor-General. WASHINGTON, ID. C., Major.General llOOKER~ April 12, 186310.30 a. m. Palmouth, TTa.: Dispatches from Fort Monroe say that the enemy attacked Williams- burg and Suffolk in large force yesterday. They are also pressing Gen- eral Foster in North Carolina very closely. II. W. HALLECK, General.in.Chief. 20 Page 202 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863. Commanding Officer of Regiment at the United States and Banks Fords, (through Commanding Officcr Fifth Corps): I am instructed by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to direct you to l)roceed with your regiment, by the most di- rect routes, to Banks and the United States Fords, where you will take post until further orders. You will march at 8 oclock to-morrow, pro- vided with five days rations. On reaching the fords, you will be care- ful to post your men so as to prevent the crossing of the enemy, and at the same time keep as many of your men from being exposed to their view as practicable. You will permit no communication across the river, and will arrest and return to camp all parties attempting it. You will communicate with the headquarters of your corps as often as necessary. At the same hour named for your regiment, another force will march to take post higher up the river, at Kellys Ford. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863. Commanding Officer of Brigade of Eleventh Corps, under orders to pro. ceed to Kellys Ford (through Commanding Officer Eleventh Corps): I am instructed by the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to direct you to proceed with your brigade and one battery to Kellys Ford, and there take post until further orders. You will march at 8 oclock to-morrow morning over the most direct route, provided with supplies for four days. You will march as light as possible for service, and on reaching Kellys Ford will take such a position as will prevent the enemy from crossing in case they should attempt it, and at the same time keep yonr command hidden from his view as much as practicable. The general desires that you will take special pains to prevent any communication across the river on the part of the citizens for as great a distance above and below the ford as you may deem it practicable. There will be a cavalry force to leave here to-morrow for a point higher up the river, and when their wagons retnrn it is directed that you will protect them. You will communicate with your corps headquarters as often as nec- essary. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 13, 1863. Commanding Officer, Engineer Brigade: I am directed by the major-general commanding to reply to your let. ter of the 11th instant, respecting the equipment of the pontoon trains, as follows: It is the opinion of the major-general commanding that the wants of 20 Page 203 L~HAP. XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. this army require but two pontoon trains to accompany it on its march, and that while here it will be a useless expenditure of the public means to have all the trains provided with teams with nothing to do. The quartermaster will provide animals when wanted to move the trains not now provided with them. Meanwhile all the trains will be kept in perfect order, and if the requisite number of men are not now on duty with them to secure this end, the brigade commander must make additional detail from his command for this service. If the requi- sitions for supplies have not been filled, the fact should be reported. This is the first complaint that has been referred to the commanding general, and is so general and indefinite that he can give it no action. He will see that all necessary supplies are furnished promptly, and will also require that the trains are kept iii a serviceable condition and ready for use at a moments notice. \Tery respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 13, 1863. Commanding Officer, Engineer Brigade: The commanding general directs me to say you will hold all your trains and entire command in readiness for a move in any direction at short notice. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., 4pril 13, 1863. Lieutenant-Commander MAGAW, Potomac Flotilla: The major-general commanding directs me to request that you will send two of your gunboats into the liappahannock River, to come up as far as Port Royal, and farther, if possible. He has reason to believe that the batteries located on the river below Port Royal have been withdrawn. It is desired that your demonstrations shalt hold the enemy in that vicinity, and keep them from retiring. If the batteries are there, the purposes for which you go would be favored by exchang- ing a few shots with them. It is hoped that this movement will be made as speedily as possible. He also desires that you should commu- nicate to Commander McCrea his request that he will have a portion of his fleet ready to convoy a fleet of supplies to the Pamunkey River. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CIRCULAR.*] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 13, 1863. The major-general commanding directs that your command have packed in their knapsacks by to-morrow (Tuesday) night five days rations of hard bread, coffee, sugar, aod salt. See Batterfield to Buruside, May 15, p. 485 Page 204 (CHAP. XXXVII. 204 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. That you have in readiness, so that it may be issued and cooked at short notice, three days rations of pork or bacon, with hard bread, coffee, and sugar, to be placed in the haversacks. That your command have drawn before Wednesday morning, and ready for the movement, five days fresh beef on the hoof making corn. plete eight days rations to be carried with the troops. That each officer, by the use of his servaiit and his haversack, pro- vide himself with eight days rations. That the small-arm ammunition to be carried will be 150 rounds 60 rounds on the personthe full complement of the pack train, and the balance to be in the train, ready to start first when the trains move. The supply trains will be in readiness for such movements as may be ordered. Each teamster must have with him the forage for his own team. The batteries will carry eight days subsistence for the troops and their full capacity of forage, at least six days grain, as much as pos- sible on the guns. The general hospital for those unable to move will be designated by the medical director, who will give all the necessary directions in the premises. The surplus clothing of the troops, beyond the extra shirt, pair of socks and drawers, should be stored under the supervision of the quar- termasters department. Corps commanders will require every serviceable man to march with the column. By coifimand of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 13, 1863. Major-General S~LOCUM, Commanding Twelfth Corps: A large portion of General Stonemans cavalry force have gone in the direction of the Shenandoah Valley, and will be absent some days. Your infantry pickets must be vigilant and strong, as they will have no cavalry force of any account to rely upon. Please act accordingly. DAXL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. (Same to General Sickles, commanding Third Corps. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 13, 1863. The order of march to-morrow, and the operation of the Cavalry Corps, will be as follows: The squadrons of Davis brigade will cross the North Fork of the Rappahaunock at Sulphur Springs about 12 oclock to-night, and follow (lown the south bank of this fork and clear out any enemys force met with between the point of crossing and Freemans Ford, at which point Colonel Davis will be with the head of his brigade. As soon as Colonel Davis opens up communication with these three squadrons, he will cross with the whole of his brigade and turn Beverly Ford, where General Averell will be with the head of his division Page 205 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 General Averell will cross with his division at Beverly Ford, followed by General Gregg, with his division. General Buford, with his Reserve Brigade, will cross at the ford in the vicinity of the IRappahannock rail- road bridge simultaneously with General Averell. As soon as General Averell and General Buford are across the river, and both have formed their commands a short distance beyond the river, Averell will push on to Culpeper Court-House, keeping to the right of the railroad, if possible to transport his artillery, or, if there is no road leading along the right and near the railroad, then by the nearest road. Gregg ~vill cross the river as soon after Averell as possible, and follow him, well closed up on his rear. If there should be a route practicable for artillery, and running par- allel to the route pursued by Averell, Buford will follow it, provided it does not lead too far to the left. If there is no such route, the artillery of Buford will be sent to the rear of Gregg, and the iR~serve Brigade will march through the country, irrespective of roads, keeping at such a distance from Averell as to give room for Averell to form his division front into line of battle. Averell will move on in the direction of the enemy, who is supposed to be a mile or so this side of Culpeper Court-House. In case Averell comes upon the enemy, Gregg will form his division at once, and hold it in readiness to move to the right of Averells division, and Buford will act, looking to the left, and Davis will endeavor to tnrn the enemys left flank. If the enemy is encoun- tered, he will be attacked at once and with the ntmost vigor, pouring in upon him every available man, excepting a limited reserve in each command. Colonel Rush, commanding Lancers, will report in person at daylight, April 15, to these headquarters, for special service. The major-general commanding expects to be kept informed of all that may be deemed by commanding officers as important, and com- manding officers will keep themselves posted as to what is transpiring on their right and left. Corps headquarters will be, after to-night, with headquarters Greggs division, until further orders. By Cornmall(l of General Stoneman: J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Stajfl~ and Assistant Inspector- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 103. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 13, 1863. * * * * * * * XIV. Brig. Gemi. S. K. rook, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to coin- mand of the Third Brigade, First Division, Second Corps. * * * * * * * XVI. Brig. Geii. R. B. Ayres is assigned to the command of the Artillery Reserve, and will enter upon duty ac3ordingly, with as little delay as practicable. XVIII. Brig. Gen. T. H. Ruger will report to Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, commanding Twelfth Corps, for assignment to a brigade in that corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-Geiieral Hooker: S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 206 206 N. VA., \V. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. FORT MONROE, April 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. 11. W. llALLEc~, General-in-Chief: I am in consultation with Major-General Peck. The enemy are in sight, and not far off. Artillery liring is going on slowly. Pecks posi- tion is strong, and will be vigilantly guarded. The only fear is that the enemy may cross the Kansemond. To prevent that, gunboats must be freely used. I will try to examine the river to-day. It is my opinion that the object of the enemys campaign is the recovery of the whole of Jarne8 River, and re-enforcements are arriving from various points, many of them from before Fredericksburg. The enemys batteries have been open for some time. It is an imperative necessity that the Navy keep the Nansemond River open. E. B. KEYES, Major- General. WASHINGTON, I). C., April 13, 18632.30 I~- m. Major.General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: Dispatches just receivcf from Fort Monroe say that the enemy is investing Suffolk. H. W. IJALLECK, General-in- Chief. SUFFOLK, VA., April 13, 18633.30 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Reliable information from intelligent (leserters is to the effect that the enemy have 35,000 or 40,000 in our front, which have come from Fredericksburg, the condition of the roads rendering an attack there impossible. It is stated that D. H. Hill is advancing from North Carolina. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. SUFFOLK, VA., April 13, 18635 l~- m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Gcnerai-in4jhif: I have now completed a thorongh examination of Major-General Pecks position, except the river, which I am now going to examine to its mouth. I have been up and down both railroads to Norfolk, and made the circuit of the lines. From every source it is made certain that upward of 40,000 rebels are in front and on the flanks of this position. The easiest way for the enemy to take it is to invest and starve us out. To prevent that, I shall be able to give an opinion after going down the river. As most of the enemy are from the Rappahannock, my present impression is that two divisions of Major-General Hookers army ought to be sent here at once, E. D. KEYES, ~ Major.General, Comma~dinj, Page 207 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 207 SUFFOLK, VA., April 13, 18634 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, head quarters Army of the Potomac: liitelligent and reliable deserters state that the force in my front, of V~OU0 men, under Longstreet, has come from Fredericksburg in exper- ;it!O11 of inaction on your part. D. H. Hill is said to be advancing trom North Carolina. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 13, 1863. General PECK, Suffolk: All of Longstreets forces that have gone from here left in January and February last. None have left since. The enemy wilt be disap- pointed in the expectation you mention in your dispatch. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. SUFFOLK, VA., April 13, 186310 p. In. Major-General HooKER, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Three divisions have been more or less engaged all day. Early this morning one division advanced on the Somerton front, driving in the pickets, but was promptly repulsed, aiid our picket-line was intact at dark. Some fine skirmishing by Colonel Fosters light troops and Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. On the rear or water-line, Andersons force of 4,000 was held back by the gunboats and land batteries. The attack was vigorous and the result gratifying. Expect they will make a grand attack to-morrow. Longstreet has 35,000, some say 38,000, and from one hundred to one hundred and fifty pieces of artillery. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. (Copy to General Halleck.) FORT MONROE, VA., April 13, 18638.30 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Longstreets advance division arrived in my front on Saturday, and was followed by Picketts, Hoods, and Andersons yesterday. They advanced about noon on the 12th on my front and right flank, within extreme artillery-range, and, after much skirmishing, fell back several miles. Early this morning they advanced on my front and rear, with one division on the right flank. More or less artillery fire all day and much skirmishing. Colonel Fosters light troops handled the enemys advance roughly, driving them back, and relieving the picket-line at dark. Andersons division has been engaged on the water-front with our gunboats and batteries. The firing has been brisk and the enemy buffered, The command i~ ju good spirit~ ~nd will do its duty. JOHN J. PECK, Major.Qe~er4 Page 208 208 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII, SUFFOLK, VA., April 13, 18639 p. in. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General.in-Chief: Longstreets force is pretty well settled at 35,000. Co~operation of Hill expected. One division, at least, should be sent here, as they ar~ fighting for the James River. He has one hundred and twenty pieces of artillery. JOHN J. PECK, Major. General. FORT MONROE, VA., April 13, 186311 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Chief: I have this moment returned from an examination of the Nansemond River. The enemys sharpshooters line the left bank some distance down, and all the passing steamers have been pelted to-day. Our pilot- house was struck seven times. The gunboats on that river are frail wooden structures, which the enemys field batteries can soon cripple or burn with hot shot. He ~au then, without much exertion, cross out of range of any of our works, get upon Pecks rear, and seize the two railroads, or attack his weakest side, which is from the Seaboard Rail. road to the river and along the river, when the gunboats are out of the way. Once invested, it will be next to impossible to relieve Peck, and he would in a short time be starved into a surrender. The problem is a difficult one, and requires the most able attention. Picketts, Hoods, and Pryors (now Davis) divisions are there. Picketts left the Rappa. hannock February 15, and Hoods shortly after. The Southern army is in fine healthsoldiers made by poverty and hardshipsand are per. fectly armed. They have about fifty pieces of artillery and some cav- alry. All, or nearly all, the horses are in poor condition. Coming down the river has increased but not perfected my knowledge of Pecks situation. I will need to observe it still more to-morrow. I will write more fully. E. I). KEYES, Major.Qeneral, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS, Gomdg. Fourth & parate Brigade, Buckhannon: GENERAL: Your letter of the 7th instant, suggesting the line of policy toward the people in the district of country within your com- mand who favor secession and rebellion, has been received. Your views seem to accord with those of the general coimnanding. He expects to visit Washington some day within the present week, and will confer with authorities there as to the issuing of a general order from the army headquarters on the subject. But if tL~at be not done, he directs me to say that he will shortly publish a general department or(ler covering the ground. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, ~4ssi8tant Adjutant. General Page 209 ChAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863. Commanding Officer, Carairy Corps: I am directed by the major-general comman(ling to forward for your information a copy of a telegram received from Major-General Peck this morning. If the enemy are on the line of the Blackwater, in the number stated, he must have withdrawn all his forces from Richmond, and you can have nothing to apprehend from there. This information must not delay or divert you from the main object of your expedition, as set forth in your instructions. The general is exceedingly anxious that you should be at your work on the Aquia and Richmond lines at the earliest practicable moment Yery respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 14, 1863. (Received 10.20 a. in.) POSTMASTER, Washington, D. C.: Major-General Hooker, commanding this army, would like to have the entire mails of to-day from his army detaitied twenty-four hours in your office, if you can do so with ~)roJ)riety. He has very urgent rea- sons for making this request, as you may readily imagine. Inform me whether or not you will comply. RUFUS INGALLS, Colonel and Quartermaster. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 14, 1863-.-..5.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Would like to have a letter from you as soon as convenient. A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 14, 186311 p. ni. (Received 11.15 l~- in.) flis Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United & ates: I had supposed the en emy were attacking Peck to prevent his re-en- forcing Foster; but if with the numbers alleged, it must be for a more important purpose. As soon as Stonemans designs are discovered to the enemy, Peck will be relieved. The enemy have not to exceed 30,000 men between Richmond and Suffolk, in eluding both of those towns. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ~I HE POTOMAC, April 14, 1863. (Received 7.50 p. in.) Hon. L M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of my telegram to Major- General Halleck and his reply thereto. I respectfully request that these be laid before the President of the United States without delay. JOSEPH HOOKER, i~I1iajor- deneral, Commanding. 14 R R~YOL XXV, PT I Page 210 210 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA, [CHAP. XNXYII. [Inclosures.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, April 13, 18639.20 p. m. General.in- Chie]: If it is deemed of importance to keep open the telegraph communi- cation to this point, it will require that a regiment of cavalry be sent from Washington to patrol and guard the line via Occoquan to Dum- fries. My cavalry have other duties that will prevent their attending to this. The force should be sent without delay. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 13, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, lleadquarters Army of the Potomac: I do not think that the safety of Washington depends upon the maintenance of coin munication with your army, but I think it is your duty to maintain your communications with Washington, and to keel) the War Department advised of all your movements and intended movements. You therefore have my orders to keep up such communi- cations. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 14, 186311 p. m. Major.General HOOKER, Army of thc Potomac: General Tleintzelman has ordered a regiment of cavalry to scout soutE of Occoquan and Duinfries. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863. Brigadier-General PLEASONTON, (ommanding Cavalry Division: The commanding general directs me to advise you that General Heintzelman, commanding Defenses at Washington, will order a regi- ment of cavalry to scout south of the Occoquan to Dumfries. It is understood that this regiment is for the purpose of protecting the tele- graph line. I will have the commanding officer at Dumfries notified. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 14, 1863. Colonel BUCKER: I am quite sure I will need the 300 mules referred to. I beg, there- fore~ you will send them, and, if possible, with drivers and harness. Page 211 CHAr. XXXVII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 know our wants will be pressing for a time. Please, also, see that you have tugs, barges, & c., to meet the wants of our department for com- missary and quartermaster~s supplies, which may be required on another river soon. I sent a dispatch to Stoddard to-day on the subject. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 14, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM, Twe~/th Corps: Have your brigade at Dumfries in readiness to join you the moment it is relieved. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, Camp near Ealmouth, Va., April 14, 1863. The circular of yesterdays date, from these headquarters, conveying certain instructions with respect to the contemplated movement, is so far modified as to direct that 140, instead of 150, rounds of small-arm ammunition be carried. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 171. Washington, April 14, 1863. * * * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. Albin Schoepf, U. S. Volunteers, will repair without delay to Fort Delaware, and relieve Lieut. Col. H. C. Buchanan, Fourth U. S. Infantry, in command of that post. On being relieved from com- mand of Fort Delaware, Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan will report by letter to Col. J. B. Fry, Provost.Marshal-General, in Washington, and take his instructions. * * * * * * * VII. Brig. Gen. Gilman Marston, U. S. Volunteers, will report in l)er- son without delay to Major-General Hooker, U. S. Volunteers, corn- inanding Army of the Potomac, for duty. * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 96. Washington, D. C., April 15, 1863. By direction of the President, the fo llowiiig assignments are made of army corps commanders: First Corps, Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds Second Corps, Maj. Gen Page 212 212 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. ID. N. Conch ; Third Corps, Maj. Gen. D. E. Sickles; Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade; Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick; Elev. enth Corps, Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard~ T Slocum; Cavalry Corps, Maj. Gen. welfth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. W. George Stoneman. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant. General. KELLYS FORD, VA., Major-General HOWARD, April 15, 18638 a. in. Commanding Eleventh Corps: Soon after sending you my second dispatch* of yesterday, the cavalry an(l battery under General Buford left this place. No firing has oc- curred since that time. Only two signal lights of the enemy were ob. served during the night. This morning I received the incThsed order from Major.General Stone- man. The order was intended to reach me before daybreak, but the orderly having lost his way, it was not handed to me before 7.30 oclock. As the order state(l that I should make the demonstration at daybreak, and having heard no firing above, and thiiikino- that our cavalry had not crossed, I deemed it useless to make the demonstration at this late hour. I immediately dispatched my adjutant to headquarters of Major- General Stoneman, at Bealeton, to examine into the state of affairs, and to receive further orders. I also requested that General Stoneman would send inc a squad of cavalry to patrol the bank of the river below the ford (which is done at l)resent by infantry), and to keep open the communication between his headquarters and this point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUSCIIBECK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 14, 1863. Colonel BUSORBECK, Comdg. Brigade, Eleventh Corps, opposite Kellys Ford: COLONEL: The major-general commanding desires that as soon as the cavalry shall have crossed the river to-morrow morning, you direct the regiment of your brigade now at the IRappahannock railroad bridge to rejoin you at Kellys Ford. After it has joined you, you will send one regiment back to Morrisville, to guard your right and rear and protect the wagon train which will be left at that point. At early dawn tomorrow morning, the major-general commanding desires you to make a vigorous demonstration at Kellys Ford, so as to induce the enemy to believe that you intend crossing at that point. Extend your pickets well down the river, so as to prevent the enemy crossing below and cutting you offi If you are directed by headquarters of the army to evacuate Kellys Ford, the major-general commanding desires that ~Nbt found Page 213 Cnii~. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 21~ you direct the wagon train at Morrisville to move to General Averells late camp on Potomac Creek, guarding it with your command on its march down. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Stafl~. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 15, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: A letter from Major-General Stoneman, dated 1 p. m. yesterday,* lip forms me that his command will be across the river before daylight this morning (the 15th). It was his intention to cross at three l)oints, all above the Rappahannock Station. I sent him six days rations for men and animals, by wagons, to be distributed just before his passage of the river. The wagons are now on their return. From the Rappahannock, if he should meet with no unusual delay, he will strike the Aquia and Richmond Railroad on the night of the second day. Meanwhile I shall do what I can to keel) the enemy up to their works in my front, and, if they should fall back, shall pursue with all the vigor practicable. Up to late last night the enemy appeared to have no suspicions of our designs. This morning I can see nothing from the storm. I am rejoiced that Stoneman had two good days to go np the river, and was enabled to cross it before it had become too much swollen. If he can reach his position, the storm and mud will not damage our pros. pects. He has been furnished with a copy of Major-General Pecks dispatch, regarding the number of the enemy in his immediate front. if it should be true, Richmond can have no soldiers in the city at this time. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. (Jommanding HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1863. General STONEMAN: Dispatches of April 15, from ,signed by the chief of your staff, have been received. The commanding general desires me to call your attention to your letter of instructions. The tenor of your dispatches might indicate that you were maneuvering your whole force against the command of Fitz. Lee, numbering not over 2,000 men. The command- ing general does not expect, nor do your instructions indicate, that you are to act from any base or depot. When any messengers are coming this way, please acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch concerning the telegram from General Peck, sent for your information.t DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. * Not found. Copy of this dispatch forwarded by 1Jook~r t8 the President and Secretary of War, April 16 Page 214 214 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1863. General STONEMAN: Your dispatches of 9 and 10.35 oclock, of this date, are this moment received. As you stated in your communication of yesterday that you would be over the river with your command at daylight this morning, it was so communicated to Washington, and it was hoped that the cross- ing had been made in advance of the rise in the river. If your artillery is your only hinderance to your advance, the major-general commanding directs that you order it to return, and proceed to the execution of your orders without it. It is bnt reasonable to suppose that if you cannot make use of that arm of the service, the enemy cannot. If it is practi- cable to carry into execution the general instructions communicated to you on the 12th instant, the major-general commanding expects you to make use of such means as will, in your opinion, enable you to accom- plish them, and that as speedily as possible. This army is now awaiting your movement. I am directed to add that in view of the swollen con- dition of the streams it is not l)rohable, in the event of your being able to advance, that you will be troubled l)y the infantry of the enemy.* S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 18638 p. m. (Received 9.15 p. in.) A. LINCOLN, President ,of the United States: Just heard from General Stoneman. His artillery has been brought to a halt by the mud, one division only having crossed the river. If practicable, he will proceed without it. All the streams are swimming. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. EXECUTiVE MANSION, Washington, D. C., April 15, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: It is now 10.15 p. m. An hour ago 1 received your letter of this morn- ing, and a few moments later your dispatch of this evening. The latter gives me considerable uneasiness. The rain and mud, of course, were to be calculated upon. General S. is not moving rapidly enough to make the expedition come to anything. He has now beeim out three days, two of which were unusually fair weather, and all three without hinderance from the enemy, and yet he is not 25 miles from where he started. To reach his point he still has 60 to go, another river (the Rapidan) to cross, and will be hindered by the enemy. By arithmetic, how many days will it take him to do it? I do not know that any better can be done, but I greatly fear it is another failure already. Write me often. I am very anxious. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. KELLYS FORD, VA., April 15, 18634 p. m. Major-General HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: Your dispatch of 6 a. in., April 15, has just been received. After arriving here yesterday at.3 p. in., I sent an orderly to your head- * Copy of this (lispatch forwarded by Hooker to the President and Secretary of War, April 16 Page 215 CO1~RESPONDENCI~, ETC.UNION. 215 quarters with a dispatch containing a full account of movements up to that hour. I also sent one at 8 a. m. to-day, whom, I presume, has arrived ere this. The adjutant sent to General Stoneman for instructions brought me the order to remain here until further orders. On account of the bad weather, no crossing has beeu attempted as yet (by the cavalry). No train is at Rappahannock Station, but the Twenty-ninth New York are still to remain there to guard the bridge. Though rather uncom- fortably quartered, the men are in very good spirits. If we should remain here longer than to-morrow, I shall endeavor to draw rations and forage from the train at Morrisville. Should I not succeed, I shall forage on the country. For all provisions thus taken receipts will be given. I would have always sent two orderlies with each dispatch had not my number been so limited. Hereafter I shall be able to do so, as General Stoneman has sent me a detachment agreeably to my request. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUSCHBECK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. P. 8.Should you not have received dispatches of last evening and this morning, I herewith repeat the principal facts. We arrived here at 3 p. in., April 14. Sent Twenty-ninth New York to iRappahaunock Station to guard bridge and train. General Buford, stationed with his brigade at Kellys Ford, left soon after our arrival. Was ordered by General Stoneman to make a demonstration here at (laybreak, but the orderly having lost his way, did not arrive until 8 a. in. As the cavalry did not attempt to cross as expected, it is better that the demonstration was not made. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF ENGINEER OF DEFENSES, Washington, April 115, 1868. Maj. Gen. S. P. IIEINTZELMAN, Commanding Department, d-c.. GENERAL: I herewith send you the sketch of the south side of the Potomac* (with forts, batteries, rifle-pits, & c.), alluded to in my letter of the 31st ultimo. In reference to the Defenses of Washington, it should be borne in mind that under this head are included many things not strictly con- nected with the defense of Washington itself For example, it is necessary to hold Alexandria, and this quite i~mde- pendently of the defense of Washington. This exten(15 our lines over 6 miles, and adds heavily to the number of men required for the defense. Again, the Chain Bridge is held for purposes independent of the de- fense of Wa~hi.. gton, requiring several thousand men to hold it. The holding of the Chain Bridge, and the protection of the reservoir of the Washington Aqueduct, makes it necessary to advan ~e the left of our line north of the Potomac to the position of Forts Alexander, Franklin, and Ripley, lengthening the line and requiring strong works at ths point. Again the position of two great public establishments, viz, the navy- yard auL.. arsenal, on the Eastern Branch, compels us to hold the crest of the chain of heights, 6 miles long, south of the Easteru Branch. Were it not for these establishments, we might abandon these heights -~ Not found Page 216 0 ~t. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL and make the Eastern Branch itself our defensive line, simply con- structing a few batteries along its northern bank, from Fort Lincoln down to the navy-yard. These matters should be understood as explanatory of the very large force it requires for the Defenses of Washington to resist a powerful attack. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient, J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier-General, Ghie Engineer. BUCKUANNON, VA., April 15, 1863. Lieut. Col. W. H. CHESEBROUGII, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore, Md.: COLONEL: I have the honor to rel)ort, for the information of the com- manding general of the department, the following cliaiges in the dis- position of the forces of my command: The four companies of the Eighth [West] Virginia Infantry, that formed part of the garrison of this post, Colonel Oley commanding, I have sent to Beverly; the Twenty-eighth Ohio and one company of cavalry is quite sufficient for all purposes here. The three companies of the Third [West] Virginia Infantry that formed part of the garrison at Bulltown I have sent to Sutton, with instruc- tions to the commanding officer there to move one or more of them, according to his discretion, on the mouth of Birch River, an important ford. The two companies at Centreville seemed to me occupying an unimportant point, and I have sent them to strengthen Bulitown, that, by these changes, has five companies of the Eighth [West] Virginia In- fantry as a garrison. I apprehend no serious movement of amy consid- erable force of the enemy from the direction of Lewisburg or Franklin, but I thought it better to have more concentration of strength toward both of these points, keeping at Bulitown and this place a reserve that could move rapidly to Beverly or Sutton, should there be any necessity. The entire Third [West] Virginia Infantry now hold Sutton and its approaches, and cover Weston. Five companies of the Eighth support the Third at Bulltown. The entire Second, and five companies of the Eighth, hold Beverly and its approaches, partially covering Grafton and Clarksburg. Two sections of Ewings battery are at Beverly. The entire Twenty- eighth is here in reserve, covering Clarksbnrg from all directions in front, and can move to support Beverly or Sutton. Company ID, First Regiment Illinois Cavalry, is stationed here in good condition. Its strength, 75. Company A, First Regiment [West] Virginia Cavalry, is at Beverly, and the company of Ohio cavalry, ordered recently to report to me, left here this morning to report to the commanding officer of the same post. That will give Colonel Latham, commanding there, 150 cavalry. Company E, Third Regiment [West] Virginia Cavalry, is at Sutton, SO strong. The unorganized company of cavalry (Lieutenant Flesher), now at Parkersburg, will be sent to Sutton on reporting for duty. The aggregate strength of this brigade, including the Ohio cavalry that reported yesterday, is about 3,050. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Brigadier- B. S. ROBERTS, General, Commanding Page 217 CHAP. XXXVIL3 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 217 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, April 16, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM: The forces of dismounted cavalry under command of General Pleas- onton have been ordered to iDumfries, to relieve your brigade there. Have you ordered your brigade to join you as soon as they arrive ~ DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff. DUMPRIES, April 16, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding Twelfth Corps: A detachment of the Second Division, Nverells cavalry, are here, numbering 300. The remainder will be here during the day. With the roads as they are, from reports of the cavalry officers, it will almost be impossible to get the artillery and wagons over them. Their wagons are not expected until to-morrow. Rain and storm were severer yester- (lay than when the corps passed, aiid the roads are in a worse condi- tion. Please answer if I shall start to-morrow. CHAS. CANDY. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 16, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding Twelfth Corps: The following dispatch to Colonel Dufii~, at Dumfries, is forwarded for yonr information: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 16, 1863. Colonel DUFFIP, Denifries: The major-general commanding directs that you do not relieve the infantry picket to-morrow morning; will endeavor to get arms for you to-morrow. The horses nnE4 not be used for picket duty; they must be recruited. DANL. BUTTERFIELI), Major- General. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, fe. DUMFRIES, April 16, 1863. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Duffi6, commanding cavalry, has orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac not to relieve my pickets to-morrow. Out of 1,027 men, he has only 95 armed with carbines. Made arrangements to start in the morning, but will have to wait until his men are armed. CHAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DivISION, SIXTH CORPS, April 16, 1863. Henry C. Jenckes, major Second Rhode Island Volunteers, states that he was in command of a detail of 340 men from his regiment o Page 218 218 N. VA., W. VA., MD., A~tD PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. picket from April 12, 1863, to April 15, 1863; that his command had strict orders not to communicate with the enemy, and that, to his knowledge, they did not. That on April ~2 it was reported to him that one of the enemys pickets called over to know what would be done with one of them who had deserted to us the night before, and if he would be forced into our army; that in reply one of our men shook his head, and the man then said he would come over himself. That on April 13, Lieutenants Bates and Beveridge, Second Rhode Island Vol- unteers, reported to him that early that morning Mr. Pollock told them that our cavalry had moved, and that Surgeon Wyn coop had told him so. This was the first I knew of it. Captain Haisted, of Major-Gen- eral Sedgwicks staff, informed me about five hours afterward that the cavalry had been withdrawn from our left, and we must look out for ourselves. It was reported to me that on the night of April 13 a captain of the Second Rhode Island Volunteers challenged a mali approaching the outI)osts from our lines, but that the man escaped back. On April 14, it was reported to me that the enemys picket called across the river that the paymaster had come, meaning for us. This was reported to me not over fifteen minutes after I had heard from camp that the paymaster had arrived. The same day (April 14) they called across that you need not be so still~ we know all about it; you have got orders to move. This was provoked by one of our officers breaking up a small boat sent across to us, and his arresting one of our men apparently about sending back one in return. The same day, after some officers had ridden along the enemys picket line, they called out that it was Stonewall Jackson and his assistant adjutant-general. 0mm Monday, April 13, they called out that our cavalry had moved. This was after it had been reported to me that Surgeon Wynkoop had told Pollock. The reports made to me I fully believe. HENRY C. JENCKES, Major Second Rhode Island Volunteers. [Indorsement8.] APRIL 16, 1863. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general com. mnanding the corps. This statement of Major Jeuckes indicates that important information concerning our movements is even now smug. gled over to the enemy. JOHN NEWTON, ]Ijajor- General, Commanding Third Division. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, April 17, 1863. Report forwarded for the information of the provost-marshal-general. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General. PROVOST- MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, April 22, 1863. Respectfully returned to headquarters with accompanying [following] report. 11. IL PATRICK, Provost-Marshal- General Page 219 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 219 [Inclosure.] OFFICE PROVOST-MARSITAL-GENERAL, April 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on yesterday I made an examination in person of the picket lines along the river from Snow- don up to town, with special reference to the subject of the communi- cation from Major Jenckes. I learn at Mrs. Seddons and Mrs. Grays that the withdrawal of the cavalry was noticed by the families when they rose in the morning, and that such withdrawal was apparently noticed from the other side, as the Confederates had our cavalry pickets and some of the reserves in full view. I understood that several officers of Confederates in the early part of the day rode down the lines, apparently to see what changes had taken place. I find, fro in the persons living along the river, from servants, and from certain men of my own, posted along two or three points in the vicinity of the picket line, that communications are kept np between the pickets across the river much of the time. These informants do not like to say much about it, for fear of the consequences to themselves from the parties of whom they speak. From April 9 to the 12th, Lieutenant Castle, Sixty-second New York Volunteers, had command of the pickets, and during that time both he and his men had frequent conversations with the enemys pickets by means of small sail-boats, the lieutenant assisting in rigging boats, and both night and day had conversation with them. The day before the lieutenant was relieved, I went down to the river and took a boat which had been used to send across the river, up to Morssons house, and broke it up. The lieutenant asked me what business I had to break the boat. He said he had sent sugar, coffee, and newspapers to the other side; said nothing about receiving ai~y- thing in return. On the night of the 15th, a conversation was carried on near Dr. Morssons house, after 9 oclock, between the pickets of the One hundred and sixty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers and the rebels. The first part of the conversation was about ra- tions. Secesh then asked, Any signs of a move I Reply, Yes, we have got eight days rations, and expect to move in a few days. We have three days rations in our haversacks and five in our knapsacks. Secesh then asked, Where is tile move to he? Reply, Up to the right. Secesh then asked how we were going to get transportation, or whether we would hold the railroad. Our picket replied that he thought the trains would he kept up by pack-mules. This ended the conversa- tion. Has known of no conversation since the 15th instant between the pickets; had there been, should have known it. The above is from a statement made me by Private Collins, Eighth Regulars, one of my own men on duty at and near Dr. Morsson s, cor- roborated by the doctor himself. The visit of Surgeon Wyncoop to Mr. Pollocks was, as I understand, on the morning of the 14th, the cavalry pickets having been withdrawn on the 13th and an infantry guard from the Eighth sent down to Snow- don the same day, on the application of the signal officer, after the cavalry left. If this be so, Major Jenckes is in error as to the manner in which information of the cavalry move was obtained. I may add that I have frequently made reports of the irresponsible manner in which picket duty is performed for some 4 or 5 miles down the river, but from the fact, I suppose, that these reports generally grew out of complaints made by citizens, the conduct of the company and regimental officers has not, in my opinion, received the attention demanded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. R. PATRICK, Provost-Marshal- General. Page 220 220 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 17, 18639 a. in. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mr. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to acknowledge your communica- tion of the night of the 15th instant, and, in compliance with your re- quest, transmit herewith a letter from General Stoneman, dated the 16th instant, as it will fully inform you of the circumstances attending his march up the river and also of his present position. The letter was this moment received. His failure to accomplish speedily the objects of his expedition is a source of deep regret to me, but I can find nothing in his conduct of it requiring my animadversion or censure. We cannot control the elements. From your letter, I conclude that you had misapprehended the posi. tion of his advance the night of the second day out from here, which was on the south side of the iRappahannock, and 50 miles from this camp. His own dispatch was dated Bealeton, in the vicinity of his icar guard. I have given directions for him to remain in his l)resent posi- tion, holding himself in readiness to march as soon after the roads and rivers will permit as practicable, at the shortest notice, and I still hope to turn his movement to some good account. I do not regard him out of position, as, in case of an advance of so large an army, it would be nec- essary to throw the main portion of his force well on to my right dank. It would take until doomsday to pass all this army over one or two lines. He has a weeks supplies on hand, and, if it should become necessary to replenish, it can be done as readily at Rappahannock Station as at Fal- niouth. I have sent to learn the condition of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. No one, Mr. Pr~sident, can be more anxious than myself to relieve your cares and anxieties, and you may be assured that I shall spare imo labor and suffer no opportunity to pass unimproved for so doing. We have no reason to suppose that the enemy have any knowledge of the design of General Stonemans movement. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. [Inciosure.] HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Gamp near Rappahannock Railroad Bridge, Va., April 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your letter of April 15, 1863, was received at 12 m. to-day, and I have delayed answering it until this honr, awaiting the acknowledgment of my two dispatches of yesterday, which has this moment come to hand. I cannot say what has been the state of affairs away from this vicinity, but here, at the hour of my last dispatch, the condition of things may be judged of when I tell you that almost every rivulet was swimming, and the roads next to impassable for horses or pack-mules, not to speak of artillery and wagons, the latter of which had in the morning all been started for the rear. The railroad bridge has been partly carried away by the freshet. The river is out of its banks, and was still on the rise a few hours ago. Three hours ago Greggs division, which was directed to move back from the river to higher ground, began crossing a bed nearly (Iry yesterday morning; an Page 221 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 its rear is not over yet. This morning the same bed was swimming, and a squadron in attempting to cross it lost 1 officer and 2 men, swept off, and several horses drowned. The whole corps is now on the north bank of the Rappahannock, and, as we all think, fortunately for us, as were we on the south side, we should have the iRapidan, now a swollen torrent, to cross, necessarily, in order to advance, and the liappahannock, swollen as it is, in our rear; neither of which under the most favorable circumstances will be fordable for several days to come. Up to midnight, night before last, everything had worked as well as could have been wished, and my dis- patch was based upon the expectation that we were to be favored with a continuation of fair weather. It certainly was not predicated upon the expectation of being overtaken by one of the most violent rain- - storms I have ever been caught in, and that, too, in a country where streams rise as rapidly as do the rivers in our front. No command ever had higher hopes, or was more confident of success, though ignorant of what it was expected to perform; but the elements seem to have conspired to prevent the accomplishment of a brilliant cavalry operation. Our movements were known at Culpeper Court-Ilouse on the morn- ing of the 14th, and every disposable man was brought np toward Kellys Ford by the operations of General Buford at that point. The general commanding is mistakeii in supposing that I was using or maneuvering my [your] whole force against the comman(l of Fitz. Lee, numbering not over 2,000 men ; what I did being merely to make a feint and hide my intentions from the enemy. Instead of acting from any base or depot, no depot has been estab- lished, and everything not absolutely necessary to promote the success of the undertaking had been sent back to Morrisville, with instructions to be sent to Falmouth, in advance of the infantry brigade at Kellys Ford, when it should be ordered to return. To cross the swollen streams in our front at present, with any chance of meeting with a success, is an undertakinglconsider, asamilitaryoperation, almost certain to meet with failure. The command will be held ready to advance the moment the streams are fordable. It may not be uninteresting to the command- ing general to learn that the railroad is said to be in tolerably complete order from Alexandria to the Itappahannock railroad bridge, and that the people say they have been expecting the Northerners to advance by that route. I have sent to find out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE STONEMAN, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 17, 1863L30 p. m. Gommanding Officer, Gacairy Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you keep your supply of provisions up to six days from the time you cross the Bappahannock. We have no field return to show the amount you have with you or what you have left behind. Please send in a return giving this information, in order that your movement may be facilitated and your animals not worn out by returning for supplies. We shall start at daylight to-morrow morning a train with five day Page 222 222 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. supplies of hard bread, salt, sugar, coffee; one days pork, four days fresh beef, 9,500 men, and five days forage for your animals, the animals [forage] being based upon the quantity you were about to take when the six days [supplies] were loaded to start with on Monday last. This train, upon its arrival, should make you whole for the time lost by the storm, and leave you in fresh conditiou to carry ou the ol)erations with which you were intrusted. If the amount of supplies which you are advised will be sent is iu excess of your requirement, please return notice to us as speedily as l)ossible, and send out officers to meet the train and send back what portion of it you do not need. The coin- manding general directs that you sen(l out to meet this trail), and that it be unloaded and returned without delay. The bearer is expected to retura immediately with your reply, giving the field return and the condition of your supplies. Copy of a dispatch to-day received from General ilaupt is forwarded for your information. By this you will see that it will be impossible to repair the railroad bridge iii time to furnish you supplies by rail to Rappahannock Station. The rations for the mnemi are 50,000 ratious, as mentioned herein, save bacon is substituted for pork. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. [Inclosuro.] APRIL 17, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Yesterday Bull Run Bridge was entirely carried away by freshet. It will require three days to reconstruct and open comniunication. Shall it be donel Please answer. Will you need our forces on the other road~ II. HAUPT. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 17, 1863. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps: The train of supplies sent you will be 300 wagon-loads of grain, 1,500 pounds each, and 50,000 rations, as advised in my dispatch of this noon. Should you need more supplies, you must send for them. It is necessary that this train should be returne(l as speedily as possible. You will,therefore, take time proper nmeans to accomplish this by having the train met as far out cii the road toward Falmouth as l)racticable. The train will leave at daylight to-morrow. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmnouth, la., April 17, 1863. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps: The commamidiming general directs nine to say that it was not expected that you would embarrass yourself with wagons in your l)reseut exp Page 223 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 dition. It was supposed that your pack-iuules would furnish a suf- ficient amount of transportation for your purposes. The general fears that your artillery is so strong that it will detract from the rapidity of your movements. He desires that you will use your discretion in returning to camp such l)ortions of it as .will embar- rass you. Since sending you dispatches with regard to supplies, intelligence has reached here of your train being em route for supplies. The trains will meet at Hartwood, and your train will be loaded, and return from there. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR HAPPAHANNOCK BRIDGE, Brigadier-General GREGG, April 17, 18637 a. m. Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send out scouting l)arties in the direction of Warrenton, sending a squadrou or more, if you think necessary, to Warrenton and the neighboring country, sending prompt information of all movements. The general command- ing desires me to say that too much leniency has been shown to bush- whackers, and that the command is becoming encumbered with pris- oners. He desires you to give such instructions to the officers in charge of your scouting and picket parties as in your opinion will tend to obviate these difficulties. He also desires that you send one squadron of the First Maryland Cavalry to report to Captain Elbert, aide-de-camp, for messenger duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Colonel RODGERS, AQUA CREEK, April 17, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Candy informs me that of 1,027 men sent to relieve him, only 75 have carbines. They have not yet relieved his J)ickets. JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadicr-General. U. AS. Volunteers. U. S. STEAMER ANACOSTIA, Lient. Commander SAMUEL MAGAw, April 17, 1863. Commanding First Division, Potomac Flotilla: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, according to your instruc- tions of the 15th instant, I proceeded np the Rappahannock River in company with the U. S. Steamer Dragon, Acting Master Hill command- ing. We arrived at Bristow Mines too late to proceed any farther with safety, and anchored. From reliable information, we found that time enemy were in strong force, and with heavy batteries from Port Tobago (4 miles above us) up to Fredericksbum~g; also that General Jackso Page 224 224 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cni~. XXXVII. commands the enemy below Fredericksburg. Three hundred of the enemys cavalry crossed the river above Bristow Mines on last Sunday evening, and remained two days, expecting to cut oft some of our cav- alry. There is a line of new intrencliments below Laytons, and a rebel regiment of cavalry, under Colonel Crutchfield, 2 miles back. From information, I considered it prudent to drop down below Leeds during the night, as we had attracted the attention of the enemy and spread the report that we were coming in force. During our passage up the river (110 miles) and down, we did not receive any shots, although they had everything prepared to cut us off at or about Laytons, if we had re- mained a few hours longer. I am convinced that squads of the enemys cavalry cross the river above and below Bristow Mines almost daily. From Jones Bluff and all the way up the river we saw numerous army wagons. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NELSON PROVOST, Acting ]lliaster, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ABEROROMBIES DIVISION, No. 1. April 17, 1863. In obedience to Special Orders~ No. 58, headquarters Department of Washington, the undersigned hereby assumes command of tile (livision here*ofore commanded by Major-General Casey. J. J. ABERCHOMBLE, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ART. DEFENSES OF ALEXANDRIA, No. 29. Near Fort Ward, Va., April 17, 1863. I. The Second New York Heavy Artillery, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, and Sixteenth Virginia Volunteers, are hereby temporarily attached to the command of Colonel Tannatt. II. This command will hereafter be designated as the Defenses of Washington South of the Potomac. By older of Brig. Gen. Robert 0. Tyler: E. L. KINNEY, & cond Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. BUCKHANNON, April 17, 1863. Col. XV. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, U. ~. Army, Baltimore, Md.: I have received the following telegrams: CHARLESTON, April 16, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: It is reported that the Twenty-second Regiment moved from Lewisbnrg on Monday to~vard Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier-General. The regiments composing Abererombies division, March 30, viz, Twenty-second Connecticut, Fortieth Massachusetts, One hundred and twenty-seventh, One hundred and forty-first, One hundred nud forty-second, One hundred and forty-third, and One hundred and forty-fourth New York, and Eleventh Rhode Island, were transferred, April 15, to the seventh Army Corps Page 225 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225 BEVERLY, April 16, 1863. Colonel Oley has returned front Crab Bottom. The rebels have three regiments of infantry aiid five of cavalry in that viciuity, and all the indications are a move by them in this direction. Nothing further accomplished. No news from Franklin yet. LATHAM, Colonel Second Virginia Infantry. BEVERLY, April 16, 1863. The information I have from scouts goes to confirm Colonel Oleys account of the force. The Twenty-tifth and Thirty-first Virginia Regiments have heen secretly sent from the cast. They were secreted iii this country. General William L. Jackson is in conninand over liuboden, with headquarters at Warm Springs. Colonel Oley re- ports indications of an advancc, and says the citizens along the route were expecting it. All Imbodens force was reported under marching orders. I do not consider Beverly in danger. LATIIAM, Colonel, Commanding. I sent about 250 of the Second Virginia Infantry, on Saturday last, toward Franklin. and about the same force of the Eighth in the direc- tion of Crab Bottom. The foregoing are the reports so far. It is be- yond doubt the intention of the rebels to attempt an attack upon my forces, but it seems to inc improbable that they have gathered in so large a force, yet it is possible, and preparations should be made to meet it. 1 need artillery an(l cavalry. My quartermaster has not a dollar of funds to pay spies and scouts, or for any other purpose. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON D. C., April 17, 1863. Major-General Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.: GENERAL: If the enemy has given up his attempt upon Suffolk and Norfolk, it is probably on account of a movement of General Hooker. I think that Lees main army will be massed between Richmond and the Rappahannock. This would, of course, give you an opportunity to operate in the direction of Hicksford or Weldon, to destroy the rail- roads connecting with the south. But would that be a safe operation? Moreover, would it not be contrary to principle? The enemy would be between you and Hookers army, ready to strike at either. Would he not in his central position have the same advantage over you and Hooker which he had last year over McClellan and Pope? It certainly seems so to me. Moreover, while you were operating south of James River might not the enemy recapture Williamsburg and Yorktown~l Would it not be more in accordance with principles for you and Hooker to act as nearly together as possible, and at the same time to secure your smaller force from the enemys heavy blows? Suppose, while General Hooker operates against the enemys front, you threaten his flank and rear by the Pamunkey and Mattapony in such a way as to secure your own retreat, would there not be greater chance of success? It seems to me that West Point furnishes you a most excellent base for such an operation. With the gunboats and a few heavy guns put in battery, it could be made secure against greatly superior numbers. Moreover, while affording assistance to Hookers operations, it will serve as a pro- tection to your line by Williamsburg and Yorktown. 1 am. therefore, of opinion that the moment you can safely withdraw troops from the south side of James River, you should olcupy West Point and operate 15 H RYOL XXV, PT I Page 226 226 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. as here suggested. The movement, if made, should be prompt and rapid, so as to force the enemy to give up all attempts upon Suffolk and Norfolk. Please inform me by telegraph whether you adopt my views, but with. out stating what they are. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. FORT MONROE, VA., April 18, 1863. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Your dispatch, by Lieutenant Beaumont, is received. I have long been in favor of occupying the point referred to. Will write fully by mail. May go to Suffolk to-day. It is closely invested. I was up to the enemys batteries on the Nansemond yesterday. They have re- opened the railroad from the Blackwater, and are redoubling their efforts. One gunboat was disabled yesterday. JOHN A. DIX, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 18, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War : I am informed by Commander Magaw that three of his gunboats are ordered to Newport News. I desire to know how long these boats will be absent, and also if the fleet under Commander McCrea is still at my disposal for purposes of co.operation. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., April 18, 18631.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Ealmouth, Va.: The appointment of Colonel Paul as brigadier has been ordered, and will be sent to your headquarters to-morrow. The two gunboats were ordered away by the Navy Department in ignorance of your design. The order has been countermanded, and, if you need them, they will be sent back immediately. The fleet under Commander McCrea is at your (lisposal. Admiral Elarwood, at the navy-yard, has also been ordered to co-operate with you, and send you everything of the Potomac fleet that is available. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. APRIL 18, 18633.05 p. in. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I do not require the two gunboats just now, and will give you timely notice when I need them. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding Page 227 ChAP. XXXVII I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 WASHINGTON, D. C., Major-General HOOKER April 18, 18639.30 p. in. The President will leave here for Aqula to see you to-morrow (Sun- day) morning at 7 oclock, expecting to reach there about 10 a. in. Can you meet him there ~ EDWIN M. STANTON. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SECRETARY OF WAR: April 18, 1863. We have the Richmond Whig of Friday, the 17th. It contains the following article: FROM SUFFOLK. The Petersburg Express of yesterday has a report, said to have been obtained through a courier from General Longstreets headquarters, that Suffolk was com- pletely invested by our forces on Tuesday evening; that the tracks of the Seaboard and Norfolk Railroad, in rear of Suffolk, had been torn up, pontoons had been thrown across the Nansemond River, and eligible positions occupied for our heavy guns in the event ot any attack by the enemys gunboats. The Express further states that the heavy firing heard Tuesday was occasioned by the opposition the enemy offered to our marching upon his rear. Our casualties are reported at 34 wounded. It is said that we lost several killed, but no definite number has been mentioned. Another report is that we have encountered two of the enemys gunboats on the Nansemond River other retreated in a crippled condition. , that one of them was destroyed and the Passengers, not always reliable, mention a rumor that the Irish Yankee General CoFcoran was killed on Tuesday last in an engagement near Suffolk. We have no official confirmation of any of these reports, though there is reason to believe that the investment of Suffolk is a fact accomplished. This is all the paper contains in reference to Suffolk; but the follow- ing is written in lead pencil on the margin, and was probably written by one Confederate for the information of another: An extra of the Richmond Dispatch, received last night, confirms the report of the capture and occupation of Suffolk by General Longstreet, and the death of the Yan- kee General Corcoran. I will send the paper up in the morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 18, 1863. Commanding Officer, Eleventh Corps: The major-general commanding is unofficially informed that the bri- gade of your command at Kellys Ford has drawn supplies from General Stoneman. If true, this would interfere very seriously with the opera- tions pending. You were advised on the instant to keep your com- mand supplied there. The major-general commanding directs that you send out immediately supplies to replace those drawn from the cavalry, both of forage and subsistence. General Stoneman has been furnished with a copy of this dispatch, and will expect these supplies to be furnished without delay. The major-general commanding desires to be informed whether his order ha Page 228 228 N. VA., W. VA., Ml)., ANT) PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. been coml)lied with, and whether any necessity existed for your brigade to draw supplies from General Stonemans command. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALM4YUTH, VA., April 18, 18639 a. m. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Oorps: 1 am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the difficulty of supplying your command iu its I)resent position, in addi- tion to other reasons, renders it necessary for you to resume your for- ward movement at the earliest practicable moment. You must hold your troops and your supplies in readiness to this end. When you leave, it should be with supplies for six days, and these must not be (lis- tributed among other commands on any consideration whatever. The corps commander to which the infantry in your vicinity belong was duly instructed to attend to their supplies, and they must obtain them from their own depots, and, in addition to keeping the brigade near you supplied, he has this morning been instructed to send forward without delay a sufficient quantity of rations and forage to replace those drawn by the infantry from your command. This should give you two days supply remaining of those you were directed to march from camp with. It was intended to forward you to-day five days additional rations and forage, but if, as reported by your quartermaster, you have 12,000 men and 17,000 animals, it will fall short of that estimate. The general is of opinion that the quartermaster overestimates your strength, and in order that there may be no errors in providing for your command, it is requested that this office be furnished with an exact return of your men and animals. A request for you to forward this return was addressed you yesterday. We must have positive and exact information on this subject. The general has been informed that some of your divisions left camp with not only the wagons which belonged to the men of the marching column, but also with those which were intended for the supply of the men left in camp. If this has been the case, it is presumed that they were taken for temporary service, and will be returned, for wagons can only embarrass you on your raid. The general is also apprehensive that you have more artillery than can be of service to you in a rapid movement,but of that you must decide. You may find it expedient to return some of the latter to camp, and also any portion of your force that is not in condition to be of service to you in your forward movement. No evidence exists here that the enemy has made any change in the disposition of his forces from the United States Ford down the river in consequence of your movement. Your delay in consequence of the storm may enable him to bring up a small force to dispute the passage of the river. It can only be a small one, and must be knocked out of the way. He cannot have sufficient force to defend all the fords at the same time. The major-general commanding directs that you bear in mind that a part of your route lies along the line over which the enemy receives his supplies, and it may be with reason expected that some portion of them will fall into your hands. From the character of your movement, it should not be expected that you will be provided with full rations every hour in the day. Such pever has beer} and never will be the case Page 229 CHAV. ~XXVIt.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~-tTNION. If, froiti your delay, Culpeper or Gordonsville should be found to have been re-enforced with inftLntry of considerable number, he suggests that you go around them. If the enemy has brought his forces on to the Rappahannock, he can have nothing in rear, and when his railroad bridges are destroyed he has no means of following you when you pass him. This can only be ascertained by feeling them. Please advise me the moment you determine to resume your forward movement. In consequence of the Bull iRun Bridge having been carried away by the freshet, and in the absence of the brid~e at Bristoe, it was found that you could not be supplied by the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in season to be of service to you. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 18, 1863.* Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps: Your dispatch of 12 m. yesterday has been received and laid before the commanding general. With respect to procuring supplies for your command via the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, I am instructed to say that the road has latterly been in running order to within a few miles of Manassas; that the freshet occasioned by the late storm has carried away the bridge at Bull Run; that the bridge at Bristoe has never been rebuilt; that these bridges cannot be replaced for a week or ten days to come, and that, even if the road were open to the Rappa- hannock, it could not be rendered reliable as a means of communication with the Alexandria depot without a much larger force to guard it than is now available, for the purpose. The commanding general therefore considers that you must look to the depots here alone for the supplies you may have to draw. lam instructed to add,for yonr information, that you have two small brigades of cavalry opposed to you, numbering between 4,000 and 5,000 sabers. The prisoners from there state that they are wretchedly mounted, as we know they must be. Your forcl~ of cavalry and artillery is more than double that of the enemy. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 106. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 18, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. Henry Baxter, volunteer service, will report in person to the major-general commanding the First Army Corps for assignment to a brigade in that corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. * This dispatch was sent to General Stoneman April 19, at 8.20 a. m. 22 Page 230 230 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA (CHAP. XXXvIT. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 107. f Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 19, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. G. IR. Paul is relieved from further duty with the Fifth Corps, and will report to the commander of the First Corps for as- signment to the brigade he formerly commanded. II. Brig. Gen. iR. B. Ayres is relieved from dutythe command of the Artillery Reserveand will report to the commander of the Fifth Army Corps for assignment to a brigade in the division commanded by Major.General Sykes. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, A ssistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 19, 186311 a. in. General B. F. KELLEY, Harpers Perry: Scammon and Roberts report a rebel regiment moving from Lewis. burg to the east of Suinmerville, and five regiments of their cavalry and two of infantry in the neighborhood of Crab Bottom. I do not be- lieve they have any such strength. I can send no re-enforcements to Roberts, who is asking for more cavalry and artillery. You must sup- port him, as far as practicable, from the railroad, and give instructions to Colonel Wilkinson, at Clarksbnrg, accordingly. Keep up communi- cation with Roberts. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 19, 186311 a. in. General B. F. KELLEY, Harpers Ferry: When Hooker moves, Milroy will go up the Valley with his division, supported by all you can spare. Get your troops at Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg immediately in condition to be held ready for such orders, looking also to ammunition and supplies of every kind. Send in advance immediately Captain Alexanders battery, Baltimore artil. lery, to report for duty to General Milroy. The battery is not trans- ferred, however, and will continue to make returns through General Kenly to you. By order of Major-General Scheuck: WM. H. CHESEBIROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 19, 186311.30 a. m. Major-General MILROY, Winchester, Va.: When General Hooker moves, which will be soon, you will be in- structed to move up the Valley with all your force, supported by as many as can be spared from Harpers Ferry, leaving of your troops only enough to take care of your rear and keep open your line of sup- plies. Make yourself ready immediately in all respects, and have your troops in the beet condition for such orders. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General Page 231 Cuir. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 231 BALTIMORE, April 19, 186311.30 a. m. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Buckhannon, Va.: General Scammon telegraphed last night that the Twenty-second [Virginia] rebel regiment would strike our lines 50 or 60 miles east of Summerville. If the enemy advance, it will probably be not for direct attack on you, but to see if he cannot get through to the rebels. What I expect would be rather a cavalry raid toward the railroad, keeping his infantry in your front, but I cannot believe they have as large a force as Colonel Oley represebts, nor the means of moving against you in such numbers. I would re-enforce any command with artillery and cavalry, if possible, but I cannot, and General ilalleck says we must do with what we have. I have instructed General Kelley to have Wil- kinson support you from the railroad as far as he can with his little force at Clarksburg. I came from Washington last night. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Aulajor- General. BALTIMORE, [April ,] 186310 p. m. General ROBERTS: General Scammon reports the enemy at Raleigh, under Jenkins, 3,000 men; Jones and Imboden at Lewisburg, 5,000 men; Echols, 2,000; in all, 10,000 men. The general commanding directs that you throw forward all the force you can to Summerville, to create a diversion, if possible. WM. H. CHESEBROUGH. BALTIMORE, April 19, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & eretary of War, Wa8hington, D. C.: SIR: I send Brigadier-General Lockwood to Washington, to confer with you, and through you with the Secretary of the Navy, with a view to having some immediate orders given that will prevent conflict of authority and possible collision between the military and naval forces guarding the Lower Potomac and the inlets and mouths of the rivers opening into Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers. I request you to give him an interview for this purpose. It is a sub- ject that requires prompt attention. General Lockwood will explain to ~ou the difficulties that have arisen between his command and some of the Navy officers. He will also exhibit to you a correspondence which he has had upon the subject. In this connection I beg leave to refer you also to papers and com- munications which I have heretofore forwarded in relation to the con- duct of officers of the flotilla, and to my indorsements thereon. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. DIJMFRIES, April 20, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM: Everything on the road will, if possible, be with you to-morrow at 12 m. CHAS. CANDY, Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 232 232 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., ELEVENTH CORPS, Kellys Ford, April 20, 18634 p. in. Major-General HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: This afternoon I received the inclosed order. The portion relating to my command was immediately complied with. As it appears the cavalry are to leave this neighborhood, I have taken extra precau- tions to prevent surprise. We have the countersign only np to to-day, and would respectfully request that we may be supplied for the days following. The train an- nounced to have started on the 18th instant has not yet arrived. The delay may be on account of bad roads. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BUSCUBECK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. [Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. CAy. CORPS, ARMY OF POTOMAC, No. 10. April 20, 1863. This command will move at once. Davis will move to near the mouth of Carters Run (Waterloo Bridge), and push patrols to the direction of the mountains and to his rear. Averell will move to the vicinity of Sulphur Springs, and connect with and picket up to Davis. Gregg will follow Averell, take a position on Averells left, and picket down to Lawsons Ford (near Foxville). Buford will move to Lawsons Ford (near Foxville), relieving the pickets along the river, as he advances up, by men from his brigade. Each commander will endeavor to mask his movements from time en- emy as much as possible, both in advancing an(l in encamping, and will, upon the arrival of his command at the point herein designated, send a staff officer to these Lieadqnarters, which, for the night, will be on the road from Sulphur Springs to Warrenton. Rush will encamp on the Warrenton and Sulphur Springs road, in rear of the corps headquarters. The commanding officer at Kellys Ford will send 200 infantrymen to guard tIme railroad bridge and Beverly Ford. Everything not taken along, as per circular of yesterday, will be sent to the rear. The commanding general expects to be kept thoroughly informed in regard to everything that transpires by frequent messengers or did- patches. By command of Major-General Stoneinan: A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., April 20, 1863. llon E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for your information, my last advices from Major-General Stonemnan.* They are as late as 9 oclock last night, an(l will explain themselves. General Stonenmami seems to be warnmin n P his position. ~, to liii Page 233 Ciup. XXXViI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 233 I also inclose you a copy of an order I have issued to-day in regard to the discharge and transfer of tlje two-years men. After giving the subject mature reflection, I consider this to be the best disposition that can be made of them. Shall be thankful for any additional suggestion from yourself. I believe the order provides for all the issues that may arise under the complex condition of this question. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosures.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 44. Camp near Falmoutit, Va., April 20, 1863. In order that no misunderstanding may exist as to the course to be pursued with regard to regiments whose terms of service are about ex- piring, the following rules will govern the action of corps commanders and others in the matter: I. Where companies and regiments re-enlist after the expiration of their l)resent term of service, in accordance with the provisions of Gen- eral Orders, No. 85, of April 2, 1863, from the War Department, herein- after published, the regimental and company officers will be retained, the regiment will have a furlough for the time specified in the order, and be allowed to proceed, at the public expense, with their arms and equipments, to the place of their enrollment; the date of the furlough being two years or nine months, as the case may be, from the date of the original muster into the service of the United States. II. Where the regiments in a body decline to re-enlist, the officers and men will be mustered out at the expiration of two years or nine months from the date of their actual muster into the service of the United States; their arms and equipments will be turned in to the ord- nance officer of the division to which the troops belong, and transpor- tation and subsistence will be furnished them to the place of their enrollment by the quartermasters and subsistence departments. III. In cases where less than one-half of the men re-enlist, the pro- portion of officers to be retained and the selection of those to be retained in service will be determined by corps commanders, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph III, of General Orders, No. 86, of April 2, 1863, from the War Department. The rank, proportion, and number of officers to be retained with the regiments where re-enlistments are partial is left to the discretion of corps commanders. IV. The proportion of the bounty provided in General Orders, No. 85, of April 2, 1863, from the War Department, for re-enlistment, will be entered upon the muster-rolls, to be paid at the first payment after the return of the men from furlough. V. in regiments where two-years men and men enlisted for three years or tIme war are associated together, special recommendations may be made to these headquarters ftr furloughs to the latter, when the number of two-years men re-enlisting may, in the opinion of the corps commander, justify the indulgence. VI. Where the two-years regiments do not re-enlist, as above pro- vided for, corps commanders will direct the transfer of men enlisted for three years or the war in such regiments to three-years regiments from the same State, or, if their numbers are sufficient, these men may, at the discretion of corps commanders) be formimed into battalions Page 234 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. VII. This order, as well as the following order from the War Depart- ment, will be read at the head of each company of the two-years and nine-months regiments serving in this army. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 85. Washington, D. 0., April 2, 1863. The following is an extract from the Act for enrolling arid calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1863: SEc. 18. And be itfurt her enacted, That such of the volunteers and militia now in the service of the United States as may re-enlist to serve one year, unless sooner dis- charged, after the expiration of the present term of service, shall be entitled to a bounty of $50, one-half of which to be paid upon such re-enlistment and the balance at the expiration of the term of re-enlistment; and such as may re-enlist to serve for two years, unless sooner discharged, after the expiration of their present term of enlistment, shall receive, upon such re-enlistment, $25 of the $100 bounty for enlist- ment provided by the fifth section of the act approved July 22, 1861, entitled, Au act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing the laws and pro- tecting the public property. In addition to the benefits as set forth in the foregoing, it is hereby ordered that each soldier now in service who may re-enlist as therein provided shall be allowed a furlough for thirty days, the same to be granted immediately after his re-enlistment By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assi8tant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 20, 1863. Commanding Officer, First Corps: The commanding general directs that you canse the canvas pontoon train, now at Belle Plain, to be mounted on running gear of some of your wagons, and a small detachment of infantry to march with it to Port Conway, the troops to march without their knapsacks, with a sup- ply of provision sufficient to last them until their return, which must be by to-morrow in the night. The object of this demonstration is to draw the enemys force in that direction. While apparently endeavor- ing to conceal their train, they will let just enough be seen to betray the movement. The commanding general has reliable information that there are not more than from 100 to 150 troops in Port Royal. If any spirited regi- ment will volunteer to go there in boats and capture this party, the general requests that they may be permitted to do so. The troops which move will keep their supply of provision in knapsacks, and the supply ready to be cooked and put in haversacks in camp, so that they will be ready for a move immediately upon their return. It would be well to conceal from the troops the object of their movement down the river. The pontoons weigh but 800 pounds. To-night would be a splendid night for the execution of the move- ment for the capture of the force at Port Royal. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- GeneraL 23 Page 235 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 235 CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 20, 1863. Brigadier-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Division: The major-general commanding directs me to furnish you with the following extract from the circular issued by General Stoneman, com- manding the Cavalry Corps: All men and animals not capable of performing long and rapid marches, day and night, will be assorted out and sent to the rear, with ins~rnctions to report to Brig. Gen. A. Pleasonton. The general desires that preparations may be made to receive such men as report under this order, to assign them to their depots, to put them in condition immediately for active operations. I am directed to say to you that it is considered of the first impor- tance that the various depots to which the dismounted cavalry have been assigned at Dumfries, Stafford, Aquia, and Belle Plain, should be under the control of the most thorough, efficient, and able officers in your command; that the utmost energy should be displayed iii getting the commands in a state of organization and discipline and effective- ness, that there may be no failure in the important trust which has been conferred upon them. The commanding general desires that you will give personal supervision, visiting these different posts, ascer- taining in what manner the orders are being executed, and correcting any evils that may exist. General Slocum has been directed to leave a regiment of infantry at Dumfries, with the battery and dismounted cavalry, until such time as all the cavalry can be armed. It is expected that horses will be rapidly sent forward for the dismounted men. General Stoneman, in his report this morning, mentions the capture of the commander of the Black Horse Cavalry with several of his men. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 20, 1863. Lieutenant-Commander MAGAW: The major-general commanding desires to be informed of the num- ber of boats in the Potomac Flotilla, what orders you have, and where the boats are. He has been advised by the President that they will act under his orders. He desires that none should go away without his knowledge. He desires the same information with regard to the fleet of Commander McCrea. Please answer. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. NAVY-YARD, WASHINGTON, D. C., April 20, 1863. (Received 12.01 p. in.) Lieutenant-Commander MAGAW, Off Aquia Creek, or U. S. S. Freeborn: Inform the major-general that all the available steam force of the Potomac Flotilla, not under repair, has been already detached to co- operate with the army, either here or in Nansemond River. Four yes Page 236 N. VA., W. VA., MD, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. sels are with Rear-Admiral Lee. McCrea has only the Jacob Bell and Reliance. Her crank is cracked and bajuled ftr temporary use. She an(l the Reliance were detailed to convoy General Hookers transports. The rest of the flotilla available consists of mortar-schooners. Com- municate this directly to the major-general commanding. A. A. HARWOOD, Commodore. [Indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Hooker. SAMUEL MAGAW, Lieutenant- Commander. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN2S OFFICE, No. 181. f Washington, April 20, 1863. I. Brigadier-General Barry, U. S. Volunteers, will at once proceed to Harpers Ferry and make a thorough inspection of the defenses of that place. He will see that they are put in perfect order with the least practicable delay. Having completed this duty, General Barry wilt return to this city. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- (Jenera~~ SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 108. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 20, i~63. * * * * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. C. Devens, volunteer service, will report to the maj~. general commanding the Eleventh Army Corps, for assignment to ~t division of that corps. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, A ssi~tani Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863-..--9 a.m. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: My latest advices from Major-General ~toneman were up to 9 oclock yesterday morning. At that time his command was moving to ascer- tam whether or not the fords were practicable. If he had crossed, I cannot but feel that I should have been informed of it ere this. Gen- eral Stoneman reports that much more rain has fallen in the mountains than lower down the river- hence the slowness of the waters in falling. I am expecting to hear from him hourly. The weather appears to continue adverse to the execution of my plans as first formed, as, in fact, for all others; but if these do not admit of speedy solution, I feel that I must modify them to conform to the con- dition of things as they are. I was attached to the movement as first projected, as it l)romised unusnal & ucccss; but if it fails, I will project a 23 Page 237 CHAP. XXXVII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 movement which I trust will secure us success, but not to so great an extent, and one in the execution of which I shall be able to exercise personal supervision. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863. Commanding Otjicer, Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding requests me to say that the chief quartermaster has been directed to start a train of hay early to-morrow morning br you from Alexandria. This traiii will be ordered to War- renton Junction, there being uncertainty as to the condition of the rail- road beyond that point and as to what point will be most available and convenient for your purposes. It is expected that you will have some iierson at Warrenton Junction with a knowledge of the railroad beyond that point, and with directions as to where you desire to have the hay delivered. The train should be unloaded and returned without delay. You should manage to have some dry wood cut, if possible, for the engines at the point where the train is to be unloaded. By the advice of Colonel Taylor, your chief of staff; the train is ordered to carry hay alone. I am directed to say it will be necessary for you to guard the Cedar Run bridges and the small culverts and bridges below that, over which the train will have to pass, from any interference by bush. whackers or forces of the enemy. The general commanding desires that you will husband your re- sources and the strength of your animals as much as possible. it is expected that this dispatch will reach you by daylight. Messen- gers are ordered to push through all night, so that you will have ample time to make the necessary arrangements for meeting the train. It is understood that your rations of forage are to the 25th and pro- visions to the 28th. The general desires you to keep on hand the lull capacity of your pack-mules and your troops up to six days. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.Copies of dispatches from General Ilaupt are inclosed for your information.* The general directs me to add that he desires you to keep your force well in hand, and to stop the return of officers and orderlies unnecessarily to this camp. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTTI, VA., April 21, 1863. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps: Your communication of April 20,* inclosing your General Orders, No. 10, t received at 7 oclock last evening. The major-general commanding directs me to advise you that a force from General Abercrombies command, of General Heintzelmans corps, should be ready this morning to guard the work of construction Jar * Not found. t ~ee General Orders~ No. 10, in closure from J3iischbeck to howard, April 20, p. 23 Page 238 238 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. ties at Cedar Run, who will repair the railroad bridge. Both parties were to be there early this morning and the bridge finished to.day. It is necessary to know, not only for the safety of these parties, but also for other reasons, all the movements of the enemy~s cavalry in your front and on your flanks. The major-general commanding directs that you will keep him advised of the movements of the enemy, if they move away from you, the direction they have taken, and their appar- ent object. The reduced condition of their supplies will undoubtedly lead them to make a dash at any point where they could have any hope of re-enforcing their commissariat. The commanding general directs me to advise you that many strag- glers from your command, without proper passes, come into our picket lines. He directs that you cause such orders to be given as to prevent any man from being sent back without a pass in writing from his division commander, stating the object and purpose for which he is sent. These individual men are liable to capture by guerillas or bush- whackers, and should not be sent back except in small parties. The general commanding desires exact information with regard to the condition of the Rappahannock railroad bridge, and also desires that full information, with all particulars, ma~y be sent up with regard to your progress, position, and movements of the enemy. At this dis- tance the commanding general is dependent upon you for all informa- tion regarding your movements or intended movements and those of the enemy. In order that the necessary arrangements may be made for promptly replenishing your supplies, should this become neces8ary, the corn- manding general wishes to have a report at once of your condition and position, and showing also to what extent the present storm has im- peded your operations. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, A8sistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 186311 p. m. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Advices from Major-General Stoneman of to-day inform me that he has not been able to effect a passage of the river, from the depth of water at the fords. I have given directions for him to remain in posi- tion for the present, as his presence above tends to deceive the enemy. As I can only cross the river by stratagem without great loss, which I wish to avoid, it may be a few days before I make it. I must threaten several points, and be in readiness to spring when a suitable opportunity presents itself. Deserters inform me that the talk in the rebel camp is that when we cross the river it is their intention to fall in our rear and attack our depot at Aquia. The recent arrival of a pontoon train at Hamiltons Crossing lends plausibility to these reports. I forward herewith copies of the last Richmond papers; but little news. Stoneman will receive forage for his animals via the Orange and Alex-~ andria Railroad, now open to Rappahannock Station. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, ~Thjor-General, Commandi~, Page 239 CHAP. XXXVH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863. Hon. E. N. STANTON, & cretary of War: I would respectfully call your attention to the inclosed extract pub- lished in the Washington Morning Chronicle of April 17, 1b63, with the correspondence of the medical director of this army in regard to the same. Already all the arithmeticians in the army have figured up the strength of sick and well, as shown in this published extract, as belonging to this army. Its complete organization is given, and in the case of two corps the number of regiments. The chief of my secret service department would have willingly paid $1,000 for such informa- tion in regard to the enemy at the commencement of his operations, and even now would give that sum for it to verify the statements which he has been at great labor and trouble to collect and systemize. By the inclosed correspondence it will be seen that it was not pub- lished from this army. I trust that the matter may receive attention and investigation at your hands.* Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure. 1 Letter from Medical Director Letterman to General Hooker. The following are extracts from a letter addressed to General Hooker by 1)r. J. Letterman, medical director, Army of the Potomac, showing the sanitary condition of that army: I have the honor to submit for the information of the commanding general the luclosed report on the sickness of this army. The paper marked A t shows the whole number of sick in this army to be, on the 28th of March ultimo, 10,777. The corps exhibiting the greatest ratio of sick are those in which there is the greatest number of new regiments. Thus, the First Corps, having a ratio of 90.02 per 1,000, has, accord- ing to the data in this office, eighteen new and twenty-one old regiments. The Sixth Corps, with a ratio of 46.16 per 1,000, has only four new regiments and thirty old regiments. The ratio of sick for the whole army is 67.64 per 1,000. When it is considered that since the 1st of February less than 800 sick haye been sent beyond the lines of the army (excepting those belonging to the Ninth Corps, which was ordered away), the ratio of sick is small. The paper marked B,t taken from the monthly sick reports for January and February, affords more explicit information regarding the health of the army. It shows that all the more serious diseases to which troops in camp are liable, and especially those which depend upon neglect of sanitary precautions and bad diet, have decreased in a marked degree during the month of February. This paper shows that during this month typhoid fevers decreased 28 per cent., and diarrhea 32 per cent.; and I have reason to expect that the reports for March (which have not yet been received) will exhibit a continued decrease. Numerous reports made to this office refer to the general improvement in the health, tone, and vigor of those who are not reported sick; an improvement which figures will not exhibit, but which is apparent to officers whose attention is directed to the health of the men. This favorable state of the health of the army, and the decrease in the severity of the cases of disease, is in a great measure to be attributed to the improvement in the diet of the men, commenced about the 1st of February by the issue of fresh bread and fresh vegetables, which has caused the disappearance of the symptoms of scurvy that in January began to assume a serious aspect throughout the army; to the increased attention to sanitary regulations both in camp and hos- pitals; to the more general practice of cooking by companies, and to the zeal and energy displayed by the medical directors of corps, and the medical officers of this army generally, inculcating the absolute necessity of cleanliness and attentioxi to the * See Lee to Seddon, May 10, Confederate Correspondence, p. 790. Omitted. 23 Page 240 240 N. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXVIL precautions for insuring the health of troops, which the united experience of the armies of Europe and our own has shown to be indispensable to their efficiency. I have unceasingly impressed npon all officers of this department the primary im- portance of carrying into effect sanitary measures to prevent sickness) and my sug- gestions and directions have been carried out with an intelligence and zeal which it affords me great satisfaction to bring to the notice of the commanding general. It also aftords me pleasure to state that the medical officers have found their mili- tary commanders, with very few exceptions, willing to carry into effect their sugges- tions to this end. Much, very much, still remains to be done; but the earnestness and ability of the medical officers of this army to which I have alluded, and to which much of the im- provement in the health of the troops is due, give the assurance that, so far as depends upon their exertions, nothing will be left nndone to raise to a still higher degree the effective strength of the Army of the Potomac. Ratio of 8ickne88 per 1,000 of mean 8trenfJth on March 28. First Corps -~. 90.02 Second Corps 85. 19 Third Corps .- 75.69 Fifth Corps... -- 61. 19 Sixth Corps 46.16 68.96 Eleventh Corps 52.78 Twelfth Corps 64. 05 Cavalry 41. 31 Artillery l~eserve Patricks brigade 31.31 Engineer Brigade, Eighth U. S. Infantry, Ninety-third New York Infantry. 48.91 [Indorsements.) APRIL 23, 1863. The within papers are referred to the Surgeon-General for immediate investigation and report of the flicts relating to the publication of Dr. Lettermans report. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SURGEON-GENERALS OFFICE, April 23, 1863. Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War with the accompany- ing report of Maj. J. R. Smith, U. S. Army, by whose action the report of the medical director of the Army of the Potomac was l)ublished. I am sure Dr. Smith was actuated by no improper motive, and that his conduct was an inadvertence, to which the best of us aic liable. As this is the first act of the kind which has occurred in this office, and as Dr. Smiths services and devotion to duty are of a high order, I beg that this indiscretion may be overlooked, satisfied as I am that a simi- lar occurrence will not again take place. W. A. HAMMOND, Surgeon- General. SURGEON-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington City, D. 0., April 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. A. HAMMOND, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army: GENERAL: To your inquiries in reference to the publication of a port of Surgeon Letterman, and my knowledge of the same, I have the honor to reply that about a week since the report referred to was re- ceived. at this office, and read by me as an ordinary sanitary report. Soon after its reception, a newspaper reporter came into the office, and to his entreaties for news as to tlw~ health of the army, I let him cop Page 241 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 the letter, directing him, however, to omit the address and signature, and any marks which might denote the official and to thus attach it im- portance or credibility. This it seems he did, adding, however, on his own account a remark which rendered my precaution vaiii. That I did not notice the fact that the numbers given were susceptible of further calculation, was au oversight that I cannot now understand or explain. In this connection it may be stated the only newspaper reporters who visit this office belpig to the New York Times and the Washington Moining Chronicle, both of which I believe to be loyal papers, and in- capable of using to the public injury information that they might ob- tain; and I may also call your attention to the fact known to you per- sonally that the greatest circumspection has been exercised at this office and by inc personally to permit [prevent] the-unauthorized publication of any articles whatever, trifitug or important. I did not see the printed article in the Chronicle until to-day. Sev- eral days since, learning that such an article was published, and fear- ing that others might be accused of its publication for unworthy motives, I wrote to the medical director .of General Hookers army, indicating the manner in which publicity was given the report, and desiring him to assure General Hooker of my deep regret and future caution. I trust, sir, that my character and service will satisfy you not only how deeply I regret the oversight which has been committed, but that renewed prudence for the future will prevent the possible occurrence of such another inadvertence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. R. SMITH, Surgeon, U. S. Army. SUFFOLK, VA., April 21, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: Army of the Potomac: General Halleck has just left my headquarters. General Longstreet 18 here, waiting Hill or other troops. I hold everything yet. How do you get along? JNO. J. PECK, Major. General. APRIL 21, 186310 p. m. Major-General PECK, Suffolk, Va.: Am glad to hear good tidings from you. You must be patient with me. I must play with these devils before I can spring. Remember that my army is at the bottom of a well and the enemy holds the top. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Gommanding. BALTI~IORE, Mm, April 21, 18633.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Many circumstances now tend to indicate that the rebels are pre- paring to make some inovemeiit in force ~ii Western Virginia. General .Nlilroy telegraphed to me yesterday that, except some si~ll tt~ri~g 16 i~ l~-~--YOI.j ~XY, PT II Page 242 242 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVIL parties, the enemy had fallen back with all troops as far as Harrison- burg. In a dispatch to-day he says: From information received, which I deem reliable, the baggage of Jacksons army and some artillery and ordnance stores arrived at Staunton some ten days since. These things corroborate the reports I get from Generals Scammon and Roberts. IROBT. C. SCHENUK, ~4 Major. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, I~ o. 182. f Washington, April 21, 1863. * * * * - * * * V. Brig. Gen. G. Marston, U. S. Volnnteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac, and will report in person, without delay, to Major - General Heintzelman, commanding Department of Washington, for duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WARRENTON JUNCTION, VA., April 22, 1863. General S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Potomac: Averells division and Davis brigade are on the railroad, half way between Warrenton and the Junction. Greggs division and Bufords brigade are at the Junction. All are on the railroad. As we have not, nor, by being there, do we reqnire, wagons to transport our snppli~s, I shall make arrangements to keep on hand two days rations of long, and six of short, forage, and eight of subsistence stores. I patrol the road to Bristoe Station, and have telegraphed the commanding officer of Alexandria of the fact, and requested that the force at Washington be sent out as far as Bristoe, where I will connect with it by patrols from Cedar Run. I am sorry to say that the horses have suffered consider- ably for want of forage and from exposure to rain and wind. A few days, I hope, will bring them up again. The railroad is in good order up to the Rappahannock railroad bridge and to Warrenton. The con- struction train is now at the bridge. Three trains have arrived with stores. GEORGE STONEMAN, Major-General, Commanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 22, 1863. Major.General STONEMAN, Corndg. Cavalry Corps, Warrenton Junction, Va.: Your telegram of this date received. It is hoped the arrival of the trains has enabled you to replenish your supplies, both of subsistence and forage, and it is expected that you are again prepared for a for- ward movement, so far as regards your stores. The commandin Page 243 CRAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 243 general therefore directs that you proceed across the river to-morrow morning, if the fords are practicable. The general does not look for one moments delay in your advance from any cause that human effort can obviate, and directs me to add that this army is awaiting your movement. S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS Warrenton Junction, A 22, 186312 m. Brigadier-General GREGG: The major-general commanding directs that you direct the head of your column toward this point, and send a staff officer, on receipt of this (duplicate), to report for instructions. Your camp will be between this place and Bealeton, on the north side of the Orange and Alexan- dria Railroad. This change in the location of your command is rendered necessary by the topography of the country and nature of the road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 22, 1863. Major-General COUCH: The commanding general directs that you have your pickets cautioned to extra vigilance to-night and toward morning, the reserves to act or move to any point circumstances may require. Please acknowledge. S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant- General, U. ~. Army: For the information of the War Department, I have the honor to trans- mit herewith a statement of the number of men soon to be discharged from this army by expiration of term of enhistment.* They are the nine-months and two-years regiments. From recent information, I have reason to believe but few, if any, will re-enlist at this time. They appear to be of opinion that they will be under less restraint to retire from service before incurring new obli- gations, and that if they should conclude to return, they wilt be able to realize a larger bounty as substitutes for conscripts than is provide(1 by law. The large bounties heretofore paid by the State and Federal Governments seem to be uppermost in their minds, and they wilt be likely to hold back for their recurrence. At all events, they are unwill- ing to re-enlist now. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, _________ MajorYleneral. Detailed statement omitted. It aggregates 16,450 two-years men and 6,421 limO- months men Page 244 244 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 22, 1863. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding is of the opinion that you are en- camped in the immediate vicinity of your depot of supplies, and that you will spare no labor to pnt your command in a state of the utmost efficiency, while you hold it in readiness to move at the earliest practi- cable moment. He also directs that you improve the opportunity to keep yourself advised of the condition of the water on the fords; also of the force of the enemy to guard the fords, and also mature your plans for an advance when the signal is given. Determine at what ford you will cross, at what hour, and the lines you will advance on to accomplish your mission. The line of the enemys pickets, being extended, must be a weak one, and, if attacked at break of day, will easily be broken. If you desire, vigorous demonstrations can be made by the infantry and artillery at Kellys Ford at any hour, which, as before, will tend to draw the enemy in that direction. If necessary, a still larger force can be sent to that point, bnt as it will require the best part of two days for them to reach there from this camp, it may not be in season. If the detachment you dispatched to look into Culpeper and Gordonsville should find them held by an infantry force too numerous to engage, let them pass round those places. After you break through the enemys advanced lines, you will find no force in the direction of Richmond, that city itself being without a sufficient force to keep out your own command, should you advance on it. This, however, is not expected. Major-General Keyes has a command at Gloucester Point, and also at Fort Magruder. Wise is in his front with a small force. After crossing the iRapidan, the major-general suggests that you sub- divide your command, and let them take different routes, and have some point of meeting on your line of general operations. These de- tachments can dash off to the right and left, and inflict a vast deal of mischief and at the same time bewilder the enemy as to the course and intentions of the main body. It seems to him that these should move without artillery, and, if necessary to strike a railroad or effect a sur- prise, make long marches at night. You have sent so many animals to the rear, the general hopes that you will be able to pack ammunition for your batteries, and leave your wagons behind. All vehicles will only embarrass your operations. In his opinion two pieces of artillery to a division should be all that you attempt to move with. Of this you must be the judge. You have officers and men in your command who have been over much of the country in which you are operating; make use of them. You must move quickly and make long marches. The experience of your march up the river will, doubtless, satisfy you of what can be accomplished by celerity. Remember that you are turn- ing the rivers, which the enemy, to follow yon, must swim, should they become swollen. Cross them, however, as low down as possible, as that will shorten your marches. Let the officers and men selected to destroy bridges, & c., be efficient, and let their work be done thoroughly. Should you be out of forage and food, you will find them at the farm- houses between the rivers flowing into the Potomac, as that country north of York River, low down, has hitherto completely escaped drain- age by the army. I am instructe(l to inform you that the general regrets that up to this time you have made no mention of Colonel Davis disas- ter the third day out from here. ~He requests that you will keep him fully and correctly advised of all your operations. Ille pi~ require Page 245 CHAP. XXXVII.l CORRESPOND~NC~, ETC.ITNION. 245 that you will inform him, without delay, of the probable hour you will be able to resume your march. In marching, you must require your men to keep together as much as in an Indian country. Send any officer to the rear who does not keep his command iu hand. You will lose every man and horse who separates from his command. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS, Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Washington, D. 0., April 23, 1863. Headquarters Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Inclosed please find copy of instructions issued this day to superintendents of military railroads in Virginia. Very respectfully, H. IJAUPT, In charge Gonstruction and Transportation, U. S. AL B. R. [Inclosure.] WAR DEPARTMENT, U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS Washington, D. 0., April 23, 1863. The superintendents of military railroads in Virginia are instructed to forward trains with supplies to any point to which they may be or- dered; but in cases where, from absence or insufficiency of military l)rotection, trains are in danger of capture, the orders must come from the general in command of the department, and not from any subordi. nate officer. H. HAUPT, Brig. Gen., in charge Gonst. and Trans., U. S. M. R. B. CAMP AT WARRENTON JUNCTION, April 23, 186312 m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: The command is now separated by impassable streams and I am unable to communicate with the different portions of it, o~ing to the small streams being swimming. The pickets are cut off by high water. GEORGE STONEMAN, ]lIiajor- General, Commanding Cavalry. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, April 23, 1863. (Received April 2310.50 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel LATHROP, Assistant Inspector- General: As General Stoneman is at Warrenton Junction with a strong force of cavalry, I would respecfully request permission to withdraw my regi- ment of cavalry from Bristoe, where it is now i)atrolling from there to Bull Run, as my forces are too small to have so many detachments, besides the long line our cavalry has to cover, and as I need force in case of any emergency. JUL. STAHEL, Major- General Page 246 246 N. VA., W. VA, MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SUFFOLK, VA., April 24, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Richmond papers state that Longstreet has been re-enforced. They are despondent about his campaign. This afternoon I made a demon- stration on his right, resting on the Edenton road. Thus far my opera- tions have been successful. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. (Copy to General Halleck.) BUCKHANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General.in-Chief: The combined forces of Imboden and [W. L.] Jackson attacked 13ev- erly this afternoon, and have taken that place. Colonel Latham has retreated on the road to Philippi.* The enemy interposed cavalry and artillery in the road to this place, and prevented his falling back. Re- enforcements should be thrown into Grafton without delay, or the enemy will reach the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and do great damage. The roads in this region are impassable. B. ~. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 24, 18638 p. in. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS, Buckhannon, Va.: Collect your forces, defend the railroad, and drive the enemy back. You are strong enough to do it if you try. Do not call for re-enforce- ments from here. You have no need of them, and we have none to give - you if you had. I do not understand how the roads there are impass- able to you, when, by your own account, they are passable enough to the enemy. if you cannot drive the enemy out, we will seek some one who can. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief BUCEHANNON, VA., April 24, 18639.40 p m Major-General HALLECK: Your telegram received. I have collected my forces from Sutton and Buhltown into this place, to repel the enemy. Colonel Latham, with half of my command, has allowed himself to be surprised, and has been compelled to retreat in the direction of Philippi, where he cannot reach me. The enemy has five regiments of cavalry. I have but four com- panies. The roads the enemy has passed over are the mountain roads. Those I must move over are in the valley, and I have never seen any in so impassable a condition. I shall fail in nothing that is possible. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General. See Imbodens expedition, etc., Part I, p. 90 Page 247 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 247 BUCKHANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. LieuL Col. W. H. CHESEBROUGH, Baltimore, Md.: Colonel Latham has been driven from Beverly, and has retreated on the road to Phulippi. Artillery and cavalry got in between Beverly and this place. Re-enforcenients shonld be sent from Grafton to Philippi without delay. I have telegraphed to Governor Peirpoint the state of things. There should be no delay. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 24, 18638 p. m. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Harper~s Ferry, Va.: The following telegram, of this date, has just been received from Buckhannon: Since 2 p. m. I have received from Colonel Latham, commanding at Beverly, four telegrams, the first stating that the enemy were advancing on him; by the last he informs me that he has opened upon him with artillery, and that they were within I mile of him. He believes Imbodens and Jacksons forces aria combined. Forces from Harpers Ferry should he pushed on toward Grafton. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. You will at once send such troops as you can spare from Harpers Ferry to Grafton or Clarksburg to the support of General Roberts, being governed by circumstances. By order of Major-General Schenck: WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY Harpers Ferry: Colonel Latham driven from Beverly, and fell back toward Philippi, with artillery and cavalry between Beverly and Buckliannon. Hasten forward what you can toward Philippi. Let Colonel Wilkinson spare all he can. Telegraph to General Roberts. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General. (Copy to Major-General Halleck.) BUCKHANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Commanding at Harpers Ferry: Colonel Latham has been driven from Beverly and has retreated to- ward Philippi. There should be no delay in getting troops to Grafton. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 248 248 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL BALTIMORE, April 24, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: Received your two telegrams. Have this afternoon and to-night directed Kelley to immediately hasten all re.eiiforcements lie can to you. Have directed him to send Colonel Wilkinson iii direction of Philippi. ROBT. C. SCLIENCK, Major- General. BUCKUANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. Governor PEIRPOINT, Wheeling, Va.: Imbodens and Jacksons forces have attacked Colonel Latham at Beverly this afternoon. They have six pieces of artillery, and infantry and cavalry Sut)PO5ed to be 4,000. All the troops in and about Wheeling should be moved in the direction of Grafton. If they force Beverly, they will strike the rail. road toward Grafton, or move upon me at this place. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. Governor PEIRPOINT, Wheeling, Va.: Colonel Latham has been driven from Beverly and has retreated on the road to Philippi. All the available troops should he sent to re- enforce bun and to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 24, 1863. General SCAMiVIoN, Commanding, Charleston, Kanawha: Inibodens and Jacksons combined forces have attacked Beverly this afternoon. I shall draw my [troops] from Sutton and Bulitown in this direction, and you must secure your flanks in that (lirection. B. S. ROBEIIITS Brigadier- General, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, [April] 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS: Your telegram received. I have made arrangements to carry out your suggestions, if necessary. Think, however, that Lathain will be able to rel)CI Imboden. Please keep me fully advised. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General Page 249 CHAP. XXXVJI.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 249 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQR S. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.s OFFICE, No. 186. % Washington, April 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. fi. Van Aleii, U. S. Volunteers, will report to the coin- mauding general, Army of the Potomac, for assignment to duty. By command of Major-General ilalleck: E. 1). TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 25, 1863. Col. J. P. TAYLOR, Commanding at King George Court-House, Va.: Your letter of this date * has been received and laid before the corn- manding general, who directs that you at once take measures to carry into effect your proposition to send a detachment down the Neck for the purpose of capturing any small parties of the enemy that may be found in that quarter, of breaking up contraband trade, of seizing mails being conveyed to and from the enemys lines, seizing any supplies in- tended for the enemy, and of making arrests of such citizens as shall appear to be actively engaged against us. The general wishes your party to move rapidly, and accomplish as much as possible inside of four days. The movern~nts should, when practicable, be made at night, so as to take the enemy by surprise. Great care and discretion should be exercised in making arrests. The party will find an abundance of forage on the Neck. All provisions and forage likely to be used by the enemy, and not needed by our own trool)s, will be destroyed. Captain Mann, commanding company of Oneida cavalry, has been directed to report to you temporarily with a small party, and the gen- eral wishes you to employ him in co-operation with your own detach. nient. The general wishes to have Heathsville visited. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 25, 1863. Col. J. P. TAYLOR, (Jommanding Cavalry Picket: The major-general commanding approves of your proposition to send an expedition down the Neck for the purpose of capturing any dis- mOunte(l men that are on this si(le. Captain Mann ol the Oneida cavalry, with a small force, will be sent down in order to strengthen the detachments that you send down. It is desired that you should send two detachments, one to operate by the River road, the other to move on a parallel line at the same time by the road running along the center of the Neck. In order to accomplish the purposes of seizing any parties there and capturing any mails at Warsaw, Farnams, Leeds, Ileathsville, or any of the towns on the route, it will be necessary that you should make rapid marches and take these places by surprise. General Reynolds, of the First Corps, will send a small party of cavalry down omi the Potomac side of the Neck, to move to-night, to * Not found Page 250 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CuAr. XXXVII. seize a signal party supposed to be operating at that point, near Machodoc Creek. You should be very careful in the arrests you make not to harass, annoy, or imprison innocent citizens. The command will find on the march plenty of forage for their horses. All means of transportation which have been used for conveying subsistence to the enemy should be destroyed. Any boats or barges you may find on the iRappahannock side you should so thoroughly destroy that they cannot be used. You should seize any mails that can be gotten hold of, stop the conscription, supply the commands, giving receipts, according to forms prescribed in orders, for any forage or supplies taken. Upon their return, they should all meet and come back together, in order to be in strength. Captain Mann will be furnished with a copy of this letter, to report to you about dusk. Expeditions have been down the Neck before several times. If you should find wagons, and animals to draw them, you could bring away provisions and bacon in large quantities from parties likely to convey them to the enemy, giving proper receipts therefor. The foregoing is the supplementary letter of instructions referred to in my communication of this morning. A copy has been furnished Captain Mann. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. WARRENTON JUNCTION, VA., April 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: In reply to your telegram of to.day,* I have to state that, as far as subsistence stores and forage are concerned, we are ready to move at any moment the commanding general may designate. The horseshoes and cartridges (except pistol) have arrived and have been issued. GEORGE STONEMAN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 25, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM: Please call in your regiment at Dumfries at once. HOOKER, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWELFTH CORiS, Near Stafford Court-House, Va., April 25, 1863. The brigadier-general commanding the division desires that you hold your command in readiness to move at daybreak, Monday next, with the eight days rations and ammunition, as heretofore ordered. By command of Brigadier-General Williams, commanding division: WM. P. WILKINS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. * Not found. 25 Page 251 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 251 BALTIMORE, MD., April 25, 186312 noon. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The rebel Jones appears to have left the Valley to go in the direction of Moorefield, perhaps to co-operate with Imboden and Jackson, but more likely to threaten the railroad at New Creek, or some other point this side. Elliotts brigade has been sent from Winchester, toward Moorefield, to reconnoiter. I must draw troops westward from Win- chester and Harpers Ferry. Will you have General Stahel, with his cavalry, look out toward the Blue Ridge and the Valley, while my forces are thus partially drawn off ~i McReynolds, from Berryville, will scout up the Valley. Nothing from Roberts since last night. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, JJIajor- General. WAR DEIARTMENT, Washington, April 25, 18634.25 p. m. Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore, Aid.: Copy of your telegram has been sent to General Stahel, with instruc. tions to do all in his power to carry out your wishes. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. BALTIMORE, April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry, Va.: Inform Milroy, and communicate, if possible, with Elliott. Cannot Elliott and whatever of the force Milroy sends get across the South Branch and in the rear of Jones? General Halleck promises that Stahels cavalry shall move toward the Blue Ridge and the Valley from the east. You may, therefore, send all available force westward on the railroa4. How are you doing for transportation? ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Milroy telegraphs reported movements of Jones from the Valley in force toward Mooretield. He has sent Elliotts brigade to Moorefield, via Wardensville, to re- connoiter. You must look out from Romney, and you must take care of the rail- road from Winchester with all you can spare. If Jones goes toward New Creek, or anywhere against the railroad, we must catch him. Nothing from Roberts since last evening. RQBT. C. SCHENCK iliajor- General, Commanding Page 252 252 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAP. XXXVII. BALTIMORE, April 25, 186310.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. IR. H. MILROY, Winchester, Va.: You did right to send Elliotts brigade. Give him any further sup- port you can spare from Winchester. Kelley will have you sustained from Romney and the railroad. We must catch the rebel Jones if lie moves on New Creek or tries anywhere to reach the railroad. In the meantime, MeReynolds must scout up the Valley. IROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major. General, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, VA., Lieutenant.Colonel CHESEBROtIGIT, April 25, 1863. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters, Baltimore: Colonel Campbell, by a dispatch just received, reports Jones moving on New Creek and Romney with from 5,000 to 7,000 men. He will be at Williamsport to-night. This place, Pattersons Creek, about 20 miles from New Creek. Have ordered Colonel Smith, with One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio and Manisbys battery, to move to New Creek to- morrow morning, but I fear it will be too late. Will send two regi- ments from here as soon as cars can be had. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. BALTIMORE, April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry: The attempt may be to dash in on Rowlesburg and the Cheat River trestles. Look out for that. Do you hear anything from along the railroad west ~ ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General SCHENOK, WINCHESTER, VA., April 25, 1863. Baltimore, Md.: Rebel [Andrew T.] Leopole, the last two days in irons, hoping for leniency, makes this statement: Residence, Sharpsburg, Md. Enlisted in Confederate service two years ago, as ensign First Regiment Virginia (rebel) Cavalry, and remained in that reoiment until Stuarts appointment as brigadier, about a month after the first battle of Manassas, when I became ensign of his brigade, which I continued to be until last May, when I was transferred to the Virginia Cavalry as third lieutenant. I continned in that regiment until after the battle of Sharpsburg, in September last, when I was promoted to first lieutenant of Company D, same regiment, in which regiment I served utitil November 24 last, when I was captured at Shepberdstown. I remained a prisoner until January 6 last, when I ~as exchanged, and reported, as ordered, to General Stuart, at his headquarters, where I remained until January 13, acting as hi Page 253 CHAr. XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. chief of couriers. On January 14, as ordered by him, I left for Castleinans Ferry, in command of 70 men, where I remained until last Tuesday, when, with 6 of my men, I was captured. My business there was to observe the movements of Federal forces, and report to General Fitzhugh Lee, who is now between Markham Station aud Manassas Gap Railroad and the Shenandoah River, about 2 miles east of the Blue Ridge, with the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Tenth Virginia Cavalry and two batteries. Regiments average about 350 men each. The locality of these troops is about 16 miles from Castlemnans Ferry and 10 miles from Berrys Ferry. General Trimble, with three infantry brigades, is near Orleans, in Fauquier County. Lees and Trimbles forces moved at the same time from Culpeper Court-House to their present position, where they arrived about two days before my capture. There are two other brigadesone from Louisiana and the other from Virginiaencamped be- tween Sperryville and Little Washington. They belong to Trimbles division. With each brigade is a battery, and a battalion of artillery besides, attached to the divis- ion. The brigades, I think, will average 1,900 men each. The two brigades near Sperryville came that far with the other brigades, and halted there. I saw Geueral Stuart on the 17th of this month between Salem and Jefferson, and learned from him that A. P. Hill, with a portion of his command, had left for the Valley by way of Hanover Junction, Charlottesville, and Staunton. I saw Hills baggage at Culpeper, and learned from the master of transportation that it was en route from Staunton. I heard General Stuart say that the Federal forces at Winchester would be captured as soon as the Shenandoah River became passable. I also learned froni his general- order book that Jones had been ordered to march to the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road, and destroy certain trestle-work on that road. I am tired of fighting, and wish to take the oath of allegiance and retire into Ohio. I have always stood high with General Stuart, enjoyed his confidence, and, when at his headquarters, ate at his table. The above statement is strongly corroborated by other circumstances and information. I recommend that lleintzehnan be directed to ascer- tain the truth of the above statement, so far as it refers to Fitzhugh Lees and Trimbles forces and their locality. H. H. MILROY, Major- General. BALTIMORE, April 25, 186311.45 a. m. Brig. Gen. E. P. SCAMMON, Charleston, W. Va.: The rebels, Imboden and Jackson, with combined forces, are pressing General Roberts. Keep yourself on the watch toward Surnmerville. ItOBT. C. SCHEXUK, Major- General, Commanding. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 25, 1863. Col. W. II. CHESEBROUGH, Baltimore, Md.: Have heard nothing from Beverly or Colonel Lath ani since 6 p. m. yesterday. Dont know whether he succeeded in making his retreat to Philippi or not. Hear nothing of the movements of the enemy at Beverly. The telegraph lines are broken between this place and Bulitown, so that .11 dont know whether the troops at that place and Sutton are march- ing to this place or not. They were telegraphed yesterday to march without delay. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. 25 Page 254 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 25, [1863]3 p. m. General KELLEY. Harpers Perry: I have heard nothing from Beverly or Colonel Latham since 6 p. m. yesterday. The troops that reach Grafton should force a march to Philippi, where Colonel Latham a.ttempted to retreat. I dont know whether he suc- ceeded or not, but a rapid movement on Philippi may save him. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HARPERS , VA., April 25, 186311 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Baltimore: The following dispatch from General Roberts and Colonel Wilkinson just received: HEADQUARTERS, Buckhannon, Va., April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Haiper8 Ferry: Just heard from Colonel Latham. He was near Philippi. Had a running fight of eight hours. Proposes to join me, if possible, to-morrow night. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. APRIL 26, 1863. Major-General HEINTZELMAN, Commanding Defenses of Washington: The following dispatch has just been received: WARRENTON JUNCTION, April 26, 1863. General WILLIAMS: A man by the name of George W. Lake, a resident of Maine, and townsman of Col- onel Sawtelle, quartermaster, and a very intelligent and apparently a very reliable gentleman, has just arrived within our lines from Staunton, via Harrisonburg, New Market, and Thorntons Gap. He reports that on Tuesday, the 21st instant, Jones was at Harrisonburg, and Imboden not far off. Their whole force about 6,000, mostly cavalry. They had just been issued ten days rations, and it was understood that they were intending to turn Milroy, and destroy possibJy the railroad bridge on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at the mouth of South Branch of the Potomac and Ca- capon Rivers, which has heretofore been done by Imboden. The people of the coun- try are expecting an ndvance of Hookers army on Gordonsville, via Culpeper, and it was rumored that pontoon bridges had been thrown across the river for that pur- pose. He estimates the Confederate army at 600,000 strong, and, from what he has heard, should judge that we had a large force in front of us at Fredericksburg. Hill had 50,000 in North Carolina when Mr. Lake left there, six weeks ago; from 50,000 to 60,000 at Charleston during the recent engagement. Two iron-dads at Wil- mington, N. C., one at least completed by this time, built to run the blockade, which is run with great regularity. Danville Railroad not completed yet. GEORGE STONEMAN, Major-General, Commanding Cavalry Corp8. To which the following answer has been sent: That we have much more reliable information than this man has furnished. We know the strength of the enemy in front, and he is looking for us to advance in this vicinity. Jones has an irregular force of not to exceed 3,000. His intentions we know nothing of JOSEPH HOOKER. The foregoing is sent for your information. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of & aff. 25 Page 255 CHAP. XXXYII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 255 BALTIMORE, MD., April 26, 1863. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: General Hooker is certainly mistaken about the small number of troops with Jones and at the west; but Jones has not yet advanced on New Creek. I think he can have little with him but cavalry. Scouts report that he could not get his artillery across the South Branch at Moorefield, and Elliott may arrive in time to capture it. Then I hope we may capture his entire force. Colonel Smith, with re-enforcements, will reach New Creek from Martinsburg by 5 oclock to-day. Nothing more from Roberts. Colonels Wilkinson and Mulligan go to his sup- port from Grafton and Clarksburg. I think his communication by telegraph has been interrupted. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 9.10 a. m. Major-General STONEMAN April 26 1863 Commanding Cavalry Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to request that you will use all possible means of obtaining information in regard to the different routes leading from the IRappahannock Station into the inte- rior and leaving Culpeper and Gordonsville to the right, the best place of crossing the iRapidan, the best roads, & c. He desires that he may be informed of this as early as practicable. Also what information if any, of the forces at Culpeper and Gordonsville. He desires that you will keep up your line of pickets, but have the main body of your com- mand along the railroad. You can make requisitions for supplies, if yori can carry them, for six days from Wednesday morning. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 26, 1863. Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps, Warrentun Junction: Your dispatch received. The commanding general wishes you to gather all the information you can about the routes to the east of Cul- peper and Gordonsville, and furnish him with the same as soon as practicable. He directs that you do not move until further orders. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 26, 1863. Commanding Officers, Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, in the order named, will begin their march at sunrise to-morrow morning, the former to encamp as near Kellys Ford as practicable, without discovering itself to the enemy, and the latter as nearly in its rear as circumstances will permit. They will be established in their camps on oi~ before 4 p m. on Tuesday, the 28th instant. Corps commanders will be held responsible that the me Page 256 256 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. are kept in camp and do not go to the river. Each corps will march with one battery and two ambulances to division arid the pack train of small ammfmnition. If necessary, a small number of wagons can accom- pany the column to the camp with forage for animals. The balance of the trains will be parked in the vicinity of Banks Ford, off the road and convenient to crossing the river at that point, the ammunition wagons and ambulances being in readiness to take the lead in the train. No extra guards for this part of the train will be required. Corps com- manders can leave behind such men of those whose term of service is about to expire as they think proper, with such instructions for the safety of the camps and preservation of the public property as they may deem necessary. All property not removed with the troops must be turned in to the quartermaster. Corps commanders will consider so much of the above as relates to the destination of their commands as strictly confidential. Very respectfully, & c., S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 26, 1863. General SLOCUM, Twelfth Corps: The commanding general directs that you have all your trains leave with your command. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 26, 1863. If there is in this command such a person as the correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, he will, by direction of the commanding general of tire Army of the Potomac, be immediately sent out of the lines of the army, never to return. By command of Major-General Stoneman: A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUFFOLK, VA., April 26, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: Longstreet is still here. Heavy artillery is coming to him from Petersburg. The storm has ceased; mud drying up. Advise me in cipher of as much as you deem proper of your operations. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. APRIL 26, 1863. Major.General PECK, Suffolk, Va.: Your dispatch received. I have been delayed in my operations by the severe storm. I have communicated to no one what my intentions are. If you were here, I could properly and willingly impart them to you. So much is foun4 out by the eneriy iu my frpnt with regard t Page 257 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 257 movements, that I have concealed my designs from my own staff, and I dare not intrast them to the wires, knowing as I do that they are so often tapped. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEFENSES SOUTH OF POTOMAC, No. 33. Arlington, April 26, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. Robert 0. Tyler having been relieved from duty in the Department of Washington, the command of these Defenses is hereby transferred to Col. T. R. Tannatt, senior officer of this command. * * * * * * By command of Brig. Geii. R. 0. Tyler: E. L. KINNEY, teeond Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FAIRFAX CounT-HOUSE, April 26, 1863. (Received April 262.10 p. in.) Lieutenant- Colonel LATHROP, Assistant Inspector- General: I have made arrangements to proceed to-night with a strong cavalry force and scout the whole country on our right, going through Dranes- ville and Leesburg, meeting the other force that will march in front by Chantilly and Gum Spring, scouting the whole country on both sides of the Little River turnpike, in the little valley between Bull Run and Blue Ridge Mountains. From there I shall scout the whole country to Blue Ridge. We will be provided with five days rations. I did not go out to-day, owing to various rumors we have of the enemy, and de- siring to protect our front during my absence. Your dispatch was not received by me until late last evening, I being on the front. I saw Gen- eral Abercrombie yesterday, who will place an inftmtry regiment with my battery on my right wing to strengthen it while I am out. The Seventh Michigan Regiment I have ordered to leave a sufficient number of men to protect the Telegraph road to DunPries, and l)rocee(l with the remainder to Bristoe Station, and connect with General Stoneinans force, and scout the country around in every direction. I would like to know whether the commanding general desires me to go into the Shen- nandoah Valley or not. If so, 1 should like to be abLe to draw provis- ions and forage either at Berryville or Winchester. Have you any further information respecting a force of the enemy at Front Royal, and, should the commanding general wish me to go into the Valley, could my left wing be protected by Stonemans forces, so as to prevent any rebel force from either flanking inc or coining in my rear by way of the lower gap whilst I am in the Valley? JUL. STAHEL, Major. General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., April 26, 18635 a. in. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGIT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore: Dispatch in cipher received; will be gQverned accordingly. Major Johnson, at New Creek, reports that his infantry company guarding 17 R R-YOL XXV, PT I Page 258 258 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Greenland Gap was attacked yesterday afternoon by the advance of Jones force200 cavalry and 100 infantry. The fight lasted from 4 p. m. till dark. Our troops yet hold the gap. I fear the enemy will bring his artillery this morning and shell them out. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., April 26, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel CIIESEBROTJGH, Baltimore, Md.: A telegram just received from New Creek says that the rebels cap. tured most of the company at Greenland Gap, and have gone toward Oakland, by the Moorefield and Alleghany and Northwestern turnpikes. They are about 3,000 strongall cavalry. The line is not working west of Piedmont; has no doubt been cut by some rebel residing on the line. They cannot operate with cavalry at Rowlesburg. Can do no other damage between Oakland and Rowlesburg, except to burn the Youghiogheny Bridge. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., April 26, 18631.30 p. m. Lieutenant.Colonel CILESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore, Md.: Telegrams just received from Romney and New Creek. Jones had not advanced on either place to-day. Colonel Smith will arrive at New Creek at about 5 p. m. I think the post will then be safe. Nothing from Roberts, Wilkinson, or Mulligan to-day. Jones could not cross his artillery at Moorefield on account of high water. If General Elliott reaches there to-night, I trust he will capture it. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. BALTIMORE, Mn., April 26, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry: It will not do to weaken Maryland Heights by any movements you order. Milroy reports Fitzhugh Lee probably at Markham Station, on Manassas Gap Railroad and the Shenandoah, about 2 miles east of the Blue Ridge, with about 2,000 cavalry and two batteries; was 16 miles from Castlemans Ferry and 10 miles from Berrys Ferry. Besides these, a large force of infantry and cavalry, under General Trimble, is understood to be following from Culpeper Court-House, consisting of five brigades, three of them near Orleans, in Fauquier County, and two between Sperryville and Little Washington, intending to a(lvance on Winchester. I have ordered another full, good regiment (One hundred and fifty-first New York) from here to Monocacy Bridge, to await orders. They may not move for some hours. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Halleck. Page 259 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDE~N CE, ETC.UNION. 259 BALTIMORE, April 26, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry: Send more force to New Creek, and on to Oakland and Rowlesbnrg. Wilkinson reports that rebels have reached Oakland and driven in pickets at iRowlesburg. Two good regiments, the One hundred and fifty-first New York, Colo- nel Emerson, and Fourteenth New Jersey, Colonel Truex, are now at Monocacy as a reserve, and you can call for them at any time if you need them. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 26, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry, Va.: Wires appear to be cut west of Piedmont. A train of stock-cars going west was captured at noon to-day at Altamont. if Jones cav- alry should return after this raid by turnpike, cannot Smith, from New Creek, aided l)y Campbell, from Romney, intercept ilima? The cavalry engaged in this movement of the enemys must be overestimated. The body of Jones force may have been left at Moorefield. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, April 26, [1863.] Brigadier-General ROBERTS: Colonel Mulligan, with two regiments and a battery, has arrived at Grafton. What news this morning a? Answer soon, as I am fearful our communication will be cut off by Jones, who is approaching New Creek. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. GRAFTON, VA., April 26, 1863. W. P. SMITH. Camden Station, Baltimore: The Confederates are in possession of Oakland. Our telegraphic communication with Piedmont is cut off. I think things had better be removed from Piedmont, as I fear they will capture a stock train west, and may use it to make a descent upon Piedmont. I think passenger trains coming ~vest had better not pass Cumberland until the road is known to be clear. J. P. WILLARD. BALTIMORE, April 26, 1863. General JAMES S. WHEAT, Wheeling, W. Va.: Rebel cavalry have reached the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Oak- land. You will call out your brigade immediately, and proceed to Grafton Page 260 260 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAL. XXXVII. reporting your advance to Colonel Wilkinson at that place, there to await orders or be governe(l by circumstances. Foi~ this order I have the authority of Governor Peirpoint. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, ilfajor. General, (Jommanding. GRAFTON, VA., [April 26, 1863] General [ROBERTs]: My forces at Rowlesburg have driven the enemy back. They are encamped 3 miles up the river. N. WILKINSON Colonel Sixth Virginia Infantry, Commanding Brigade.] BALTIMORE, April 26, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Buckhannon, Va.: Can you not get in the rear of the rebel forces and cut off their re- treat? They are reported to have reached Rowlesburg and Oakland. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 26, 1863. Major-General SCHEKOK, Baltimore, Md.: Received your telegram. The Second [West] Virginia Regiment, with two companies of cavalry and two pieces of artillery, have just reached me, having retreated from Beverly on Friday iiight, by way of Philippi. I have here now the Second Virginia, the Eighth Virginia, that has just reached me from Builtown, and Twenty-eighth Ohio. The forced marches of the Virginia regiments, on the worst roads I ever saw, have broken them down, and they came without transportation that I directed to come by way of Weston. The Third Virginia is between Bulltown and here, and will be here to-morrow by noon. I shall move three regiments and three guns from here toward Beverly Tuesday morning; at the same time Colonel Mul- ligan will move from Philippi, and I expect to capture all Imbodens and Jacksons forces. For want of horses and forage, I cannot move earlier. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BUCKHANNON, VA., April 26, 1863. General KELLEY, Commanding Harpers Ferry: - I just received a dispatch from Clarksburg, reporting that at 11.30 p. m. the enemy were at Rowlesburg. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 261 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 261 BALTrMORE, MD., April 26, 18631.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK. General-in- Chief: Fitzhugh Lee is reported on the Manassas Gap Railroad, 2 miles east of the Blue Ridge, with five regiments of cavalry and two batteries. General Heintzehnan should ascertain at once if this be so. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major. General. BALTIMORE, April 26, 1863. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, JJ. C.: General Milroy sends the following: I have jnst received a message from General Elliott, at Lost River, 5 miles beyond Wardensville. He found the river too high to cross with his infantry and artillery. Sent on a regiment of cavalry toward Moorefield. Says he cannot cross his infantry and artillery without hridging, and he has not tools to huild a hridge. I think heforo he can cross, Jones will have escaped. What do yon say to having Elliott go from Wardensville to Woodstock, then up the Valley to Harrisonbnrg, to head Jones off l R. H. MILROY. Shall I direct this movement ~i I am inclined to consent to it. It is a bold, but I believe would be an effective and successful, movement. General Elliott has four regiments -of infantry, two regiments of cav- airy, and one or two batteries. ROBT. C. SCHEKOK, Major. General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. fl. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have fears. for New Creek to-day. An infantry company from that post, guarding Greenland Gap, was attacked yesterday by the advance of Jones, 200 cavalry, and fought from 4 p. m. until dark. Still hold- ing the position, but the rebels have probably come np in force to-day, bringing artillery. Nothing from Roberts yet to-day. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 26, 18631.45 p. m. Major-General SCIIENCK, Baltimore, Md.: You have abundant forces and the use of the railroad. If you have any apprehension for New Creek, concentrate troops there without de- lay. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief Page 262 262 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. BALTIMORE, MD., April 26, 18634.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Telegrams just received from Roberts and Wilkinson. The rebels west of the mountains are at the railroad, at Oakland and Rowlesburg, having passed to the east of Roberts. I will have him try to cut off their retreat. I have been concentrating at New Creek and other points. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 27, 18631 a. m. Commanding Officer, Fifth Corps: The major.general commanding directs me to inform you that your corps is to march to-morrow, so as to reach the vicinity of Kellys Ford by Tuesday at 4p. m. The corps of Generals Slocum and Howard take the same direction (and will be on the same route, probably) from Hart- wood. The provisions, as to rations, in former circular (eight days), will be complied with. The trains will be left in the vicinity of Stone- mans Switch. Such two-years men as you may desire to leave for the purpose may remain with them as guards. Further details of the orders will be sent you early to-morrow morning. Two ambulances and one battery only will accompany each division, with the pack train of small-arm ammunition. A few wagons only to accompany the column, sufficient to carry forage for the animals. The destination of your com- mand will be strictly confidential. General Couch has been directed to send a regiment to Banks Ford to relieve your regiment there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTLI, VA., April 27, 1863. Commanding Officer, Fifth Corps: I have the honor herewith to transmit for your information and guid- ance, so far as not inconsistent with the orders you have yourself re- ceived, a copy of the instrnctions given the commanders of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps the 26th instant for their movement to Kellys Ford.* These instructions contain the details alluded to in the letter addressed to you last night by Major-General Butterfield, as to be furnished you early this morning. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, April 27, 18637 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Your orders received this a. m. at 2 oclock. I will move my corps to-day as far as HartwQod not interfere with Eleventh and See p. 255 Page 263 CnAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 263 Twelfth, and hold myself in readiness to move farther in case these two corps open the road in front of me. Headquarters of the Fifth Corps will be to-night at llartwood. Respectfully, yours, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. P. S.Does the commanding general desire any dispositioii to be made of the five batteries I do not take? CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 27, 18637.15 a. m. General GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding P~fth Corps: The letter of instructions addressed to you last night was intended to direct that your movement should commence this morning instead of to-morrow. The date of the letter was changed after it was written. Please acknowledge. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., April 27, 1863. Commanding Officer, Third Corps: The commanding general directs that you have your command in readiness to move early to.morrow with the subsistence (eight days) and ammunition prescrited by existing orders for the march. Further instructions will be sent to you later in the day. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 27, 18633.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: How does it look now? A. LI~TCOLN. APRIL 27. 18635 p. m. President LINCOLN: I am not sufficiently advanced to give an opinion. We are busy. Will tell you all soon as I can, and have it satisfactory. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding Page 264 264 N. VA~, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brigadier.General BENHAM, April 27, 1863. Commanding Engineer Brigade: The major-general commaoding directs that you take the necessary and proper precautions to prevent tho destruction of the pontoon bridges by fire or wood rafts floated down stream for this purpose. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brigadier-General BENHAM, April 27, 18637 p. m. Commanding Engineer Brigade: The major-general commanding directs me to say that one of the bridges designed for the crossing at Franklins, after 10 oclock to-night, be returned to a position in the vicinity of the Lacy house, and the former crossing opposite Fredricksburg, to be concealed, of course, and in a proper position to be used there when required, its movement to be kept from sight of the enemy. (July two bridges are desired at Franklins Crossing. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTIT, VA., Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, April 27, 1863. Corps of Engineers: I am directed by the commanding general to say that you will have charge of throwing the pontoon bridge across the river at Kellys Ford, and will be prepared to have it executed at or before daylight on Wed- nesday morning, the 29th instant. The bridge, complete, will be at Bealeton Station at or before 10.30 a. m. to-morrow (Tuesday). Teams to haul it from that station are directed to be in readiness at 7 a. m. to-morrow. In addition to party of engineers now on duty with this train, you will be furnished with whatever assistance you may require from the command of Major-General Howard, and will make your reqnisitionn upon that officer accordingly. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Lieut. Col. A. J. ALEXANDER, April 27, 1803. Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to rel)ort that last night the guard placed by my provost-marshal for the protection of persons and house- hold property of the citizens in the vicinity of my camp were attacke Page 265 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPQNDENCE, ETC.UNION. 265 at two different houses. The attack was made by a small party of guerrillas. One man of the provost-guar(I was taken prisoner and 1 of the enemy was mortally wounded an(I his horse killed. I have sent out a party to find the men who perpetrated this outrage. Very respcctfnlly, your obedient servant, WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. WARRENTON JUNCTION, General S. WILLIAMS, April 27, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: The following is the result of my inquiries and investiga- tions into the character and nature of the country lying south of the Rappahannock and east of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad: The roads leading from Fredericksburg southward, and crossing the North Anna River at Andersons, Davenports, and Carrs bridges, run through an open and well-cultivated country, and are good roads. The turnpike and Plank road leading from Fredericksburg toward Orange Court-House run through the Wilderuess, as it is called, which consists of heavy timber, and extends from Wilderness Run to Mountain River; from there to the railroad the country is more open. The roads leading out from Kellys, Kempers, and Barnetts Fords are country roads, and tolerably good in dry weather. There is a very goo(l road leading from Culpeper Court-House to Gerinauiia Mills, on the Rapidan River, via Stevensburg, and another from the Court-House to Raccoon Ford, on same river. The fords over the Rapidan River are numerous, and their practica- bility depends entirely upon the stage of water in the streams. The banks are generally steep and high on both sides, and the approaches difficult. The country north of the Rapidan is gently rolling, open, and well cultivated, and the whole of it, as far north as Culpeper Court-House, is overlooked and in plain view from the top of Clarks Mountain, on the top of which mountain the enemy has a telegraph station (signal). The country on the south side of the Rappahaminock and in its vicin- ity is similar in character to that on the north side, but south of the Rapidan and in the vicinity of Gordonsvihle the country is of a munch more claycy or argillaceous consistency, and the roads in wet weather are very heavy and iniry. This is more particularly tIme case in the counties of Orange, Louisa, and Fluvanna. There is not a railroad bridge between Gordonsville and Sextons Junction, and none of any account between Gordonsville and the Rivanna River. As to the forces at Culpeper Court-House and Gordonsville, we have depended, and should have acted, upon the information derived from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. I have no other that is based upon reliable authority. The inhabitants of Culpeper Court- House have been leaving for the Shenandoah Valley. These fleeing inhabitants, as also the prisoners which have fallemi into our hands, would lead us to suppose that the cimemy expected an attack from this direction, but I am assured by yourself that such is not the case. Very respectfully, your obediemit servant, GEORGE STONEMAN, Major- General, Commanding Corps Page 266 266 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Brig. Gen. G. K. Warrens memoranda in relation to pontoons, & c.~ Answer to 1st. Several can be thrown and covered by the shore, but owing to the contracted nature of the place not more than two, or at most three, could be used at a time. Franklin had three. At Smith- field, a mile below, two more could be thrown. Answer to 2d. Not more than two can be thrown at a time without danger of interference, especially if thrown as General Benham pro- poses. Answer to 3d. On approaching near thc river bank, there would be but two routesone for a train moving down and one up. The pon- toons are now in three localities. The roads are probably in good enough condition, unless the mud becomes too deep after a little use. Beginning in the evening, the boats could probably all be got in posi- tion before daylight. Answer to 4th. Seven miles along river from Franklins Crossing to Hayfield Crossing. Answer to 5th. First, line of River road with dirt hedges. Second, railroad line. Third, Deep Run. Fourth, possibly a line of rifle-pits at the foqt of the slope. Fifth, epaulements and cover for eight or ten gnus on the slope. Sixth, Telegraph road runs along the crest of the hill, giving opportunity to put a great number of field batteries and in- fantry in position. Seventh~ point of hills running out toward Captain Hamiltons would give artillery an enfilading position. Distance from crossing to Telegraph road on the bluffs about 2 to 3 milesto top of bluffs, 1 to 2 miles. Answer to 6th. Having reached the Telegraph road, we know of no other artificial obstruction to moving on to Guineys Station by turn- ing off at Alsops~ distance from White Chimney to Alsops about 7 miles; thence to Guineys, 6 miles. This would bring us in front of that position. By keeping on the south, crossing the Ny River, would make it a very circuitous route to turn this position. Answer to 7th. The maps indicate a route somewhat crooked about 1~ to 2 miles back from Fredericksburg. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTII, VA., April 27, 1863. Commanding Officer, Second Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move at sunrise to-morrow morning two divisions of your corps, to encamp as near as practicable to Banks Ford without exposing your camps to the view of the enemy; that one brigade and one battery of one of these two divisions take position at United States Ford; the move- ment to be made quietly; the officers and men restrained from exhibit- ing themselves or making any show or appearance upon the river beyond the necessities of picket duty. The division left in camp should be the one whose camps are most exposed to the view of the enemy. All of the artillery attached to the two divisions moving up the river must move with them, and be ready to be thrown into position to cover the passage of the river and to drive the enemy from his defenses thrown up opposite that point. Two ambulances to each division will move with * Without date, but entered in Letters-Received book, headquarters Army of the Potomac, April 27, 1863 Page 267 CH& P. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 267 them, and a few wagons only allowed to carry sufficient forage for the animals for four or five days. The pack-mule train for small-arm ammu- nition will move with the column, or,in lieu of it, General Couch having none organized, a reserve of ammunition in wagons, to be kept out of the way of troops and the communications, ready to move forward if needed. The troops will have the (eight days) rations heretofore pro- vided in orders. The trains left will be parked to the rear of Falmouth Statioti and out of the sight of the enemy and out of the way of the business of the station. The division left in camp will be directed to keep up the picket-line on the river and in readiness to repel any attempt that may be made by the enemy to cross the river. Should the demonstration of the enemy prove of sufficient strength to indicate such a purpose, the Third Corps will be available for support. The division left in camp, as well as the divisions at Banks and United States Fords, will be held in readiness to follow up any successful movements without delay. In moving from camp or breaking camps, the practice of large fires and burning camp rubbish will not be permitted. If there are any two-years men that you consider unreliable, in con- sequence of the near expiration of their term of service, you will leave them on duty with the division left behind. The commanding general desires that you command in person the two divisions going up the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,5~ WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., April 27, 1863. Commanding Officer, Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that no effort is to be made to lay the bridges at Banks Ford until the night of the 29th, but that they be held in readiness to be thrown across the instant the enemy may leave or be driven from the opposite side. The inclosed map * will indicate positions to be guarded by the artillery of the divis- ion left in the vicinity of Falmouth. The utmost vigilance must be exercised by this division to prevent any communication across the river, and every house and person in Falmouth and vicinity should be guarded or watched. They will be in readiness to prevent any possible attempt to cross the river by the enemy. In the even t of assistance being required, the officer in command will report the fact to General Sedgwick. The positions, & c., of the artillery at Banks Ford, to cover the crossing, has been intrusted to General Hunt, chief of artillery, who has furnished the inclosed memoranda* in regard thereto. It is pre- sumed that your pioneers, with their tools, will be able to accomplish all the necessary work. It is expected that you will establish the most rigid and strict guard along the river bank, to prevent any crossing or information, and to arrest any and all citizens within the lines if deemed necessary to prevent the enemy being informed of our movement. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy furnished commanding officer Sixth Corps.) Not found Page 268 268 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. I Cn~p. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 27, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, & c.: The major-general commanding directs that the Sixth Corps, Major- General Sedgwick, First Corps, Major-General Reynolds, and Third Corps, Major-General Sickles, put themselves in position to cross the river as follows: Sixth Corps at Franklins Crossing; First Corps at the crossing below at Pollocks Mill Creek, and the Third Corps as a sup. port to cross at either point. These movements to be made so that the respective corps are in positionthe First and Sixth on or before 3.30 a. in. of the 29th, and the Third Corps on. or before 4.30 a. m. of the 29th. The ambulances and trains to be parked in the rear, and con- cealed behind the range of hills visible to the enemy, and ready to move when desired. The troops, as fir as possible, ought to be concealed up to the mo- ment the demonstration is made. Such batteries of the corps men- tioned, and of the Reserve Artillery as are required, to be placed in posi- tion, under the direction of the chief ot artillery, to cover the crossing. The ordeis ot the chief of artillery for the necessary disposition of the batteries to carry out the purposes and plans of this movement will be complied with, and he will be charged with the responsibility of the duties intrusted to him. Trains will be loaded with supplies of forage and provisions, to include at least eight days short forage for the animals. Whenever an opportunity occurs without interference, the supplies that have been con snined will be replaced. The troops will have the eight days rations as heretofore provided in orders. The bridges, two at each crossing, to he laid coiul)lete before 3.30 in. of the 29th, under the supervision of General Benham, who is charged with the responsibility thereof. Any troops needed to assist the Engineer Brigade in the performance of this duty will be furnished to General Benhain, under the direction of General Sedgwick. General Sedgwick, pending the operation, will be charged with the command of - the three corps mentioned, and will make a demonstration in full force on Wednesday morning npon the enemy~s defenses, with a view o~ securing the Telegraph road. In the event of the enemy detaching any consi(lerable part of his force against the troops operating at the west of Fredericksburg, he will attack an,d carry their works a~ all hazards, and establish his force on the Telegraph road, cutting off all communi- cation by the enemy in order to prevent their turning his position on that road. In case the enemy should fall back on Richmond, he will pursue them with the utmost vigor, fighting them whenever and wherever he can come up with them. The major-general commanding snggests that a part of his force be thrown on the Bowling Green road, in case the enemy retire, and pursuit be made on both these lines. The col- umns, if they move with equal rapidity, will be within supporting dis- tance, and should be required to march to each others assistance as circumstances may require. The ammunition trains and ambulances will be held in readiness to move first. General Sedgwick will give such further instructions as may seem to him necessary to carry out the plans and wishes of the major-general commanding. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 269 CIrAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 269 GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRps, No. 15. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 27, 1863. The troops of the coi ps will move to-day in the following order: Sykes division at 10 a. in.; Griffins division at 11 a in.; Humplireys division at 12 m. Each division will be supplied, as heretofore directed, with eight days rations in knapsacks and haversacks, and will be accompanied by only one battery and two ambulances, with the pack traiii of small-arm am- munition. No wagons will be permitted with the column except such as are absolutely necessary to carry forage for the use of the authorized public and private animals. The trains of the corps will park under the direction of the corps quartermaster in the vicinity of Stonemans Switch; and such guards as will be necessary for their protection will be selected from the regi- ments whose term of service are soonest to expire. By command of Maj. Gen George G. Meade: FRED. L LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 27, 1863. * * * * * * II. Until further orders, in order to conceal the movements of the troops from the enemy, the usual duty-calls will be omitted. Division commanders will see that their men build only small fires, and those for cooking purposes only. By command of Maj. Gen. George G Meade: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Hartwood Church, April 27, 186312 in. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: I have arrived at this point, and will gh into camp as soon as the troops come up. I have instructed division commanders upon their arrival in camp to-morrow not to allow any music or bugle-calls, and to take every precaution to conceal their position from the enemy. I wish you would inform me this p m. at what hour in the morning your command will be clear of the road, so that I may know what time to start my leading division. Very truly, yours, H. ~. SLOCUM, Major-General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 27, 1863. (Received April 28.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have the honor respectfully to request that the agents in Wash- ington of the New York Times and ,Philadelphia Inquirer may be called upon to give the names of their correspondents with this arm Page 270 270 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCHAL. XXXVII. who furnished the information upon which was based the statements offered for transmission to those papers last night in Washington re- specting a submarine cable said to be in use by the enemy between Falmouth and Fredericksburg; also the information upon which was fonuded the article in the Inquirer of Saturday last upon the same snbject. If the names of these parties are not given, it is my intention to suppress the circnlation of the two papers named in the Army of the Potomac, and exclude their correspondents from its lines. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. BALTIMORE, April 27, 1803. Maj. Gen. H. H. MILROY, Winchester, Va.: I have communicated with General Halleck. He says: I think Elliott should have full power to act at his discretion as he may learn the movements of the enemy. He is capable and prudent. You will instruct General Elliott accordingly. I telegraphed General Halleck that I thought the movement you sug- gested to Woodstock and Harrisouburg, though bold, yet practicable, and such as would probably prove effective and successful. It would be necessary, however, to move quickly, and to be guarded against the enemy, possibly now at Staunton and east of the Blue Ridge. My latest dispatch from the railroad to-day reports: Telegraph and railroad at Cranberry destroyed. The rebels crossed at Cranberry early this morning, from 800 to 1,000 strong, their destination Kingwood. General Jones has started a force to Fellowsville, thence to Tunnelton or Newburg. This will completely surround Rowlesburg and cut off all communication. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 27, 1803. Maj. Gen H. H. MILROY, Winche8ter, Va.: On reflection, I think Elliott should not attempt a reconnaissance be. yond Woodstock. There is increasing probability that a large move- ment is preparing by the rebels for the Valley, and it will not do to haz- ard a large and distant detachment from Winchester just now. As to Jones, he has only cavalry with him, and has gone westward with that, or one of his colonels ([A. W.] Harman) has. They were repulsed at New Creek, and struck the railroad first at Oakland, then burned the bridge over the Youghiogheny, west of that point, and made attack at IRowlesburg. But we have the railroad and wires repaired again west- ward to the Youghiogheny burned bridge, and troops will proceed there to-night. Kelley has gone westward on the Northwest turnpike. Jones will probably unite west of the mountains with Jackson and Imboden, and I do hope Roberts, Mulligan, and Kelley may cut him off. Wilkinson, at Clarksburg, instead of coming to Grafton, has got himself and the country thereabouts in a panic. Inform me as soon as you hear again from Elliott, ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commandin~ Page 271 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 271 CLARKSBURG, [April] 27, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: General ~ones is menacing Rowlesburg with a large force. He has sent part toward Fellowsville, on the turnpike; from thence to Tunnel- ton and Newburg, on the railroad. This would completely surround Rowlesbnrg, and stop all supplies and coin munication with that point. Could part of Mulligans force be sent there? N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. BALTIMORE, Brigadier-General KELLEY, April 27, 1863, New Creek, Va: Wilkinson has just telegraphed from Clarksburg as follows: Scout at Rowlesburg, from Cranberry, just now reports telegraph and railroad at latter place destroyed. The rebels crossed at Cranberry early this morning, from 800 to 1,000 strong; their destination Kingwood. General Jones has started a force to Fellowsville; thence to Tunnelton or Newburg. This will completeiy surround Rowleshurg, and cut off all communication. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. You should send the Maryland regiments, or whatever force can be spared from New Creek, westward beyond Piedmont, to check the enemy on this side. 1 will telegraph Wilkinson and Roberts to do all they can from Grafton, or from the west and south. Meantime, let a force push on westward, a long the Northwestern turnpike, occupying, as you may think advisable to direct, such points as may protect the rdad or hem in the rebels and cut off their retreat south, and co-operate with Roberts and Mulligan. I will inform General Roberts. ROBT. C. SCHENUK, Major- General, Commanding. CLARKSBURG, April 27, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. S. ROBERTS: The sacrifice of machinery and cars is nothing in getting re-enforce. ments to iRowlesburgthe importance of saving the bridge and trest- ling. If not re-enforced immediately, they must cut their way out, or be sacrificed with the structures there. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. CLARKSBIJRG, [April] 27, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: Glad to hear from you. Seven thousand rations are on the road to you, and another train will start to-night. It was an infernal scare at Grafton. The operator left, and I guess every one else. As advised, I burned a bridge and tore np track to prevent enemy getting here by rail. At 6 this evening the wires commenced talking feebly from Oraf- ton. Mulligan, it seems, is there, and all right. Have no word from Rowlesbnrg. Am exceedingly anxious about the troops there. Rebels reported at Moigautown - Have no knowledge of the whereabouts of our immediate opponents, but fear ~n attack before morning. Get her Page 272 272 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. as soon as possible. I dont fancy leaving Jarge quantities of subsist- ence and forage, nor do I fancy the destruction of them. If destroyed, you will have to starve. We will not leave until compelled. Reports say the rebels are on Buckhannon road, 18 or 20 miles out, this after. noon. Generals Sehenck and Kelley telegraph, by way of Cincinnati and Parkersburg, that our forces are advancing on the rebels with the intention of cutting them off~ Kelley is at Greenland Gap. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 27, 186311 p. in. Commanding Officer, New Creek, Va.: Maryland or other troops must be pushed westward after the enemy on the railroad to-night. The road and wires are already repaired to a point 3 miles beyond Oakland, where the Youghiogheny Bridge is burned. A telegram has been received to-night from Oakland. The enemy has gone westward from there, still threatening Ilowlesburg and Tunuelton. Follow him as you can immediately. Send this dispatch by courier to General Kelley. IIOBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, H. I; SAMUELS, April 27, 186311 p. in. Adjutant- General, Wheeling, Va.: What a panic you must have at Wheeling! I have no evidence yet of any force of rebels west of llowlesburg. Certainly they have not reached Grafton. Telegram direct from Oak land at 9 this p. in. informs me that the railroad and wire are already repaired beyond that point. The Youghiogheny Bridge burned. The enemy all cavalry; only a raid. I hope yet to catch the whole body of them by intercepting their retreat. I have been hoping Gen- eral [James S.] Wheat might bring some force to Grafton. IROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, tJo~rnanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 190. Washington, April 27, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon, U. S. Volunteers, will report for duty without delay to Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, commanding, & c., Fort Monroe, Va: 4 * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. Johii G. Barnard, U. S. Volunteers, will at once proceed to Harpers Ferry, Va., and make a thorough examination of the defenses of that place, and devise and create any others he may deem necessary. Having completed this dnty, General Barnard will return to this city. By command of Major. General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant.General Page 273 CHAP. XXXVII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 APRIL 28, 1863. Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps, Warrenton Junction: One of Colonel Sharpes men just in from Kellys Ford says in his opinion no large body of infantry 1~here.. Held mostly by cavalry and artillery. Rebel sympathizers on this side believe enemy have fallen back beyond Rapidan, meaning to make that their line of defense. Says also that Fitzhugh [W. H. F.] Lee has taken place of Fitz. Lee, between Kellys and Culpeper. Latter gone to Valley, to join Hampton and Jones. Enemys artillery horses said not to be able to move their guns. They think our cavalry move a feint, and that the crossing will be made at United States Ford, where they are still at work. The above is forwarded for your information and that of any one in your neighborhood. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Morrisvillc, Va., April 28, 1863. Commanding Officer, Fith Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to request that you will exercise all of your accustomed zeal and devotion in hastening the passage of the troops across the Rappahannock. He feels assured that you will. It is a great object to effect the passage of the Rapidan to-morrow, as you well know, and in so doing the United States Ford will be un- covered, and our line of communication established with the left wing of the army. I inclose herewith copies of instructions to Major-General Slocum, Brigadier- General Pleasonton, and Captain Coin stock, and also rel)orts of the strength of the enemys forces holding fords on the Rappahan- nock above its junction with the Rapidan. I hope that you will be able to pick up some of them. Use your cavalry freely, and send them well out, to bring you timely information. Would it not be well to de- tach a division to seize the ford ~ From the most reliable information in our possession, the ford must be a good one now. The cavalry can ascertain. The general will join you as soon as he canprobably not until the United States Ford is opened. A portion of Couchs corps now hold it on our side. The general will direct two aides-dc-camp to report to you to furnish him with information. Use them freely. Brigadier- General Warren will report as soon as you cross the Rapidan. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide de-Camp. [Incloaures.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General SLOCUM, Morrisville, Va., April 28, 1863. Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that so long as the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps are operating on the same line, you will exercise the command of bbth. 18 B BVOL XXV, PT L Page 274 274 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. The general directs that the Eleventh Corps cross to the opposite side of the river to.night, and that the Twelfth Corps commence crossing at daylight to-morrow morning, and to be thrown over with all possible rapidity, and both corps march by t~~e most direct route, without delay, and seize the bridge, if standing, and the ford at Germanna Mills. He suggests that you make use of a cavalry regiment and three or four smart marching regiments to execute this duty, and that you cross both of your corps over the Hapidan River to-morrow. You will find guides in General Pleasontons cavalry. Major-General Meade will move on almost a parallel line at the same time, and will be in easy communication with you. He will cross at Elys Ford. If his passage should be disputed, as you will probably be able to learn from the firing, or through your communication with that officer, the general directs that you dispatch a corps along the south bank of the IRapidan, to knock away the enemy, to enable him to cross, and, when the Fifth Corps is across, that you push on with both of your corps to Chancellorsyille, at which point the three corps will come together, and which you will command by virtue of your seniority. The enemy have a brigade holding the United States Ford, which they will abandon as soon as they hear of your approach. This will open the United States Ford to us, when bridges will at once be thrown across the river, and will afford you a direct communication with head- quarters. Telegraphic communication is established from that point. If your cavalry is well advanced from Chancellorsville, you will be able to ascertain whether or not the enemy is detaching forces from behind Fredericksburg to resist your advance. If not in any consider. able. force, the general desires that you will endeavor to advance at all hazards, securing a position on the Plank road and uncovering Banks Ford, which is also defended by a brigade of th~ rebel infantry and a battery. if the enemy should be greatly re-enforced, you will then select a strong position, and compel him to attack you on your ground. You will have nearly 40,000 men, which is more than he can spare to send against you. Every incident of your advance you will comumuni- cate to the general as soon as communication is established by the United States Ford. Two aides-de-camp are sent to report to you for this service. You are already advised of the operations going on below Fredericksburg. The general desires that not a moment be lost until our troops are established at or near Chancellorsville. From that moment all will be ours. A copy of this will be furnished Major-General Meade. It will be much easier to replenish batteries, ammunition, & c., by Banks Ford than by the United States Ford, if you should succeed iii uncovering it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Morrisville, Va., April 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry: I am directed by the major-general commanding to instruct you to report with your command of cavalry to Major-General Slocum, for service with his command. A portion of your force will accompany his command, and a portion will be sent to report for duty with the Fift Page 275 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 Corps, and will report to Major-General Meade. You are requested to report without delay. Very respectfully, & c., WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Morrisville, Va., April 28, 1863. Captain COMSTOCK, Corps of Engineers: The major-general commanding directs that as soon as the Fifth Corps have crossed the bridge, you will call on Ma~jor-General Meade for the necessary details to enable you to take it up and prepare it for land transportation, and have it accompany the column of that officer for service at the Itapidan, if required. After that, and as soon as the United States Ford is uncovered, he desires it to be thrown across the IRappahannock at that point, in order to open a short communication with headquarters, and also to enable Couchs corps to cross, should circumstances render it expedient. WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. Please show this to Major-General Meade. A portion of Couchs corps now holds that crossing on the north side. The general hopes that all the troops will be over early, as it is of the first importance that we should cross the Rapidaii to-morrow. IIDQRS. TWELFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Kellys Ford, Va., April 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: I inclose herewith copy of instructions * just received from the major-general commanding Army of the Potomac. Pursuant to these instructions, you will cross the river at Kellys Ford at the earliest possible moment to-night. Yon will report to me as soon as your troops commence crossing, and also immediately after the crossing is effected. As soon as you have effected a crossing, you will take a defensive position, and await the crossing of the Twelfth Corps, which will precede you on the road to Germanna Bridge. You will hold your command in readiness, and follow immediately in their rear. Keep your column well closed, with all your baggage wagons in rear of your entire corps, except your rear guards. Have two batteries accompany your leading brigades. H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General Volunteers, Commanding, HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Grove Church, Va., April 28, 18635 a. m. [GENERAL PLEASONTON:] GENERAL: We arrived here at 4 p. m. I left Major Keenan at llartwood with two squadrons, with orders to go to Richards Ford, and * See Candler to cwnrr~anding officer Fifth Corps, this date, p. 273 Page 276 [CHAP. XXXVII. 276 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. then work to the left until he found the infantry, and then to come as far north as possible. Passed two divisions of Howards (Eleventh) corps between llartwood and Deep Run. When 1 arrived here, made a recon- naissance in person (after halting and feeding horses and men) to Ellis Ford. Woke up their infantry, who came down into the rifle-pits and drew bead on ns. They sent one shot at a picket I left. Understood that some were on this side, but conld not find them after thorough search. Picketed near Ellis, Kempers, and Fields, and communicated on the right with a brigade of Howards, between Kellys and Rappa- hannock. Found no picket at the fords between Richards and Kellys. Have had no report from Major Keenan as yet. Found Spanglers train here. It unloads and returns this morning. Howard and the balance of his corps are just passing now. The report among contrabands here is that at the fords the water has been filled with iron wire-work, calcu- lated to entangle the feet of horses, while the sharpshooters pop them off. They say they have things fixed for our cavalry now. A number of mule teams passed here last evening. Said they were to meet a pon- toon train. Everything quiet now. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN Colonel, Commanding Brigade. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 28, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, d~c.: In reference to the circular letter semit you last evening, the major- general commanding directs me to say to you that your operations for to-morrow are for a demonstration only, to hold the forces of the enemy while the operations are carried on above, unless the enemy should leave the position or should weaken his force materially by detach- ments. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA April 28,1863. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Lowe reports up to 9 a. m. that, in consequence of the wind, he is unable to ascend. First opportunity will be improved. Cautioned Sharpe, signal officers, and Lowe to be vigilant and watchful; to get all information possible. Deserters just in and examined, report up to night before last, April 26, Bodes (D. H. Hills) division, A. P. Hills, and Trimbles divisions not moved; no signs of a move. We are in some uncertainty here as to the whereabouts of the re- inaining batteries of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps. Looking over your reply to General Howards dispatch, 1 find that the Reserve Artillery is ordered to go with the rest of the artillery. Your original dispatch to Howard and Slocum specified the trains only to go to Banks Ford. As you had a l)ersonal interview with Slocum, I presume he received directions at that interview. V not, it will be in sufficient time if those batteries are up with them (in any error) to have them get bac Page 277 CHAP. XXXVII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 277 to Banks and United States Fords during to-morrow. General Hunt asks whether the works for those batteries at Banks and United States Fords will be sunk to-night, in case the road is completed by General Conch, or wait until to-morrow night. The orders directed the work upon these batteries not to be done until after the road between the two points is completed. I so informed him. Pleasonton reports that he will leave for Grove Church at 8 a. in. to-day. It is raining now here1O.30 a. m.I sincerely trust only a shower. I should feel almost heartbroken if we were baffled again by a storm. If you desire to reach Sedgwick or myself hastily from Morrisville and Kellys Ford, an orderly, with a telegraphic dispatch to Warren. ton Junction, might reach us in advance of an orderly coming direct through. The signal telegraph is open to Banks Ford, and will prob- ably be by to-night to the United States Ford. Duplicates of impor. tant dispatches might be sent there. I keep General Sedgwick advised of everything that occurs. Clinton, the wagon-master, came shortly after you left, and has been ordered to you at Morrisville or Kellys Ford. Have ordered Blake, at Aqala Creek, and Garton, at Belle Plain, with their dismounted men, to relieve Colo- nel Rogers brigade, of Patricks command, from working and guard duty, so that they can take care of the railroad line and man the works at once. It still rains2 p. m. Fogliardi comes back at 5 p. m. Couch tele- graphs me he has ordered all his tools to Banks Ford. Sedgwicks command is just coming into position. So misty that nothing can be seen across the river. I inclose copies of reports received,* directing the orderly to find you, deliver this, with your mail, and bring back any orders or intelligence you might have to communicate. Still raining here, but not severelyslow and steady. Telegraph progressing from Banks Ford to the United States Ford. Very respectfully, & c., DAXL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Stafl~. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 28, 1863. Professor LOWE, Chief of Balloon Department: The general commanding desires you to have your balloon up to. night to see where the enemys camp-fires are. Some one acquainted with the position and location of the ground and of the enemys forces should go up. P. A. OLIVER, Lieutenant and Aide-de.Camp. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 28, 18637 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief ~f & aff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Although we have made many ascents during the day, yet have been unable to see but very little of the enemy, in consequence of the dense fog that envelops the earth. * Not identified Page 278 278 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. What few camps that were visible, however, appeared to be occupied as usual. Observations will be made from daybreak in the morning, continually, unless I receive orders to the contrary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 28, 186311.45 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, & e.: I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of a dispatch which has just been received from the major-general commanding. I also inclose a copy of the same for Major-General Reynolds, which you are desired to have sent to that officer at once. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Morrisviile, Va., April 28, 18633 p. m. Major.General BUTTERFIELD: Considering the state of affairs here, it will be advisable to suspend the crossing of the troops under Generals Sedgwick and iReynolds until further orders, except the number necessary to protect the bridges after they are thrown, which will be as already directed. Be pleased to have it communicated. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HARRISBURG, April 28, 1863. (Received 9.30 a. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, & eretary of War: The following dispatch just received: PITTSBURGH, 28th. Governor CURTIN: An express messenger from Morgantown, by express train from Uniontown, arrived here at 2 oclock this morning, with intelligence that 4,000 rebel cavalry were within 2 miles of Morgantowa at 2 oclock yesterday, coming into Pennsylvania. The Balti- more and Ohio Railroad, between Grafton and Cuinberland, is torn up. All the foregoing is confirmed by intelligence from Wheeling. We are without arms, artillery, or ammunition here. What can you do for ns I THOMAS M. HOWE, Assistant A(julant-General, Pennsylvania. Have you any information l If it is reliable, what force, if any, can you oppose to the rebels ~ We have no force in the State of any kind, as you are aware. Be pleased to telegraph me as soon as possible, as there is much alarm in this part of Pennsylvania threatened. A. G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvanra Page 279 CHAP. XXXVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION 279 HARRiSBURG, April 28,1863. (Received 12.40 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: It is reported to me that the rebels have taken and now hold Mor- gantown in force. Please say if you have any information, and if force will be sent on if it is true. We have no force in the State, and you could send troops before we could organize any. A. G. CUIRTIN, [Governor of Pennsylvania.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 28, 1863. Hon. A. G. CURTIN, Harrisburg, Pa.: I do not think the people of Pennsylvania should be uneasy about an invasion. Doubtless a small force of the enemy is flourishing about in the northern part of Virginia on the scewhorn principle, on purpose to divert us in another quarter. I believe it is nothing more. We think we have adequate force close after them. A. LINCOLN. COLUMBUS Onlo April 28, 1863. (iReceived April 299.20 a. in.) Hon. E. N. STANTON, Secretary of War: We have sent for the protection of Wheeling three companies of the Governors Guards, and one two-gun battery from Camp Chase; 100 men from Camp Thomas; 100 men from the provost-guard of this city, and 300 from Johnsons Island; in all, 850. This force, I doubt not, will be sufficient to bag the enemy if General Scheuck sends sufficient force from the east to prevent their escape. DAVID TOD, Governor of Ohio. PITTsBURGR, PA., April 28, 18633 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: A messenger has just arrived from Uniontown, Pa., who reports a large force of rebels at Morgantown. As he has come for troops, I deem it proper to inform you the road from Wheeling to Cumberland has been broken up. 0. CROSS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 28, 1863. Major-General SCFIENCK, Baltimore, Md.: You should concentrate forces on the ~rear of Jones raid, so as to cut off his return. Elliott must be kept advised as much as possible o Page 280 280 N. VA., W. VA.. MO., ANI) PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. the enemys movements, so as to act accordingly.. This raid is un- questionably made to divert our attention from the iRappahannock and Suffolk. If Roberts and Kelley will act promptly, they can cut Jones completely off. It is believed that his entire force is not over 3,000. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. WHEELING, VA., April 28, 1863. General RIPLEY: Post-office, banks, & c., all packing up to leave. Fifteen hundred Imbodens cavalry within 30 miles. I have no men nor trains. Shall I blow up the depot in case it is liecessary ~? A. R. BUFFINGTON, Captain of Ordnance. WASHINGTON, April 28, 18631.10 p. m. Capt. A. R. BUFFINGTON, Wheeling, Va.: Your telegram has been received and submitted to the General-in- Chief. The Government property should be defended with all the means possible, and to the last extremity. Only in case of absolute necessity should the property at the depot be abandoned, and then not until it has been destroyed, or otherwise rendered useless to the captors. J. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General, Chief of Ordnance. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 28, 18631.30 p. m. Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Aid.: Have you no troops in Pennsylvania and Maryland which can be promptly thrown into Wheeling by the Pennsylvania Railroad I The enemy seems to march more rapidly than we move by rail. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. BALTIMORE, MD., April 28, 18633 p. m. (Received 4.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have no troops in Pennsylvania or Maryland to send to Wheeling. All are on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, or south of it. I have spared every man and gun from this vicinity, except the garrisons of the forts and the ordinary railroad and hospital guards. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding Page 281 CHAP. XXXVII,] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281 WHEELING, VA., April 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: (Received 2.50 i~. in.) Fifteen hundred cavalry are reported to have been at Morgautown at 4 oclock p. m. yesterday, and at XVaynesbiirg this morning. It is necessary to have an officer of rank to command the militia here. Gen- eral Lightburn is here, and he should be directed to assume command. W. (IX THORPE, Captain Thirteenth U. N. infantry, Military Commander. BALTIMORE, MD., April 28, 18632.30 p. m. (Received 4.40 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The approach of the rebels to New Creek was repulsed. Major Showalter defended Rowlesburg and the works at Cheat River admira- bly with four companies, and allis yet safe there. I have troops press. ing forward westward as far and as ft~st as possible. I have Mulligan at Grafton. The only damage yet ascertained is a train of empty stock cars captured at Oakland, but since recovered in good order, and the Youghiogheny Bridge burned, which is rebuilding to-day. I have com- munication over all the railroad now, except 20 miles, between Grafton and iRowlesburg. The whole rebel force that has been on the line of the railroad I do not believe exceeds 1,500, but all cavalry. I have snch reports.from Wheeling and Pittsburgh, but no reliable information that the enemy has gone to Miorgantown, or anywhere north of the railroad, in force. With my troops on the railroad, and Kelley south of it on the Northwest turnpike, and Roberts south of Grafton and Clarksburg, I hope to intercept enemys retreat. It is difficult, though, to catch cavalry with infantry. I do not hear from Roberts. His com- munication by telegraph is cut off, as is also the wire between Grafton and Rowlesburg. They have got up unnecessary panic at Wheeling, Pittsburgh, and Parkersburg. ROBT. C. SCHENUK, Major- General, Commanding. PITTSBURGH, PA., April 28, 1863. (Received 5.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have reliable information that the rebels are at Morgantown, Va. Have telegraphed General Schenck to that effect. If the troops on the road and about Oakland do their duty, the rebels cant escape. I have sent a company of volunteers to Uniontown, and seven companies of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Militia will leave in the morning. 0. CROSS, Deputy Quartermaster- General. IN THE FIELD, FIVE MILES FROM NEW CREEK, VA., Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, April 28, 18632 a. in. Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore, Md.: Just received a dispatch from Mr. DitTy, agent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, who had just arrived at Oakland. Road and wire repaire Page 282 282 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. to that point. Both Maryland regiments are ordered to proceed to that place this morning. Mr. iDiffy reports the enemy gone west. No damage done, except the burning of the Voughiogheny Bridge. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. BALTIMORE, April 28, 1863. Colonel MULLIGAN, Grafton, Va.: I was glad to know by your dispatch to General Kelley last night that you had reached Grafton. I have from Pittsburgh and Harrisburg reports this morning that the rebels were in possession of Morgantown last night. I wait anxiously to hear from you. Is it so? If true, it can be in no considerable force. Can you not get in the rear and cut them off? I have troops at Oak. land and pushing on to Rowlesburg; all the works at Rowlesburg and Cheat River are still safe. Major Showalter has defended that point admirably. Endeavor by all means to open communication with Rowles- burg. My greatest concern about the railroad now is for Kingwood tunnel. The entire force of the enemy on the line, I am satisfied, does not exceed 1,500all cavalry. Have you anything from Roberts? ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major. General, Gommanding. BALTIMORE, April 28, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek: Following just received from Colonel Mulligan, at Grafton: The rebel force at Morgantown, about 700 or 800, intended to destroy the Fairmont Bridge. I have put it beyond damage. My advance has been pushing for Rowles- burg since morning. I will be in there early to-morrow. General Roberts has just arrived at Clarksburg. He will quiet this region within the next forty-eight hours. ROBT. C. SCHEYCK, Major- General, Commanding. CLARKSBURG, VA., April 28, 1863. Colonel MULLIGAN, Grafton, Va.: The enemy is advancing on Webster, and the stores there will be destroyed. You must defend yourself at Grafton, and aid at Fair- mont, if possible. Take care that rolling-stock does not fall into the hands of the enemy, or subsistence of any kinds B. S. ROBERTS. Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 283 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 283 BALTIMORE, April 28, 18631 p. m. Commanding Officer, Oakland, Aid.: Push forward at least a regiment to ZRowlesburg. Watch and follow the enemy at all points. His retreat must be cut off. Endeavor by every means to open your communication with Colonel Mulligan, who is at Grafton. By order of Major-General Schenck: WM. II. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, April 28, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va.: In reply to my orders to push forward westward, I have the follow- ing dispatch from Colonel Webster: I am in command at this point, with Fourth and Seventh Regiments Maryland Vol- unteer Infantry, numbering together 820 muskets. The railroad bridge over tho Youghiogheny is destroyed. No transportation by rail or otherwise can be had from this point westward. My own regiment, Seventh, had no sleep last night, and Fourth very little. The enemy may return by this place. If so, both regiments necessary to meet him. If I march to Rowlesbnrg, I will take both, unless ordered otherwise. Please instruct, and especially as to time of marching and force to be moved. This disappoints me. Troops onght to have gone westward before this time. I beg you to pnsh them forward at your discretion. I do not like the tone of Colonel Websters dispatch. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, 111 ajor- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 28, 18636.15 p. m. Brig. Gen. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, U. k. Volunteers: You will assume command of all United States troops at or near Wheeling, and of the militia forces that may be called out. Send what- ever force you can immediately toward Grafton, to protect the railroad and intercept the rebels. Communicate with the commanding officer at Parkersburg; also with Colonel Mulligan, at Grafton, and General Roberts, at Clarksburg. If the wire is cut between Wheeling and Grafton, telegraph by way of Parkersburg. Send engine up the road instantly to reconnoiter. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 28, 1863. Commanding Officer, Parkersburg, W. Va.: Brigadier-General Lightburn, U. S. Volunteers, is in command of all militia and other forces at Wheeling. Put yourself in communication with him for information. Rebels reported to be at Mannington and Littleton, between Grafton and Wheeling. The enemy will cross be- tween Parkersburg and Clarksburg, probably at West Union or New Salem. Send what force you can immediately that way, -to protect road and intercept rebels. Communicate with Roberts at Clarksburg. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- Ceneral. Commanding Page 284 284 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. BALTIMORE, April 28, 18636.20 p. m. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Clarksburg, Ya.: Brigadier-General Lightburn, U. S. Volunteers, is in command of all militia and other forces at Wheeling. Put yourself in communication with him, via Parkersburg. if you cannot by Grafton. He reports the rebels supposed to be at Mannington and Littleton, on the road between Grafton and Wheeling. I have directed him to send all the force he can toward Grafton. The enemy will cross over probably west of you, perhaps at New Salem or West Union. Send some force in that direc- tion. Watch for him at all points. ROBT. C. SUHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. CLARKSBURG, April 28, 1863. Brigadier.General ROBERTS: Telegram received. Will follow your counsel, if possible. My im- pression, however, is that they will come on the Bridgeport, Phil- ippi, Buckhannon, and Weston roads at same time, which they can easily do. My small force can do nothing in defending all these posi. tions. If I cannot make a junction with you, I will move toward Par. kersburg or Fairmont, most probably the former. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 28, 18637.30 p. m. General ROBERTS: General Cross, at Wheeling, telegraphs that the mayor of that city has received information that the enemy are destroying the bridges be. tween Wheeling and Grafton. A force should at once move down the road from Grafton to see if this be true, and prevent it. Send what cavalry you can across from Clarksburg to Fairmont. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General, Commanding. CINCINNATI, April 28, 1863. - Lieutenant-Colonel NEFF, Camp Dennison: Send forward the battery at your camp, and any infantry you can spare, to Bellaire, by way of Columbus. A rebel raid on Wheeling threatened. Report immediately what you can send, and how soon it can move. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. CINCINNATI, April 28, 1863. Commodore PHELPS, Commanding Naval Fleet, Cairo: All right. If gunboat can be sent at once, it will probably be better. It is said the enemy are within 30 miles of Wheeling. A. E. BIITRNSIDE, Major- General Page 285 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 285 BALTIMORE, April 28, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE: I have no reliable evidence of so near an approach of the enemy to Wheeling. A small rebel force is reported at Mannington and Little- ton. Their intention, though, appears to be to cross the Parkersburg road at either West Union or New Salem. As situated, I can send nothing to Wheeling from this direction. I have the larger force of the enemy to watch and fight between Grafton and Rowlesburg. I think there is needless panic at Wheeling, but we may want much help, if not there, at Weston, Va. IIOBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major-General, Commanding. WINCHESTER VA April 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. iR. C. SCHENCK, Baltimore: General Adams was at Moorefleld at 4 p. m. the 27th. Jones left that place on Saturday morning with cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The last heard of him he was at Greenland Gap, on his way to New Creek or Cakland. On morning of the 27th the rebel infantry, artillery, and cavalry left Moorefleld, 2,100 strong, for Petersburg. Imbodens force forms a junction with the force of Jones, which left Moorefleld Saturday, at some point west of Moorefield. Adams learns from citizens that Jones is to take care of Milroy. Elliott at Wardensville 2.30 a. in., 28th; left at 5 p. m. for Strasburg; will reach there to-night, where he will remain and reconnoiter up the Valley with cavalry. I ration him there to-night. R. II. MILROY, Major- General. HDQRS. FOURTH SEPARATE BRIGADE, MIDDLE DEPT., April 28,1863. Brigadier-General Cox, Cincinnati, Ohio: If it is possible for you to send 4,000 or 5,000 troops to Parkersburg without delay, it is important that you do so. Rebel General Jones, with his forces, will probably attack Fairmont to-night, or early to- morrow. A force, supposed to be Imbodens, is now near Webster, and will probably break up the railroad there and move toward Grafton, to join Jones in attacking Colonel Mulligan at that place. I have reason to believe that [W. L.] Jacksons forces will attempt to reach Salem or West Union, on Parkersburg Railroad, from die (lirectioll of Weston. It is of the utmost importance that a large force be thrown in, if it can be done. Answer quickly. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. CINCINNATI, April 28, 1863. Brigadier-General MASON, Columbus: Yours received. Send forward to Bellaire everything that can be spared. A battery will be sent up from Camp Dennison at once. Hav Page 286 286 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVJL arrangements made to I)Ut forward whatever may be sent, and I will advise you of their starting. J. D. COX, [Brigadier- General.] CINCINNATI, OHIO, April 28, 1863. Hon. DAVID TOD, Governor, Columbus, Ohio: The following dispatch received from Parkersbnrg, in rel)ly to one of mine asking for the latest information. I have every reason to think it reliable, and unless your information is very positive and late, I would recommend that the troops ordered be not sent. The following is the dispatch: The affair turns out to be an exaggerated account by the telegraph operator at Grafton, who quit his instrument and left without provocation. Mulligan is now at Grafton. General Roberts commands at Weston. Picket firing heard on Phulippi road, 5 miles from Clarksburg, this morning. Excitement at Clarksburg somewhat allayed. The opinion there now is that no demonstration will be made this way. I can get no definite information as to the position or direction of the rebels. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. WHEELING, VA., April 28, 1863. JOHN W. GARRETT and W. P. SMITH, Baltimore, Md.: Willard is here. Left IRowlesburg yesterday at 10.30 a in.; Grafton at 12 m. Staid last night at Cameron. Brought machinery to Grovers Gap and Cameron, except two engines, one of which is at Grafton, with six cars, and the other at Mannington. Will go out this p. in., taking all in, except engine at Grafton. iNo machinery west of Oakland lost. Believe two engines are at Clarksburg. Order Colonel Wilkinson to have all freights and machinery from Parkersbnrg Rail- road at Grafton brought to this place. Major Showalter sent engine to Cranberry to reconnoiter. Brought back the operator, who had been taken prisoner and paroled. He said from 700 to 1,500 of Jones men, under [A~. W.] Harman, passed them, and through Kingwood to Morgantown, where they were reported to be last evening at 4 oclock. Was informed by an acquaintance and personal friend in the party that they would return from Morgantown by way of Fairmont; thence to Salem, on Parkersburg Railroad, to form junction with Imboden at Rowlesburg. Estimate Jones force (besides the detachment that went to Morgantown) at 1,500 to 2,000. All mounted infantry. Horses in good condition. Rowlesburg was attacked Sunday afternoon. Rebels twice repulsed. Were going to attack again. Showalter re-enforced by 38 men, with four howitzers, sent from here under [Joseph B.] Fords urgent solicitation. With this re-enforcement Showalter, having 350 men, thought he could defend the place, if not starved out. Imbodens force is estimated at over 4,000 men, with six pieces, making an aggregate of about 7,000 for Imboden and Jones. Besides these forces, Ilingling reporte(l rumors of fighting at Glenville, 20 miles south of Ellenborough, probably Jenkins force. In this city the leading apprehension is of an attack here. H Page 287 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ChAP. XXXVII.] 287 thinks the purpose of the rebels, by detour from Morgantown, is to produce such apprehension, but really to get around Mulligan, who is at Grafton; destroy Fairinont Bridge, produce similar destruction on Parkersburg Railroad, east and west of Wilkinson, at Clarksburg, and thus, having destroyed communication in every direction, capture Mul- ligans, Wilkinsons, Lathams, and Roberts forces in detail. In view of the special apprehension the authorities have here, we cannot suffi- ciently impress them with the necessity of sending forces out for the protection of the road. We have no telegraphic communication beyond Cameron; waiting for which is the reason we did not advise you this morning. There are 3,000 stand of arms here; plenty of ammunition, but no cannon. There are but 30 men in charge of the bridge at Fair- mont. Just learned, at 1.15 p. in., that bridge near Maunington was burned this a. m. There must be prompt movements from the west end of the road. General Samuels has telegraphed Governor Tod and authorities at Pittsburgh. JER. C. SULLIVAN. J. B. FORD. WHEELING, VA., April 28, 1863. (Received War Department, April 299 a. in.) W. P. SMITH, Baltimore, Md.: Telegraphic communication re-established with Mannington, Grafton, and Clarksburg. Operator at Fairmont ran oft~ and came down to Man- nington. Showalt~r also deserted his post at Grafton, and is here. Will be sent to Parkersburg and out on the branch. Two bridges burned near Burton by citizens of the neighborhood, as at present sup- posed. Wilkinson burned one bridge between him and Grafton, under impression, created by Showalter, that Grafton was captured. This blunder of the operator has produced immeasurable confusion. Bridge- builders and material, with a force of 200 or 300 guards, to be re- enforced on the road, will be sent out to-morrow to rebuild the burned bridges, and strengthen the force at Fairmont. Bridge there believed to be safe for the present. Sixty cars and one engine caught beyond the burned bridges, but believed to be uninjured, with engine at Graf- ton. This will enable us to communicate and transport men and sup- plies to Fairmont and Grafton. JER. C. SULLIVAN. J. B. FORD. APRIL 29, 1863. General BUTTERFIELD: The following has just been received from General Wadsworths lieutenant: There are heavy bodies of rebel infantry moving toward yonr right, two brigades, apparently. A battery is coming into position. CUTLER, General. REYNOLDS, Major- General Page 288 288 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, April 29, 186310 a. m. General SEDGWICK: Since my first report of this morning, General Wadsworth threw over in boats one of his brigades, and the engineers are now building the bridges. They say they will have the bridge in order in one hour, which means two. Hope to get one finished as soon as possible. We took probably 40 or 50 prisoners out of the rifie.pit. Respectfully, & c., JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General Volunteers, Commanding. BALLOON IN THE AIR, April 29, 186312 m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of Ihe Potomac: GENERAL: The enemys infantry is moving to our right, about 4 miles below our crossing, on a road just beyond the heights. The enemy does not appear to advance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON IN THE AIR, April 29, 18631.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemy are moving wagon trains to their rear. Their force which is in position opposite our crossings is very light; I should judge not more than we now have across the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aerortauts, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON IN THE AIR, April 29, 18632.45 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Corps, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: About two regiments of the enemys infantry have just moved forward from the heights and entered the rifle-pits opposite our lower crossing. Heavy smokes are visible about 6 miles up the i-iver, on the opposite side, in the woods. Very respectfully, your obedient serVant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac Page 289 CHiP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 289 BALLOON IN THE AIR, Major-General BUTTERFIELD, April [29], 1863. Chief of Staft Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemys line of battle is formed in the edge of the woods, at the foot of the heights, from opposite Fredericksburg to some distance to the left of our lower crossing. Their line appears quite thin, compared with our force. Their tents all remain as hereto- fore, as far as I can see. Very respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts. BALLOON EAGLE, OPPOSITE FREDERICKSEUR& , April 29, 1863. Professor LOWE: SIR: In accordance with your order, Lieutenant Libby took the bal- loon in tow along the river bank. When I was opposite south end of the city, I could plainly see heavy earthworks, and well supported by a large force. These earthworks were nearly southwest, in a thin wood. Some movements of army wagons; nothing more. Yours, respectfully, E. ~. ALLEN. F SIGNAL STATION, Captain CUSHING, April 29, 186312 m. Signal Officer, General fleadquarters: We see enemys infantry in intrenchments at Hazel Run Crossing. Train of twenty-three wagons parked near the Dahlman house for the last two hours; is now moving toward our right. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, Signal Officer. ONE MILE FROM GERMANNA BRIDGE, April 29, 18ti312.50 p. m. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD Commanding Eleventh Corps: The general commanding directs me to inform you that he has sent positive orders to General Williams to close up the Twelfth Corps, and he is very anxious you should advance your command as rapidly a~s possible. If the trains of the Twelfth Corps are in your way, turn them out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] Colonel Asmussen will see this order strictly executed. Make no halt of more than fifteen minutes in either division. By command of Major-General Howard: C. H. HOWARD, Aide-de-Camp. 19 R RVOL XXV, PT I Page 290 290 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISIoN, SECOND CORPS, April 29, 18632 p. m. GENERAL: In front of Falmouth the only enemy to be seen is what appears to be parts of two small regiments, probably not over 300 or 400 men, in the intrenchments some distance back from the bank of the river. There are a few loungers on the other bank; no fishing, and the pickets are walking equipped and with their muskets. I have just re- ceived the inclosed; not of much importance, but I send it. The tele- graph station here is broken up. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier. General, Commanding Division. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRI& ADE, April 29, 186312.15 p. m. Brigadier-General GIBBON, Commanding Division: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a wagon train of the~ enemy, of about half a mile in length, and which has been stationed back of their first line of eartliworks, has just moved up toward their left. I rema?n, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSHUA T. OWEN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. APRIL 29, 18632.30 p. m. Captain GUSHING: A heavy column of enemys infantry has been seen along the crest of the hills opposite this place. A long line of wagons and ambu- lances follows them. HILL AND BROOKS. SEDGWICKS HEADQUARTERS, April 29, 18632.30 p m. General WILLIAMS: A long line of thc enemys troops is moving in the direction of Fred- ericksburg. Can see nothing but infantry. A. messenger from a signal station, 10 miles below this J)Oint, says a brigade of the enemys infantry is moving in the same direction. FORTESCUE, Lieutenant, Acting Signal Officer. APRIL 29, 18632.45 p. in. General SEDGWICK: A body of infantry is marching along the Bowling Green road, just in fiont of your troops at Bernards. REYNOLDS, General Page 291 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 291 SEDGW1CKS HEADQUARTERS, April 29, 18633.30 p. m. Captain CUSHING: About 8,000 or 10,000 infantry and four batteries, followed by an ammunition train and ambulances, have just passed along in the direc- tion of Fredericksburg, opposite this point. HiLL AND BROOKS. F SIGNAL STATION, April 29, 18634 p. m. Cal)tain CUSHING, Signal Officer, General Headquarters: Twelve regiments of infantry and sixty wagons and ambulances moving up toward Hamiltons Crossing from below. Wagons are still coming, but the thick atmosphere stopped our count at sixty. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, Signal Officer. APRIL 29, 1863.5 p. m. Captain CUSHING: Received dispatch relative to resting troops to-night. M. T. MoMAHOK, Assistant Adjutant. General. APRIL 29, 1863. Commanding Officer Second Corps, Banks Ford: The commanding general does not care about your movement to the United States Ford being kept secret from the enemy. He wishes you to march to-day and by the best road. He also desires to know what road you have repaired. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 29, 1863. Commanding Officer Second Corps, Banks Ford: The commanding general directs that you encamp with your two divisions to-night at the United States Ford, leaving a company at Banks Ford, and that you keep the road you have been repairing clear of wagons. The wagons must take the fields on the right and left of the road. Please acknowledge. S. WILLIAMS, A~sistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 29, 1863. Major-General SICKLES, Commanding Third Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs you to hold your command well in hand and all in readiness to march at a moments notice. By command of Major-General Hooker: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy for information of Major.General Sedgwick respectfully fur- nished. Page 292 292 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK: GENERAL: Yours, inclosing General Wadsworths suggestiQn, is re- ceived. The general has retired and is asleep. If the enemy are massing troops in front of Brooks, it will suit the generals purposes. The general wants all correct information as to the numbers of troops in your front, and whether any are passing on to their left (our right) beyond Fredericksburg. The balloon must keep us posted and be on the alert. Telegraph us freely early in the morning. Keep a good look at the size and number of camp-fires. It is very important to know whether or not the enemy are being held in your front. Tlie moment news arrives with regard to the progress made tq-day by the right wing, plans for to-uorrow will issue. The maneuvers now in progress the general hopes will compel the enemy to fight him on his own ground. He has no desire to make the general engagement where you are, in front of Brooks or Wadsworth. Please consider this confidential. I inclose copy of an order given Professor Lowe to-night. Please arrange so that you will get the information, and that it will not be delayed in transmission here. If you have a good officer who will go up and can judge, send him early. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANE BIJTTERFIELI), Major- General, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure.] CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 29, 1863. Professor LOWE, Chief of Balloon Department: The major- general commanding directs that your balloon, on service near Sedgwicks command, be sent up at a very early hour in the morn- ing, before sunrise, and that you get in communication with the signal telegraph to forward to these headquarters the earliest information with regard to the,numbers, strength, and position of the enemy. This is not to interfere with the service of the balloon at Banks Ford. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, A ssistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 29, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM, Commanding, & c.: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that, the bridges are all across here. The demonstration here is a very strong one. Fifty or 60 prisoners taken in the enemys rifle-pits report Jack- sons whole force here. The enemy are in position, anticipating our main attack at Franklins crossing. The general directs that you move as high up as Chancellorsville; establish your right strongly on the Plank road; look out for your left~ too. The map indicates that from Chancellorsville to the Rappahannock is a very strong position. You Page 293 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 293 must have that, and move to command the Plank road, which is the line of the enemys retreat. As soon as you uncover United States Ford, you will be re-enforced by C. (two divisions), and then probably by S.s entire command. The general will be up to-morrow. The bearer, if he succeeds in reaching you, may be able to return with a dispatch from you. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Major-General COUCH, April 29, 1863. Commanding, & c., United States Ford: General Hooker directs that you establish communication with Gen- eral Meade, at Elys Ford, IRapidan, or vicinity to-night. Use a pontoon boat or raft across Rappahannock. Swim a horse, if necessary, above its junction with Rapidan. Send following to Generals Meade and Slocum: General Hooker learns that pontoon bridge has been made use of for crossing cav- alry. He prefers that no dragoons should have crossed the Eappahaunoek. If fords at Germanna and Elys should be impracticable for artillery, cross infantry without waiting for artillery (infantry can raise cartridge-boxes) or trains, and drive enemy from before United States Ford. Send them also, if you have it, copy of dispatch sent to Comstock, at Kellys. Dont let dispatches get captured. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-Gene~al and Chief of Staff. Major-General HOOKER, SUFFOLK, VA., April 29, 1863. Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I think I can hold Longstreet here for some time, which will favor your operations very materially. When he retires, it will only be to his two railroads, where he can go to Lee or strike at me, according to cir- eumstances. You and I will have plenty of work. He is bridging the Blackwater for railroad purposes. The impression is strong that Hill will leave North Carolina and join Longstreet. JOHN J. PECK, (Copy to General Halleck.) Major- General. Major-General PECK or Dix, ~PR~ 29, 1863. Suffolk, Va: I have fully commenced my operations here. The result may be to draw from your front, and afford you an opportunity to push or hold them. JQSEPII HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding Page 294 294 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL APRIL 29, 1863. Major.General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: No change of note here. Heavy rain. Governor Seward was here today. JOHN J. PECK. Major- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 29, 186311.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: From Wheeling I learn this morning that the telegraphic communi- catiou is re-established west of Grafton. Two bridges burned near Burton, between Wheeling and Grafton (supposed to be by citizens of the neighborhood). Colonel Wilkinson, of our forces, in a scare, burned a bridge between Clarksbnrg and Grafton. Will send yout my cor- respondence with him on the subject. Bridge-builders are going out with guard, to ~repair. The panic west of Grafton seems to have been made by two telegraph operators at Grafton and Fairmont, who de- serted their posts and spread alarm. I will get their names iu due time and report them. Bridge at Fairmont is safe. From Kelley, at New Creek, I learn all is safe and quiet at iRowlesburg. The rebels were beaten off and defeated of their great objectthe destruction of the Cheat Itiver Viaduct. Major Showalter is probably near Tunnel- ton, occupying turnpike to cut off the retreat. Will soon have the road and telegraph in working order again all the way through, but I get no certain intelligence of the movements of that force of rebe cav- alry that went to Morgantown. - ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 29, 18631.10 p. m. Major.General BURNSIDE: I have just received the following dispatch of to-day from General Roberts: CLARKSBTJRG, VA.9.20 a. m. Arrived myself last night. Brigade, men and horses, all exhausted by three days and nights forced march. Can do nothing with them for twenty-four hours or more. Imbodens and Jacksons forces, over 4,000 strong, were on Sunday at and about Philippi, and arriving there, I believe, for this place. Jones is now at Fairmont, probably 2,000 strong. A force was reported to me last night at Webster, but nothing is known of it this morning. Jones can unite his forces with Imbodens an(l Jack- sons, to destroy Parkersburg or this place. They are too strong [for us] to scatter forces to protect any points but this and Parkersburg. We must keep this [place] t~dd the supplies here. If General Cox can send 4,000 or 5,000 men to Parkersburg, it should be done, aud the enemy captured or defeated. We have no cavalry for captures. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, f2onnnanding. Can you send any help to Parkersburg? I have none here. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major. General (Same to ilalleck, omitting request for help. Page 295 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 295 BALTIMORE, MD, April 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The fighting, the way it looks now, may be west of the Alleghanies. The report by Roberts of rebels concentrating in that quarter is highly probable. But I do not credit the report of Jones and his 2,000 at Fairmont. I have nothing with which to re-enforce Roberts. Have sent copy of his dispatch to Buruside. Will you give any orders to Buruside l ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 29 1863 Major-General BURNSIDE, 2.30 ~ m. Cincinnati, Ohio: If you have any available troops that can be temporarily detached to assist General Schenck, throw them in to Parkersburg and Wheeling. I do not mean that you shall withdraw troops from Kentucky. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, IVashington, April 29, 18633.05 p. m. Major-General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Mid.: Two companies have gone from Sandusky to Wheeling, and Gov- ernor Tod has also sent, it is said, some others to the same place. General Buruside will assist, if he has any available troops, but he can withdraw none from Kentucky. The enemys raid is variously esti- mated at from 1,500 to 4,000. You have 45,000 nuder your command. If you cannot concentrate enough to meet the enemy, it does not argue well for your military dispositions. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief BALTIMORE, MD., April 29, 186311 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The following three dispatches have jnst been received: CLARKSBUEG, VA, April 29, 1863. Fairmont is taken, and the bridge at that place burned and the piers blown up. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. NEW CREEK, VA., April 29, 18637 p. in. The following dispatches just received from Colonel Mulligan: It is not possible for me to support him, as Youghiogheuy Bridge will not be re- paired till Friday noon. If any troops can be seared from Washington, they might be Bent so as to arrive at bridge by the time it wfll be done. It will not be prudent to take any troops away from the railroad to seild west. I also received a dispatch from Wilkinson, dated at Clarksbnrg, in which he sai Page 296 296 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVIL Roberts had arrived at Clarksburg with his force, and they were expecting a com- bined attack from Imboden and Jones. After a severe engagement, our forces have been driven from Fairmont to Grafton. I will probably be attacked to-night or early in the morning. I will make a des- perate fight; support me. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 29, 1863. Maj Gen. H. W. HALLECIC, General-in- Ckiej; Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: You may have observed some published notice of a bridge between Grafton and Clarksburg being burned by order of an officer of my own command. It was done by Colonel Wilkinson, Sixth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, commanding Sixth Brigade, of General Kelleys division, when the enemy were not yet within 40 miles of him. The inclosed telegraphic correspondence will explain. If Colonel Wilkinson does not ask for a court of inquiry, I expect to give him a court-martial. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, IROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosures.] GRAFTON, VA., April 26, 1863. Major-General SCHENOK: The enemy are at Oakland, and have driven in our pickets at iRowles- l)urg. Wires cut at Oakland. Twenty-third Illinois and One hundred and sixth New York left Webster this morning for Philippi and Beverly. All quiet at Buckhannon last advices. N. WILKINSON, Colond, Commanding Sixth Brigade. CLARKSBURG, VA., April 27, 1863. Major-General SOHENOK: Scout at Rowlesburg from Cranberry just now reports telegraph and railroad at latter place destroyed. The rebels crossed at Cranberry early this morning, from 800 to 1,000 strong, their destination Kingwood. General Jones has started a force to Fellowsville, thence to Tunnelton or Newbnrg. This will completely surround iRowlesburg and cut off all communication. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. CLARKSBURG, April 27, 1863. Major-General SCHENCIC: At 12 noon the operator at Grafton telegraphed that the enemy were there. He destroyed his instmument and left. Communicated the fact to General Roberts, and we thought better to burn a bridge near Bridgeport to prevent their coming this way by rail. Roberts is sai Page 297 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 297 to be on his way here by way of Weston and Janelew. I cannot corn- manicate with him. He left Buckhannon at noon. I presume Bowles- burg has been taken. Enemy, 5,000 strong, are reported at Morgantown. I have but 150 men here, having sent re-enforcements to iRowlesburg and Grafton. Mulligan is supposed to be at Grafton. Will carry out your instructions soon as we get communication opened and my forces can be gotten out. The enemys whereabouts entirely unknown. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. CLARKSBURG, VA., April 27, 1863. (Via Cincinnati). Major.GeneraL SCHENCK: More forces than are now west of Rowlesburg will be needed here to speedily and effectually clear out the rebels. Every resident secession- 1st is feeling strong and ready to work against us. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, (ommanding Brigade. Major-General CLARKSBURG, Vi., April 28, 1863. Received two telegrams from you at 10.15 a. m. Prior to receiving your previous noon dispatches, I had thrown into Rowlesburg four howitzers and 270 men, which made the garrison 545, men and officers, and 60 men additional on the way were compelled to stop at Grafton. I had also ordered the Eleventh Virginia to concentrate this way. All ordered on Sunday, by which you will perceive I had anticipated your instructions. The after events permit me to explain by letter. I have been going four days and nights without sleep, and am somewhat wearied. Roberts advance guard just reached here. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 26 [27 1], 1863. Colonel WiLKINsoN, Cia rksburg, Va.: You must, with all the force you can command, work eastward against the enemy from Grafton. Communicate at once with Generals Roberts and Mulligan. They should endeavor to close in from the south to co-operate with you and with General Kelleys forces from the east. Beside pushing along the railroad westward from New Creek, General Kelley will also send a force westward on the Northwestern turnpike. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General. Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 27, 186311 p. m. Col. N. WILKINSON, Clarksburg, Va.: I am suprised, after my dispatch to y~xi, at noon to-day, that you did not proceed yourself with all of whatever force you could coiximand to Grafton. That is the point from which to press eastward on the enemy Page 298 298 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XXXVIL and help protect Tunnelton and Rowlesburg. He has only cavalry; it is but a raid, and he should be shut in and captured. The Youghiogheny Bridge west of Oakland is burned, but we have the road and wires already repaired to that point. Communicate with Roberts and Mulligan, as ordered before, thatthey may move to your support and to intercept the rebel retreat. I send troops forward to Oakland to-night. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., April 27, 186311.30 p. m. Col. N. WILKINSON, Clarks burg, Va.: Your second dispatch this evening received. You are evidently in a causeless panic, as my last telegram will show you. Your burning of the bridge at Bridgeport is disgraceful. I sincerely hope Mulligan is, as you suppose, at Grafton, where you ought to have been, and where even 50 men would have been invaluable. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major. General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 29, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va.: I have communicated your dispatches and Mulligans to Washington. I cannot hope for help from there. You know Kenlys condition at Harpers Ferry. Call on him for every man that can be spared from there, leaving Maryland Heights, however, well taken care of. Milroy must hold Winchester without so much backing. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 29, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Harpers Ferry, Va.: Scammon and Roberts report a rebel regiment moving from Lewis. burg to the east of Summerville, and five regiments of their cavalry and two of infantry in the neighborhood of Crab Bottom. I do not believe they have any such strength. I can send no re-enforcements to Roberts, who is asking for more cavalry and artillery. You must support him as far as practicable from the railroad, and give instructions to Colonel Wilkinsou, at Clarksburg, accordingly. Keep up communication with Roberts. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 29, 186311 p. m. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va.: The general commanding thinks that Colonel Smith should hold or leave at least a part of his force to hold his present position. New Page 299 Cwu?. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 299 apparently reliable just comes from Milroy that one rebel brigade is now at Petersburg, and five brigades, under A. P. Hill, en route for Winchester. Still, you must withdraw what you think possible from Harpers Ferry. If troops are sent from Washington at all, they can stop at Harpers Ferry. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, ]Jiqjor- General, Commanding. CINCINNATI, OHIO, April29, 18639 p. m. Maj. Geii. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Ckief: I have ordered all the troops that can possibly be spared from the different camps, and have made an arrangement with the naval authori- ties here to send two gunboats, one from this place, which leaves to- night, and one from Cairo. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. APRIL 29, 1863. Capt. A. B. DOD (Care of Adjutant-General Sam nels, Wheeling, Va.): Dispatch from General Roberts, at Clarksburg, says the enemy will make their attack on Parkersburg and not at Wheeling. This is the most probable case. Collect all the information you can get, and it it shows there is danger of an attack at Parkersburg, you will collect boats at Wheeling, and move your command down the river. Keep these headquarters fully advised. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: G. M. BASCOM, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 29, 1863. General J. A. J. LIGUTBURN, Wheeling: Did not know you were at Wheeling or I should have consulted you. General Roberts, from Clarksburg, telegraphed that he thought Par- kersburg in most danger. Please give me the most reliable information you have. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. CINCINNATI, April 29, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: At urgent solicitThou of Wheeling authorities, everything available here has been forwarded to that point, though the whole is only a frac- tion of what you desire. I have ordered boats at Wheeling to be ready to carry the force to Parkersburg. Nearly the whole force of this de- partment is south of the Ohio, but General Schenek is pushing forces rapi(lly west, as we learn. I am very confident he will make it danger- ous for any heavy force of the enemy to come far this way. Some gun- boats will go imp at once and co-operate with our troops. We will do everything in our power to aid you. Please let me know from time to time the condition of affairs. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General Page 300 300 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CINCINNATI, April 29, 1863. Governor ToD, Columbus: I learn from Wheeling that they are satisfied the troops are needed most at Parkersburg, and have shipped them to that point. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, iNo. 24. Washington, April 29, 1863. I. All telegrams sent must have the hour when sent marked on them. All receive(l, the hour when received. II. When troops are ordered to move, the hour they move must be promptly reported. When of a large body, the hour when the move- ment commences and when it ends. III. When an expedition returns, a summary report and the hour of returning to camp must be immediately made, and as soon thereafter as practicable a full written report forwarded to these headquarters. The names of officers in command, or mentioned, must be given in full, as well as their rank and regiment. An officer signing his report, or any official report, must also give his official signature. IV. All information of any movement of the enemy must be promptly forwarded to these headquarters direct, as well as to the intermediate commanders, when it can be done, by telegraph, and in other cases, when time will be gained, if it is of importance. V. Special attention is called to Article XXXIV (Orders and Corre- spondence), Revised Army Regulations for 1861. By command of Major.General Heintzelman: C. H. POTTER, Assistant Adjutant. General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Governor CTJRTIN, April 29, 1863. Harrisburg: The Department has been informed that a cavalry force, the numbers of which have been exaggerated, made their appearance three days ago on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, their object being to create a diversion from movements on our side. An adequate force has been ordered to pursue and capture them, and if they should venture into Pennsylvania, it is believed that their escape will be impossible. General Elliott, an able officer, with his command~ is directing his at. tention to them. EDWIN M. STANTON, [& eretary of War.] WASHINGTON, D. C., Major-General HoOKER, April 30, 18631.10 p. m. Palmouth, Va.: The military supervisor of telegraphs, Major Eckert, will send you by mail all the information that has yet been procured in respect to the story about the submarine telegraph. You will have to protect your Page 301 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 301 self by rigid measures against the reporters in your army, and the IDe- partment will support you in any measure you are pleased to take on the subject. Unless some one is l)unished you may suffer great injury. I have just been told that detailed and no doubt exaggerated, reports of the crossing at Kellys Ford, with lists of killed and wounded, have been sent to the Times and Herald by mail. Nothing has been allowed to pass by telegraph. EDWIN M. STANTON. F SIGNAL STATION, April 30, 18637 a. m. Capt. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Actg. Chief Signal Officer, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: The enemy have occupied the cut of the River road from the city to near Hamiltons Crossing, the stone wall in front of Marycs, the ditches near Hazel Run, at the foot of the hill back of Hoblisons [Howisons] house; also on the top of the hill. See but two batteries in position yet. No force above the city other than pickets. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Ofilcer. F SIGNAL STATION, April 30, 186311 a. m. Captain CUSHING, Signal Officer, General Headquarters: A line of infantry, followed by ten wagons, just passed a poiut one- half mile east of the railroad station, moving toward the railroad. The infantry was passing when discovered. We saw about three regi- ments. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, Signal Officer. F SIGNAL STATION, April 30. 18631 p. ni. Colonel SHARPE lleadquarters Army of the Potomac. All the camps west of the railroad have been struck save one small one. Those to the east of the road have been mostly struck. Enemy occupy rifle-pits, railroad, and Bowling Green road. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 1863Noon. General HAUPT, In Charge of Railroads, Washington, D. C.: Be in readiness to commence work on this line of road by day after to-morrow morning. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff Page 302 302 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Brig. Gen. J. GIBBON, April 30, 1863. Commanding, & c.: Your dispatch to General Butterfield,respecting an anticipated mutiny among six companies of the Thirty-fourth New York Regiment, received. In answer, I am instructed to say that Generals Meade and Sickles, in similar cases, had the refractory men surrounded by a guard, and in- formed that if they persisted in their insubordination they would do so at the peril of their lives. Those generals were informed by the com- manding general that they would be sustained in any course they found it necessary to adopt to enforce obedience. The commanding general is at present absent from camp. The official statement from the Adjutant-Generals Office shows that the term of service of the Thirty-fourth New York Regiment expires June 15 and 16, 1863. If, however, the regiment is one of those originally mustered into the State service for two years, and into the United States service for three months, and subsequently transferred by the Governor of New York to the United States for the unexpired portion of the State service, the term of service is to be reckoned from the date of the original muster into the ~tate service, which may be earlier than that above mentioned. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, A8sistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lieutenant-Commander MAGAW, April 30, 1863. Aquia Greek The major-general commanding desires that you have every avail- able vessel of your fleet suitable for such purpose, at Aquia Creek, to convoy store-ships. Please answer. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General; Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TilE POTOMAC, April 30, 18635.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Firing at Sedgwicks. No report yet. Shall that order be printed about firing low, & c., and shall some cavalry of Patricks be sent to United States Ford for prisoners ~ DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 18636.45 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Nothing of importance received since you left, except the inclosed lines from General Sedgwick, with a copy of my reply attacbed.* Con- Not found Page 303 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. 303 siderable cannonading in front of Sedgwick. Nothing from him yet. I have received no orders for Gibbon. He is held in readiness to move in accordance with your last instructions. I inclose list of casualties in Reynolds corps from shelling by the enemy, which commenced about 5 or 6 oclock and lasted until dark. Also copy of dispatch from Sedgwick about detail for pontoon train. I have telegraphed you, and expect reply as to relieving him from Gibbon. Shall do so if I get no reply. Comstock is here, pretty well used up; gone to bed; reports his train in bad condition not fit for crossing trains, only for infantry, possibly for cavalry. Have directed him to United States Ford very early to-morrow a. in., in case nothing from you, to take his train again. Orders will reach him sent telegraph office, United States Ford. All quiet here now. No apparent diminution in enemys strength in front of Sedgwick, and no movements reported. Very resnectfally, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HOOKER, April 30, 1863. United States Ford: Enemy shelled Reynolds for an hour or two before dark. Casualties reported, 5 killed and 16 wounded. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of 8tafl~. APRIL 30, 18637.15 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, United States Ford: Comstock just arrived here. Reports his train unreliable for any- thing but infantry. Have you any orders for him? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. SEDDON HOUSE, VA., April 30, 1863. Captain CusHING: Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: SIR: With ~he exception of one regiment, seen to move toward Fred- ericksburg this morning, the enemy has not appeared in force opposite this point to-day. Two remaining camps at points southwest and west appear to be occupied, but I should judge by very few men. Enemys picket below Snow Creek is very light, indeed. A squad of cavalry came to the river bank about 12 in., seeming to have some business, ex- amining the river bank for some distance. Enemys pickets fired upon ours, driving them from the bank. Rebel signal officers appear re- markably busy. Six of the 12 men who have been under my charge were taken away this morning by Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, deputy provost-marshal- general. Very respectfully, & c., J. B. BROOKS, Lieutenar~t and Acting Signal Officer Page 304 304 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL SEDGWICKS CROSSING, April 30, 1863. Captain CUSHING: Cannot see any large body of troops moving either way. They seem to be filling the earthworks to the rear and left of Fredericksburg with troops; and, from appearances, should think they have a number of guns in position in the works. From all appearances, should judge that the enemy were massing troops in front of Brooks. A train of five wagons has just left the rebels first line, Bowling Green road, and are now on their way to the rear, directly in front of Brooks. E. C. PIERCE, Captain. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 18632.15 p. m. Gommanding Officer, P~fth Army Corps: No advance beyond Chancellorsville till columns are concentrated. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. APRIL 30, 18635 a. m. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The general commanding desires you to cross the rest of your command and be in readiness to move as soou as po8sible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 18637 a. m. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HoWARD: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to move your last division over the river at once. There is no apparent effort being made to cross the troops. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 1863. Major.General COUCH, United States Ford: The major-general commanding directs me to inclose you copy of instructions to Generals Slocum and Meade. You are directed to cross as speedily as practicable with your infantry, artillery, ammunition wagons, and a few wagons for forage, and two ambulances to a division. You will have the bridge laid without delay as soon as the enemy leaves. Dont let a small force keep you back. Establish rapid communication with the telegraph at Banks Ford and with Meade and Slocum, as the telegraph from Banks to United States Ford works so slow. You will move to support Slocum. Be careful that no trains cross at United States Ford until further orders, as they will only be in the way Page 305 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 305 Meades ammunition wagons may have to cross. The trains shonid cross at some point to be designated. The general directs me to add, in moving in support of Slocum, move toward the heaviest firing in the event of his advance being disputed. The general wishes you to be UI) with him to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., April 30, 18639.30 a. m. Brigadier-General WARREN: I have not received a word from United States Ford this morning. Do send me by the bearer all the news. He is directed to run his horse. I have sent up additional details from the Engineer I3riga(le to assist at the bridges. When they are thrown across, I desire you to report to the commanding officer at Chancellorsville, to assist him, and give him the benefit of your advice in esti~blishing a line of defense at that place or vicinity. The maps indicate that a formidable position can be takeu there. Please show this to General Slocum, and to General Couch when he comes up. I am informed that the enemy continues in full force in front of Gen. eral Sedgwick. At all events, we want to hold the strongest position that section affords to-night, and be in readiness to take the initiative in the morning. Until Banks Ford is uncovered, the route by the United States Ford must be understood as our line of operations. The weather is favorable for securing our positions, and, after all is over, the iRapidan is no ad. vantage to the enemy over ourselves. Very respectfully, & c., DAXL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 18631 p. m. Major-General COUCH, United States Ford: Third Corps is under orders to be across the river at United States Ford at 7 a. m. to-morrow. The column is en route. Meades batteries are on the way. Headquarters will be at Chancellorsville to-night. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 18632.15 p. in. Captain COMSTOCK: The general directs that no advance be made from Chancellorsville nntil the columns are concentrated. He expects to be at Chancellomis- ville to-night. DA~L. BUTTERFIELD, M~jor- General, Chief of Staff. (Copy to Generals Couch and Meade.) 20 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 306 306 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 18638.30 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: I am directed by the major-general commanding to instruct you to make a demonstration on the enerny~s lines in the direction of Ha-mu- tons Crossing at 1 oclock, the object being simply to ascertain whether or not the enemy continues to huo his defenses in full force- and if he should have abandoned them, to take possession of his works and the commanding ground in their vicinity. In his opinion a corps should be used for this service, a portion of it advanced, while the balance is held in supporting distance, and your whole force held in readiness to spring to their relief should an effort be made to ovcrpower them or to cut them oIL This demonstration will be made for no other purpose than that stated. The enemy must not be attacked behind his defenses, if held iii force. No train but that of a few ambulances should accom- pany the column. As soon as the required information is obtained, the column can return Look well after the defenses of your bridge~heads during this movement. if you are certain that the enemy is in full force in your front, I am instructed by the commanding general to say that the demnonstratiou herein directed will not be made. The general must know the posi. tion of affairs and be advised fully; also as to what you do, at once. The enemy have a pontoon train at Hamiltons. The general expects that you will not permit them to cross the river. When you move forward, if you want all your artillery, the batteries of the reserve here can be called for. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to in. forum you that his headquarters will be at Chancellorsville to-night. It is prol)osed that the army now at that point will assume the initiative to-morrow morning, and will advance along the line of the Plank road, uncovering what is called Banks Ford, where bridges will be at once thrown across the river, which route will theim become the shortest line of communication between the two wings of the army. Major General Butterfield will remain at the present headquarters, and will at once transmit to the major-general commanding any communications you may desire to send him. It is not known, of course, what effi~ct the advance will have upon the enemy, and the general commanding directs that you observe his movements with the utmost vigilance, and, should he expose a weak point, attack him in full force and destroy him. If he should show any symptoms of thlling back, the general directs that you throw your whole force on the Bowling Green road, and pursue him with the utmost vigor, turning his fortified positions by the numer- ous by-roads which you can make use of for that purpose. If any por- tion of his organized forces should pass off to the east of the railroad, you will, by letachrnents, pursut~ until you destroy or captu~e him Page 307 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 Simultaneous with the advance of your column on the Bowling Green road, if at all, a column will also advance on the Telegraph road, and between you will sweep thP country between the two highways and the railroad. You will be within easy communication, and both columns will spring to one anothers assistance in case of encountering any con- siderable resistance, which can best be judged of by the magnitude of the fire. Keep your provisions and ammunition mid forage replenished, leaving as much of your train to be brought afterward as practicable. Trains will only embarrass and check your forward movement, and must not accompany you, unless it be the l)ack train. It may be expedient for you to join the right wing on the south bank of the river, and under cover of it to Fredericksburg. Be observant of your opportunities, and when you strike let it be done to destroy. When you move forward, if you want all your artillery, the batteries of the reserve here can be called for. The enemy have at Hamiltons a pontoon train. The general expects that you will not permit them to cross the river. You will find an able commander in Major-General Reynolds. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. APRIL 30, 1863. Major-General Hooxi~R, [Chancellor8ville ;J Sedgwick asks if column to move on Telegraph road simultaneous with advance on Bowling Green road is to be portion of his present command. One portion of your letter directs him to move his whole force on Bowling Green road. I l)resumed that contingency of moving forces on the two roads was the division of forces by enemy. Am I right ~ DAXL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 186311.30 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, d~c.: Let the demonstration be 5u51)Cnded until further orders. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 186312.15 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK: The general desires to know if two of your bridgesone from Frank- lins and one from Reynoldscannot be taken up before night and moved without knowledge of enemy.* Very respectfully, & c.. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief af Staff. * Tnken up from ~edgwieks ero~sing. 8ec Butterfield to Gibbon, 9,30 p. in., p. 312 Page 308 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL CAMP NEAR F& LMOUTH, VA., April 30, 1863.* Major-General SEDGWICK: In reply to yours, this moment received, the general commanding has gone to Chancellorsville. Sickles (Third) corps was ordered to move to that point before he wrote your letter of instructions. From this I judge it was [not ~] to be a portion of your present command. I will send your letter to him by an orderly, with a copy of this reply, and may get telegraphic answer. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. APRiL 30, 18632.05 p. m. ~Jommanding Officer, Sixth Corps: General Reynolds telegraphs enemy formed column of attack; threatens his right, and advancing. General directs you to assume command, and make necessary preparations. Post batteries in posi- tion, and defend bridge-heads at all hazards. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, April 30, 18633 p.m. [Captain CUSIIING:] Receiyed message from Major-General Butterfield in regard to Gen- eral Reynolds being threatened. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General BENHAM, Commanding Engineer Brigade: The commanding general directs that you have one of the bridges at Franklins crossing and one of the bridges at Reynolds crossing I taken up to-night, and in position to be laid at Banks Ford before daylight to-morrow. The bridges to be laid with the utmost dispatch at Banks Ford the instant the enemy abandons his works there, which will be early to-morrow morning. The chief quartermaster will be furnished with a copy of this order, and will supply whatever teams are required. This movement must be concealed from the enemy, and nothing be done that will betray the movement before dark to-night. The com- manding general will hold you strictly responsible that this order is fully complied with. Very respectfully, & c., ~. W1LLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. (Copy furnished Major-Geuerals Sedgwick and Reynolds and chief quartermaster.) * Later than 12.30 p. m. See Butterfield to commanding officer Third Army Corps, 12.30 p. in., p. 314. I See Butterfield to Gibbon, same date, p. 312. 30 Page 309 Cuip. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, Major-General BUTTERFIELD, April 30, 1863. Chief of Staff: In the present state of the atmosphere, it cannot be done without being seen. If the fog deepens considerably, it will be l)racticable. If it is decided to remove them, cannot the Engineer Brigade be sent to do the work? JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General, Commanding. SIGNAL STATION. ipril 30, 1863. General SEDGWICK: I have moved two light 12-pounder batteries over the river, as the position of the bridges gives us a i-ange for them only. Have you any more troops over than Brooks division? REYNOLDS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, April 30, l863p. m. Major-General SEDGwICK: Large bodies of infantry are now moving up to our right, from across the Massaponax. Columns 3,000 to 5,000 strong. I think it must be troops from Richmond. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, April 30, 18633.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: General Reynolds sends word in regaid to movement of troops of the enemy on his front, as follows: I think it must be troops from Rich- inoiid. JOHN SEL)GWICK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 3(, 1863. General SEDGWICK: General Hooker hopes they are from Richmond, as the greater will be our success. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. APRIL 30, 18635 p. m. General SEDGWICK: My working parties have drawn the fire of the enemy, and enemy are now firing at our bridge. REYNOLDS Page 310 310 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. APRIL 30, 18635.30 p. In. General SEDGwICK: The movement of troops which I reported as threatening my position at the bridge seems to be what 1 have just mentioned in a note to you to mask their flank march in the hollow just beyond the Bowling Green road, in front of Brooks. It shortens their march very mnch. REYNOLDS. BALLOON IN THE VALLEY, April 30, 18636 p. m. General SEDGWICK: The woods directly opposite our bridge on the left full of rebel troops. The extensive camp still remains 6 miles directly south froni this point, and a small camp southwest from this point, about 7 miles distant, and I shonid think a small camp west of this position abont 6 miles. The troops remain in about the same position as yesterday. JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, April 30, 1863. General SEDGWWK commanding Left Wing: I have jnst explained what I thought threatened my bridge-heads. I do not know whether their troops are moving up to Fredericksburg, or were being massed to move down tile ravine between me and Brooks to-night. It is possible, if they were in there last night, as reported by my pickets, that they may contemplate a movement of this kind. 1)id Brooks pickets remain all night at the bnrnt honseBemansand had be any men in the ravine I Yours, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, iffajor- General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, [April 30, 1863.] Major-General BUTTERFiELD: General Reynolds is satisfied that the enemy have not weakened their force either in infantry or aftillery, and that a demonstration will bring on a general engaoement on the left. General Brooks thinks the infantry force iii his front is umlirninished and strong. He can see nothing of their batteries. JOHN SEDGWICK, Mqjor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARIEPS FIRST ARMY CORPS, Apri~ 30, 1863. General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: Please have Hunt telegraph ~f lie cumin sp~.re a 20-pounder Parrott battery. I would prefer it to the 3-inch ~emmt, as it will be opposed b Page 311 CHAP. XXXVIII COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 311 20-pounder Parrotts. The ammunition used in the 3-inch Parrotts is not good, or the gunners, 1 dont know which. Respectfully, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, April 30, 1863. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of 8taff: The enemy seems to be in heavy force in front of both Reynolds and Brooks, and to be forming for an attack. We are ready for them. JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major- General, d~c. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, April 30, 18638.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of & aff: I have directed the fonr regiments engaged in taking up the bridges to accompany pontoons until they meet detachment from Couchs cori~s. Please have that detachment sent promptly; I cannot afford to lose four regiments, and if these are compelled to go all the way to Banks Ford they will be wholly unserviceable to-morrow. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General, Commanding Left Wing. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, April 30, 18638.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of & aff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that Major-General Reynolds reports the casualties to-day in First Corps by the enemys shelling, as follows: First Divisioii, killed 1, wounded 4; Second Division, killed 4, wounded 12. Total, 5 killed and 16 wounded. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major- General, Commanding Left Wing. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April :~o, 1863. MajorGeneral SEDGWICK, Commanding, d~c.: GENERAL: The Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps are all up at Chancellorsville. Two divisions of Couchs probably now crossing. Sickles, as you are aware, is on his way there. Nothing that we can get at present indicates much force of the enemy in their front. The general as he left expressed great anxiety for prompt and frequent re- ports and information. I think it would favor operations if you were to make tremendous demonstrations of camp-fires to-night. Have you received the order to keel) your supplies replenished in knapsacks and haversacks Page 312 312 ~. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. rOHAP. XXXVIL The general, in speaking privately to me about the order in which the movements of the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps were commended, said he had been informed that there was some little feeling down on the left that they were not counted in. He said that would all come right. He expecte(l, when he left her& , if he met with no serious oppo- sition, to be on the heights west of Fredericksburg to-morrow noon or shortly after, and, if opl)osed strongly, to-morrow night. Meade has about 200 prisoners, I learn unofficially; Slocuin not heard from. Gib- bon will probably be ordered at sunrise to move to Banks Ford and cross to join his corps. Please consider this confidential, and written privately for your information. Communicate as much of it as you think proper, confidentially, to Reynolds. Very truly, yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. APRIL 30, 1863. [Major-General SEDGWICK :j Before General Sickles moves, General Hooker desires to know what and all information General Sedgwick has of the enemys forces and position. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)IvIsIoN, April 30, 18632.30 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff; The force in front of Falmouth seems to have been decreased. Nothing seen but some few sentinels, small supports in the trenches, and now and then a small detachment in the works on top of the farthest hills.~ Is there any news ~ JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Divssson. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 1863. (Received 3.50 p. in.) Brigadier-General GIBBON, Comn~anding Second Division, Second Corps: Fill up haversacks and knapsacks with eight (lays rations, as per order. Be ready to move at daylight to-morrow to join your corps. By order of General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major General and Chief of Staff. APRIL 30, 1863930 p. m. Brigadier-General GIBBON: Hold four regiments ready to relieve that number moving with two pontoon bridges from Sedgwicks crossing to Banks Ford. Let them go prepared to remain and cross there, or return as ordered. Answer, and wait further orders. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Sta Page 313 ChAP. XXXVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 313 APRIL 30, 1863. General GIBBON, Couchs flead quarters: You do not move without further orders. Do not withdraw your pickets until ordered. Keep a sharp watch for any movement of the enemy in vicinity of Fredericksburg or your front. Telegraph me and report by messengers to General Sedgwick. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. IIDQRs. FIRST ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 30, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, d~c.: GENERAL: The enemys formation, as near as I can see, is in the hollow between the Bowling Green road and the range of heights be~ fore occupied by his infantry, arid just opposite our bridges; his artil- lery in the same position occupied previously, only protected by epaule- ments, and, I think, more guns. Their position and formation threaten our bridge-heads. This is either bravado, in order to get up troops from Richmond, or they are really in force. They have never shown their troops in this way before. It may be that the artillery is simply horses arranged to look like teams. I cannot see the guns. Wagons have just been seen moving np on the other side of the Massaponax, and a train of passenger cars just gone down the road toward Bowling Green. It must have been np near the Massaponax. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding. SEDGWICKS CROSSING, April 30, 18632.20 p. m. Major:General HOOKER: I think that movements indicate that they are passing troops up to our right; that is, they are massing, and then moving the troops up the Valley beyond on the shortest line to Fredericksburg and above. The railroad seems to be busy today. Tafts battery, on our left, shelled them out of one part of the railroad, and they had to take a longer road to Fredericksbnrg. REYNOLDS, General. APRIL 30, 1863. General REYNOLDS: What did the locomotives draw? Could it be transportation trains? BUTTERFIELD, General. REYNOLDS SIGNAL STATION, April 30, 1863p. in. General BUTTERFIELD: The trains they ran were passenger and platform cars. REYNOLDS, Major-General Page 314 314 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, April 30, 18631.55 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Enemy have formed a column of attack which threatens my right. They are advancing. REYNOLDS, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, April 30, 1863. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: If General Hooker has not seen the positions of the lower bridges, and has time, I would like him to see them. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General Volunteers. APRIL 30, 186311 a. m. General REYNOLDS: I have the honor to report that nntil 6 p. m. yesterday there was a steady column of troops passing this point, going in the direction of Fredericksburg. The column extended across the range of hills south of this point. Ten batteries were counted. They were followed by a train of ambulances and wagons. The column passed through Smith. field, a small town opposite. LOUIS R. FORTESCUE, Lieutenant. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.; April 30, 186312.30 p. m. Commanding Officer, Third Corps: Upon the receipt of this order you will proceed with your corps, with- out delay, by the shortest road, concealed from view of the enemy, to the United States Ford. The batteries taken from your command, placed in position to cover the crossing, will be relieved, it is expected, in time to join you. It is desired that, in marching, your troops and your trains entire should be concealed from the sight of the enemy, that they may not be aware of your movement. Your pack-mnles, small. arm ammunition train, and two ambulances to a (livision to accompany you. Forage for animals for two days from to-day. The greatest promptness in executing this movement and arriving at your destina- tion is expected of you. As much of your corps as can cross on the bridge at United States Ford to cross to-night, and all to cross by 7 a. m. to-morrow. General Couch precedes you, and the batteries left by General Meade also. After crossing, you will take up your line of march toward Chan. cellorsville. Keep your troops in as good condition as possible while fully complying with your orders. Dont burden yourself with any transportation not absolutely needed. Every wagon is one too many in the way where they can be dispensed with. Send some one ahead to see your road clear, and use your pio- neers when necessary. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 315 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 315 HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS, April 30, 18631.15 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. W. WHIPPLE, Third Division: The troops will move immediately upon United States Ford by way of Boscobel, keeping concealed from the enemy as far as possible. Two ambulances will go with each division. Eight days rations in knapsacks and haversacks. INo incumbrance with officers baggage allowed. Trains will cross this side of United States Ford. Ammu- nition trains to be l)acked, ready to follow their respective divisions. Chief of artillery to pick up his batteries (detailed) as he moves on. Two days forage to be carried. By command of Major-General Sickles: 0. II. HART, Assistant Adjutant General. APRIL 30, 1863. Major-General HEINTzELMAN, Commanding, & c., Washington, D. C.: If General Stahel can extend his patrols to the vicinity of Rappan- nock Station, it will greatly facilitate operations here. Our cavalry force are all across the Rappahaunock with infantry, and there is no probability of anything very serious from the enemy interfering with the performance of this duty in this direction. If your operations and duties will permit it, the general would like to be advised that it can and will be done for two or three days. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. FORT MONROE, VA., April 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOsEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: We are invested at Suffolk hy a superior force, but are getting stronger every day. I returned from there last evening. If the enemy attacks, he will fare badly. A successful movement on your part, for which we are all most anxious, will be of great service to us by pre- venting Longstreet from being further re-enforced, and may compel him to withdraw. JOHN A. DIX, Major-General. APRIL 30, 186312.30 p. m. Major-General DIX, Port Monroe: The enemy has need of every man here. He has his hands full. Rely on this. I can say no more. JOSEPH HOOKER Major- General, Commanding Page 316 316 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SUFFOLK, Major-General HOOKER, April 30, 1863. Commanding Army of the Potomac: The enemy opened upon the Commodore Barney this afternoon with one Whitworth, one 30-pounder, and one 35-pounder Parrott. The Barney and Captain Morris battery, in Fort Stevens, silenced the bat. tery very handsomely. Heavy rain for two days and much mud. JOHN J. PECK, Major. General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS AR1~rv OF THE POTOMAC, No 48. Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 30, 1863. The frequent transmission of false intelligence and the betrayal of the movements of the army to the enemy, by the publication of injudi- cions correspondence of an anonymous character, makes it necessary to require all newspaper correspondents to publish their communication8 over their own signatures. In case of failure to comply with this order, through their own or their employers neglect, such correspondents will be excluded from, and the circulation of thejournals for which they correspond suppressed within, the lines of this army. Commanding officers and provost-marshals are directed to enforce this order, and will keep themselves informed of all the correspondents within the limits of their respective camps, and should any such disre- gard its requirements, will send them forthwith beyond the lines of this army. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. WINCHESTER, VA., Major-General SCHENCK, April 30, 1863. Baltimore: The following information received, through the instrumentality of Leopole, from a lieutenant and a private of prisoners brought in yester- day. The lieutenant says his name is John J. Wymer, second lieutenant Company U, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry: that there are two squadrons of cavalry in the Valley, under Major [Samuel B.] Myers, this side of Woodstock; that A. P. Hill is at Harrisonburg with one division of his corps, five brigades strong. Dont know where other divisions of his corps are; that Jones, with the greater part of his forces, has gone to tear up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and is to return and take Romiiey, aiid come from that place to Winchester by the time Hill reaches here; that Imboden has been re-enforced from Richmond with 4,000 men, and that it is the intention of the rebels to take and hold this Valley at all hazards. The private is of the same regiment, and says that on Friday last he was sent by Jones with a dispatch to A. P. Hill, at Harrisonburg; that when he left there Hills division had orders, to cook five days rations, for what purpose he did not know, but the general impression was th~it they were coming down to drive Milroy from Winchester. The lieutenant further stated that he lef Page 317 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPOISDENCE, ETCUNION. 317 his regiment at Petersburg Friday last with 6 men, to report to Hill, at Harrisonburg, and met the forces under Elliott, and was captured at Wardensville. B. H. MILIROY, Major- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 30, 1863. (Received 1.15 a. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I have directed General Kdlley to withdraw every man that can pos- sibly be spared from Harpers Ferry; to proceed on the railroad west- ward, leaving Maryland Heights guarded, and General Milroy to sustain himself at Winchester with less backing. The number 1 can furnish, however, from there cannot exceed two or three regiments, part of Kenlys having been sent two days ago. Nothing can come to Grafton from the west now, the communication with Wheeling being cut off. The bridge burned by Colonel Wilkinson was between Roberts, at Clarksburg, and Grafton. BOBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General. BALTIMORE, MD., April 30, 1863. Major-General MILROY, Commanding k~econd Division, Winchester, Va.: It looks as if it may be soon at Winchester a question of evacuation or of re-enforcement. General Halleck thinks it no place to fight for, but an outpost from which it were better to withdraw. I prefer to hold it, and to be re-enforced, if possible. To-morrow I will be able, I think, to telegraph you some decided orders. Kenlys brigade has gone from Harpers Ferry along the railroad westward, to take share in the fight there. I have sent 800 men from here to add to the garrison on Mary. land Heights. IROBT. C. SCHENUK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, MD., Aiiril 30, 1863. (Received 9.55 a. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: This is from General Kelley, at New Creek, this morning, 1.30 a. in.: Have ordered General Kenly to move with his two remaining infantry regiments. The One hundred and fifty-first New York and Miners (Indiana) battery will watch the New Creek Valley closely. It now looks to me like a grand combined movement of the enemy. If I withdraw Smith, I will blockade the Northwestern road with tim- ber for miles between North Branch and Stony River. Nothing from Grafton since my last. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. The whole of the troops at Harpers Ferry, on the Virginia side, are know gone westward with General Kenly, leaving only the garrison o Page 318 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Maryland Heights to replace the five regiments thus taken. I send to. day, from the forts here, the Fifth New York Artillery, numbering 600, but this includes and withdraws the company garrisoning Fort Dix, at the Relay House. It is the utmost I can possibly do. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major. General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. (IX, April 30, 1863. Major.General SCHENOK, Baltimore, Md.: If you want more troops in the west and at Harpers Ferry, why do you leave so large a force at Winchester ~l As I have often repeated to you, verbally and in writing, that is no place to fight a battle. It is merely an outpost which should not be exposed to an attack in force. H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief. BALTIMORE, MD., April 30, 18639 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Chief: The following dispatches just received from New Creek, 10 a. in., 30th: The following dispatch just received from Colonel Mulligan. His information de- rived from the rebel officer is undoubtedly substantially correct: My prompt movement on Monday to Greenland Gap prevented Jones reserves from following him. May I suggest you call the attention of the General-in-Chief to the probable fact of this being a grand combined movement to destroy the road effect- nally and recover Western Virginia. Harpers Ferry should be strengthened, if pos- sible? B. F. KELLEY. GRAFTON, VA., 4pril 30, 1863. General KELLEY: I defy all the rebels in Western Virginia. God and the right. JAS. A. MULLIGAN. GRAFTON, VA., April 30, 1863. General KELLEY: From a rebel officer, captured last night, I learn the enemys strength and plans. General Jones, whom we engaged yesterday, has a force of 3,000, composed of the Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh, and Twelfth Regiments of Virgiuia Cavalry, and three bat- talions of Maryland cavalry. The Maryland line of infantry and two sections of a battery are moving to their support. General Iruboden, with a force of 2,000, had arranged to unite with Jones at Philippi but our artillery on Sunday last prevented the connection. The plan was, that this force of 5,000 should destroy the towns and railroad, while a strong rebel force should engage the attention of Winchester and other points. The detachments I ordered to the support of Rowlesburg, under Col. James Quirk, returned at daylight~ Rowlesburg is safe. If the enemy pour upon us, I shall make you Vroud of your Fifth Brigade. JAS. A. MULLIGAN. EQBT. C. ~3CIIENCK. 31 Page 319 CHAP. XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 BALTIMORE, April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Greek, Va.: The following dispatch just received from General Roberts, at Clarks- burg: Where are General Kelley and forces? The advance of Jones forces are at Shinn- ston, 7 miles from this place. The advance of Imboden and Jackson are ii miles from here, on the Phulippi road. Put yourself in communication with Roberts. WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General. BALTIMORE, April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va: If you re-enforce Mulligan, then he can support Roberts. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major-General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Clarks burg, Va.: Kelley will endeavor to re-enforce Mulligan, who must support you. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. CINCINNATI, April 30, 1863. Capt. A B. Don, Wheeling: If General Lightburn is in command of the Virginia forces, you will act under his directions, so as to co-operate with his command in the defense of the country bordering the Ohio. General Lightbnrn tele- graphed yesterday that you had left for Parkersburg, and we are mm- certain whether his dispatch was later than youis. Keep these headquarters informed of your movements nuder General Lightburns direction, and of the condition of affairs. J.D. COX, Brigadier- General. APRIL 30, 1863. Captain GLASSFORD, Commanding Gunboat Belleau: SIR: General Burnside directs that, if you are in condition to do so, you take on board the detachment of infantry nnder Colonel Lacy, and proceed up the Ohio to Maysville, at which poitit you may stop and report by telegraph. This stop will be made in order that we may forward to you any dispatch we may receive from Cairo in response to mine of last evening. Should you be nptified to proceed after reaching Maysviile, you. will go on to Parlicrsbnrg, stopping at tho militar Page 320 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. posts at Catlettsburg, Ky., Gallipolis, Ohio, Point Pleasant, Va., to in- form the military officers of your presence on that part of the river. At Parkersburg you will communicate with the military commandant, and be guided in regard to proceeding farther by the apparent necessity of your presence there. From that point you can communicate with these headquarters by telegraph. If you proceed to Wheeling, you will re- port there to Governor Peirpoint, or, in his absence, to the adjutant- general of that State, General II. I. Samuels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. COX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CINCINNATI, April 30, 1863. Governor TOD, Columbus: - A new independent German regiment has been organized in this city for home use, and should it become at any time necessary they will serve at any point within the State. I do not think it advisable to move them, however, till we see some specific point on our border menaced. Have you anything new from Wheeling ~ J. D. COX, Brigadier-General. Abstract from tn-monthly return of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding, for April 30, 1863. Present for duty equipped* Present for duty. 0 ~ Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. -o H - -. -c 0 ~ H H H +~ H Command. 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 0 0 H u ,- ,~ . -c . -c . o - ~, H 0 H 0 H 0 ~ 0 H 0 H 0 H 2 ~ ~ .2 2 .2 2 .2 2 ~ ,~ H H H ,, ,~ ,, 3 .- H .~ ~ ~ 5 ~ d2 c ~ ~ r~i 0 ~ 0 F~ Z General ~nd staff - - 66 66 67 70 Provost-guard -. - - 167 2, 491 2, 658 3, 202 3, 757 117 1, 751 3 92 7 247 10 Engineer Brigade.. 33 774 807 950 2, 476 . Signal corps 29 154 183 202 209 Guards and order- 16 44 60 64 89 lies. Artillery Reserve.. 63 1, 547 1, 610 1,776 1,992 19 301 . 44 1,246 58 First Corps - - - - - -.. 1, 132 15, 998 17, 130 19, 595 26, 347 1, 054 14, 728 2 63 34 1, 027 52 Second Corps 1, 150 15, 686 16, 836 19, 051 26, 975 1, 194 14, 713 4 5 30 947 48 Third Corps - - 1 127 17, 859 18, 986 20, 795 27, 323 1, 077 16, 491 32 1, 121 54 Fifth Corps 938 14,982 15,920 18,292 24,342 878 13,989 27 830 42 Sixth Corps 1, 305 22, 425 23, 730 26, 496 32, 920 1, 245 21, 182 4 100 33 1, 183 54 Eleventh Corps - - -. 702 12, 837 13, 539 15, 412 19, 180 626 ii. 544 5 45 26 731 36 Twelfth Corps 770 12, 085 13, 455 14, 885 18, 910 751 12, 178 14 507 28 Cavalry Corpst - - -. 623 12, 778 13, 398 17, 193 22, (138 - -. 556 10, 523 11 451 22 . 8, 118 130, 260 138, 37$ 157, 990 206, 628 6, 961 106, 877 574 10, 828 258 8, 210 404 The instructions printed on the original return require that under this beading should be given only those who are actually available for the line of battle at tho date of the regimental repGrt. tAccording to return for April 10, the latest received. 32 Page 321 CHAP. XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Abstract from retnrns of the Department of Washington, Maj. Gen. Samuel P. Ileintzel- man, U. S. Army, commanding, for April 30, 13. Present for -~ -~ Pieces of a a duty. ~ ~. artillery. a a ___ 2 Command. a a be bL~ a an a . ~.a a be ac a a bb be a ~ 4 General headquarters 15 47 67 69 District of Alexandria* 184 2, 929 5, 673 7, 261 Caseys division t Rrovisional brigades 7 12 19 20 Abercrombies division 353 6, 693 8, 019 9, 404 24 Stahels cavalry division 237 3, 736 6, 364 7, 699 6 Defenses South of the Potomac 259 5, 147 6, 409 7, 749 298 68 Pennsylvania Reserves, First Brigade. 76 1, 458 1, 718 2, 170 District of Washington 249 4, 545 5, 593 7, 316 140 89 Artillery Camp of Instruction 29 597 707 783 - 28 ])efenses North of the Potomac 228 5, 375 6, 612 7, 510 316 162 Corps of Observation (near Poolesville, Md) 93 3, 759 2, 010 2, 308 .. 6 ~ilroad Brigade (Annapolis Junction).. - 35 746 889 905 Fort Washington, Md 5 lii 143 150 70 3 Total II 1, 770 33, 155 44, 223 53, 344 524 386 Abstract frosn consolidated morning report of Middle Department, Eighth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck, U. S. Army, commanding, for April 30, 1863; headquarters, Baltimore, Md. Present for a duty. +1 a ~ a a ~ a e ~ ~ ~a a Command. a a an a be tea be a na a a . ~. ~ Q a be be be 9 a be be be .~ 0 4 -,~ 4 p~ Department staff ... 23 . 23 23 36 First Division 559 12, 223 14, 977 16, 696 16, 707 63 Second Division 231 4, 747 5, 764 11, 270 11, 221 12 Third Division 187 4, 033 5, 045 5, 908 5, 865 14 First Separate Brigade 124 2, 224 2, 561 2, 813 2, 092 Second Separate Brigade 104 2, 251 2, 866 3, 309 3, 308 Third Separate Brigade 172 2, 940 3, 721 4, 091 4, 102 Fonrth Separate Brigade 133 2, 475 2, 975 3, 317 3, 317 4 Post of Annapolis 24 349 385 647 645 Post of Philadelphia 10 155 226 316 313 Fort Delaware 19 466 718 755 749 73 First Regiment Connecticut Cavalry 8 74 246 350 350 Total 1 594 31,937 39, 507 49, 515 48, 705 166 * Including the Second Brigade Pennsylvania Reserves and Camps Convalescent and Distribution. Aggregate present and absent, 5,938; trausferred to Abererombie, April 17. ~ Formerly Caseys division. The division commanded by Abereroinbie, March 31, was ordered, April 14, with exception of the Ninth Massachusetts and Seventeenth New York Batteries, to Norfolk, Va. The regiments thus transferred were the Twenty- second Connecticut, Fortieth Massachusetts, One hundred and twenty-seventh, One hundred and forty-first, One hundred and forty-second, One hundred and forty-third, and One hundred and forty-fourth New York, arid Eleventh Rhode Island. ~S Including Third Brigade Pennsylvania Reserves. The pieces of artillery reported were in store at Washington Arsenal. II The Twenty-sixth Michigan, Tenth New Jersey, One hundred and seventeenth, One hundred and eighteenth, One hundred and fifty-second, and One hundred and fifty- ninth New York Regiments, and the First Delaware, and Sixteenth and Nineteenth New York Batteries, transferred to Norfolk, Va., April 1821. 21 R RVOL XXV, PT II 32 Page 322 322 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL Abstract from con8olidated morning report of Middle Department, 4~-c.Continued. Present for duty equipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Command. ~ a 0 0 0 ~ Departmental staff First Division 427 9,090 I 67 1,637 63 1,806 Second Division 175 3, 936 38 806 8 126 Third Division . 141 3, 099 36 723 6 211 First Separate Brigade 93 1, 739 25 532 Second Separate Brigade 41 954 70 1, 560 Third Separate Brigade 174 2, 888 Fourth Separate Brigade 91 1, 676 7 ---- i92 32 607 Post of Annapolis 23 309 1 40 Post of Philadelphia . 9 142 1 13 Fort Delaware 3 66 18 514 First Regiment Connectient Cavalry 8 74 Total 1, 177 23, 899 183 4, 017 197 4, 824 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 18635.30 a. Hi. General HOOKER, Chancellorsville, via United States Ford: From deserter, just in, learn that Jacksons whole corps is oj)posite Franklins crossing. Camp rumor that Longstreet had gone to Cul- peper; that Lee had said it was the oiiiy time he should fight equal numbers; that we had about 80,000. Some of Trimbles division told him they had to march to Culpeper to-morrow. They all knew that we had crossed 40,000 men above. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. CIIANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 18637 a. m. (Received 11.30 a. in.) Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: Hurry over the provost-marshal-general and his cavalry. Major. General Sedgwick was directed to throw his whole force on the Bowling Green road and no other. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 1, 18638.30 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Your dispatch, dated May 1, without hour, relating to Sedgwick and Bowling Green road, the bridges, Patricks and Gibbons movements, received. Your dispatch is dated May 1, and says Patrick and Gibbon are to cross to-niorrow, which would be May 2. Is this right ~? I send 4 signal officers, mounted and for duty, to Captain Fisher, who is chief of the signal force on the right. Can send 1 more, if wanted. 1 have endeavored to send this dispatch by telegraph, but the line works very badly, and I send by orderly. I hope to have the new line constructe Page 323 CRAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. 323 by night and in working order, with a party to work across from Banks Ford the moment the bridge is laid. Please leave directions there where they will carry the telegraph to on the other side. Nothing new. The deserters, whose statement I sent you, is all the intelligence we have. So foggy, balloons can see nothing. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 186310.25 a. m. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: The following dispatch of a column of infantry and artillery wagons in motion toward our right just received: A column of enemys infantry, artillery, and wagons, extending whole length of ridge and south of Tylers battery. Head of column out of sight, moving from direc- tion of railroad station toward our right. The force is apparently heavy. The stone wall under Maryes Heights is not occupied this morning. There is also reduction of force in railroad cut and trenches from the city to a mile south of it. The trench in rear of Howisons is evacuated between that house and Hazel Run. P. A. TAYLOR. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 1, 1863. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Taylor reports (10.10 a. in.): Wagon-train moving up toward our right on road in rear of Dahirnans and Morri- sons houses. The column reported moving toward our right, south of Tylers bat- tery, is still passing. There appears to be much artillery, many pieces with 8 horses. The hour of last dispatch should have been 8.45 oclock instead of 8 oclock. My watch had stopped. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. F SIGNAL STATION, May 1, 186311 a. in. General BUTTERFLELD, Chief of Staff: The enemys direction is northwest. Infantry moving to right, on road in rear of iDahlman and Guests houses, we believe to be the column reported from direction of railroad station. Think they strike the Orange Plank road to the right of Morrisons house. It is very hazy. We can only see the glittering of bayonets and wagon tops through the opening in hill in front of Tylers battery. Destination seems to be toward Chancellorsville, as they strike the Plank road on which the village is situated. HALL. CIRCULAR.] CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 1, 18639.30 a. m. Corps commanders will hold their corps in hand, and wherever their cOlflman(15 may find themselves night or day they will keep pickets well thrown out on all the approaches to their positions. The safety cf this army depends upon this being rigidly executed, They wil Page 324 324 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. direct their quartermasters to remain with their trains, all except their ambulance traitis and pack trains of ammunition, which will follow the troops to which they belong. Neither officers nor men must leave their commands unless required to do so on duty. All wagons now over will be brought forward as far as Chancellors- yule, and will be parked off the road between the Plank road and the river. No more wagons will be allowed to cross the United States Ford. By command of Major-General Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide.de-Can~p. CIRCULAR.] UJiANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 186311 a. m. The Fifth Corps, including three batteries, will be thrown on to the River road by most direct route, the head of it advanced to near mid- way between Motts and Cohn Runs, the movemeut to be masked by small parties thrown out in advance, and to be completed at 2 oclock. The Twelfth Corps, including its batteries, will be massed below the Plank road, the head of it resting near Tabernacle Church, and masked from the view of the enemy by small advanced parties, and the move- ment to be completed at 12 oclock, to enable the Eleventh Corps to take its position. The Eleventh Corps, with its batteries, will be masked on the Plank road, about 1 mile in rear of the Twelfth. This movement to be com- pleted at 2 oclock. One division of the Second Corps, with one battery, will take a posi- non at Todds Tavern, and will throw out strong detachments oii the approaches in the direction of the enemy. The other division and batteries of the corps will be massed out of the road near Chanceilorsville, these dispositions to be made at once. The Third Corps will be massed as fast as it arrives about 1 mile from Chancellorsville, on the United States Ford road, excepting one brigade, with a battery, which will take position at Dowdalls Tavern. General Pleasonton will hold his command, excepting those other- wise engaged, at Chancellorsville. After the movement commences, headquarters will be at Tabernacle Church. By command of Major-General Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide de-Camp. BALLOON IN AIR, NEAR HEADQUARTERS, May 1, 1863Noon. General HOOKER: GENERAL: I can see no earthworks on Bowling Green road. Should judge the guns had been taken from earthworks to right of Fredericks- burg. Another train; wagons moving to right, on road about 1 mile from beyond heights, opposite Franklins erossing. Enemys barracks opposite Banks Ford are deserted. Largest column of enemy is mov- ing on road toward Chancellorsville. The enemy ou opposite heights, I judge, considerably diminished. Can see no change under the heights and rifle-pits. No diminution in the enemys tents. T. S. C. LOWE Page 325 CHAP. XXXYII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 325 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 1863. Capt. JAi~ms S. HALL: SIR: Have you signal communication with General Sedgwick? If so, keep him advised of all you see. Answer. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 1, 186312.05 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: We have communication with General Sedgwick. The column re- ported this morning moving toward Chancellorsville was about two corps. The rear column passed a given point at 11.30 a. m. From ap- pearances, a portion of the column diverged to the left before reaching the Orange Plank road. Firing is now distinctly heard in the direction of Chancellorsville; quite rapid. [HALL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 1863. Captain HALL, Signal Officer: The general desires to know how long it is since you have seen a col- umn of the enemy passing toward our right, and how many regiments; whether artillery and cavalry was with them. Also about how long it took them to pass. PAUL A. OLIVER, Lieutenant and Aide-de- Camp. MAY 1, 186312.30 p. m. [Lieutenant OLIVER:] The column was first discovered 8.30 a. in.; last seen 11.30 a. in. About two corps, accompanied by artillery. Firing going on in the direction of Chancellorsville. Dense black smoke seen in the directi6n of our supposed advance. [HALL.] HEADQUARTERS, May 1, 186312.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Chancellorsville: Patrick ordered from Banks to United States Ford, and cavalry or- dered there from Hartwood. Balloon and signal reports to this moment all sent you. The enemy will meet you between Cliancellorsville and Hamiltons Crossing. He eannot, I judge, from all reports, have de- tached over 10,000 or 15,000 men from Sedgwicks front since sun cleared fog. Ingalls. just leaving, has your compass. I will have telegraph to Banks Ford shortly. Shall I keep party waiting there to cross, or build line from United States Ford to Chancellorsville? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General Page 326 326 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS, May 1, 186312.30. General HOOKER: The column of enemys troops has been seen passing Captain Hamil- tons house by a new road on the ridge, through Temples, to the Plank road, near Bowens, since the sun cleared up the fog. Not so many troops passing now as trains visible. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 1, 18631 p. m. W. W. WRIGHT, Railroad Sieperintendent, Aquia: Be prepared to lay the bridge over the Rappahannock on short notice. RUFUS iMIALLS, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS, May 1, 18631.45 p. m. General HOOKER: Balloons both working. Dispatches been sent you by telegraph and courier. Telegraph been out of order; working correct now. Your dispatch of 12 m. just received. Those of 7 a. in. received about 11.30 oclock. Ingalls has left. He had sent officers to 1)0th places before. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 18632 oclock. [General BUTTERFIELD:] From character of information have suspended attack. The enemy may attack meI will try it. Tell Sedgwick to keep a sharp lookout, and attack if can succeed. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1,18634 p. m. Major.General HOOKER: Your dispatch received. Copy announcing susl)ension of your attack sent Sedgwick. He and Reynolds remain quiet. They coIlsi(ler that to attack before you have accomplished some success, in view of the strong position and numbers in their front, might fail to dislodge the enemy and render them unserviceable at the proper time. They are anxious to hear from you. Six guns Horse Artillery sent to Bamiks Ford this a. in., as directed. The balance of Grahams just ordered there. The enemy are sending nothing from here now to their left. I allow nothing to go to Washington and say nothing myself. Is that 0. K.. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Page 327 CUA1~. ~xxVIL) ~DORRESPONDENCE, FTC. UNION. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 18632.05 p. m~ Major-General HOoKER: I have two deserters just from Hays brigade, Earlys division. They report A. P. Hill left here this morning to move up to our right. Hoods division arrived yesterday from Richmond. The deserter was from New York State originally; an intelligent man. He said he knew it was Hoods division, for he asked the troops as they passed along. He reports D. H. Hill, Early, and Triinble in front of Sedgwick. Ander~ son, McLaws, A. P. Hill, and Hood would, therefore, be in your front. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 18632.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Chancellorsville, Va.: The column seen passing here was first discovered at 8.30 oclock, an(1 ceased to pass at 11.30. The signal man thinks two corps. From al)pearances, portion of the column diverged to the left before reaching the Orange Plank road. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. MAY 1,18632.45 p. m. General HOOKER: All passage of troops from enemys right to his left ceased about 11.30 oclock. Nothing apparently going now except small detachments. Gibbons picket line on right reports withdrawal of enemys pickets and vedettes out of sight of river. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. UNITED STATES FORD, May 1, 18632.25 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: General Hooker directs that you send Grahams Horse Artillery, all ot it, twenty-two guns, to report to me at Banks Ford; also two bat- teries Napoleons, or, if there are none, two other field batteries, 3-inch, if General Sedgwick can spare them. The latter can be replaced by Harts and Kusserows batteries, now with Colonel Warner on Sedg. wicks extreme left. They can be replaced by Bluchers 20-pounders, now at the camp of the Artillery Reserve. Please acknowledge to me here, with substance of this, that I may be sure all is right. HENRY J. HUNT, [Brigadier. General.] UNITED STATES FORD, May 1,18633.02 p. m. t~eneral BUTTERFIELD: Have not yet received your answei~ line down. I go to ~ Ford. Will await Graham there. General Hooker requires me to hold that 32 Page 328 328 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. tCHAP. XXXVII. ford against the enemys attempt to cross. I shall expect the batteries there. I will be at the white house. Will you direct the quartermaster to send a mule load of forage, at least, for the horses of myself, staff; servants, and orderlies? Answer me at Banks Ford. HENRY J. HUNT. CIRCULAR.] CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1,18634.20 p. m. Commanders of the Second, Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps will at once have their commands established on the lines assigned them last night, and have them put iu condition of (lefense without a moments delay. The major.general commanding trusts that a suspension in the attack to-day will embolden the enemy to attack him. All the trains belonging to the commands will be withdrawu within the lines and parked iu the rear. By command of Major.U-eneral Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-(Jamp. CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 1, 1863. Major-Genera] BUTTERFIELD: After having ordered an attack at 2 oclock, and most of the troops in position, I suspended the attack on the receipt of news from the other side of the river. Hope the enemy will be emboldened to attack me. I did feel certain of success. If his communications are cut, he must attack me. I have a strong position. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. P. S.AII the enemy~s cavalry are on my flanks, which leads me to suppose that our dragoons will meet with no obstacle in cutting their communications. CIRCULAR.] CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 18636 p. m. Corps commanders will set their pioneers at work in their fronts to make abatis and clearing for artillery. The pioneers will be kept at work during the night. By command of Major-General Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de4llamp. SIGNAL STATION AT FITZHUGII HOUSE, May 1, 18635.30 p. m. Captain CUSHING: I can see no infantry opposite this place. Two camps that were in the woods with their parks of wagoHs have been removed during the day. The enemy have thrown up an earthwork on a knoll about half a mil Page 329 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 329 back of the mouth of the Massaponax, directly opposite this place; they have apparently two batteries mounted there. A long line of wagons has just passed, going up the river. LOUJS R. FORTESCUE, Acting Signat Officer. [Indorsement.] Reply forwarded to General Sedgwick, commanding left wing. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Captain and signal Officer HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 1863. (Received 5.40 p. in.) Col. P. H. RuCKER, Quartermaster: I leave now to join our army on the south side. Be prepared for trans- portation of forage and subsistence in light-draught vessels, if required. Notify Ferguson and Stoddard. I will advise you of events. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 18637 p. m. General HOOKER: Order for Sedgwick received at 5.45 oclock. His troops are now ad. vancing, at 6.45 oclock. Order in regard to Averell received. Will be attended to. Sharpes man from Richmond has returned. Reports 59,000 rations issued to Lees army. Eight thousand or 10,000 troops the whole abont Richmond. The dispatch will be sent in full in a few minutes. Am I not to join you in time for the fight? ilaupt is ready to spring with the bridge. Sedgwick has eight days rations in haver. sacks and knapsacks. Twelve regiments of enemys infantry, sixty- eight wagons and ambulances, and one squadron of cavalry, passed along toward Richmond on the Telegraph road, the rear passing at 5.30 oclock. They were moving rapidly. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General. MAY 1, 18637.20 p. m. Major.General HOOKER: Sharpes Richmond man returned. Following report received: Our friend just returned. The works around Richmond are most formidable at Meadow Bridge and Mechaniesyille road. They are intended for field artillery. No guns in position. Fifty-nine thousand rations issued to Lees army, exclusive of cav- alry. Not able to learn their number. Rumor put it down from 8,000 to 12,000 troops. At Richmond are the City Battalion and some artillery. Two thousand seven hun- dred rations issued to the troops in Richmond in active service. General Wise has 5,000 on the Peninsula. Longstreet has three divisions at Suffolk. When they left Lee, they were each 8,000 strong. Their effective force, all told, not over 15,000 men. D. H. Hill is ordered from Washington, N. C., to re-enforce Longstreets corps. He may, however, take Longstreets place at Suffolk, and Lee may be-enforced by Long- street. Imboden has 2,500 men at Staunton. If not sent to Jones, may go to Lee. No other re-enforcements can he brought to Lee in any reasonable time. Jones has 4,500 men in Western Virginia. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & aff Page 330 330 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. 4CHAP. XXXVTh MAY 1 18637.20 p. m. General HooKEt~: GENERAL: Six guns are up here; ten more will come, certain, and more if General Sedgwick can send them. I have carefully examined the passes, and it is not practicable to prevent the passage of troops, if a serious attempt is made, without infantry, at least a very strong division. General Benham has but (300 men. HEMIY J. HUNT, [Brigadier. General, Chief of Artillery.] CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 1. 18638.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Direct that the utmost vigilance be exercised by the commands of Generals Sedgwick and Gibbon to learn the earliest movements of the enemy on the opposite side of the river, and take all possible measures to prevent them. Direct General Gibbon to send one brigade of his division to Banks Ford, and have a suitable officer sent there to see that they are properly posted to prevent crossing. General Hunt has already received orders to put guns in position to prevent the enemys crossing. If the absence of one brigade should weaken General Gibbon too much7 which I hope will not be the case, he must call on General Sedgwick for assistance. Telegraph all the information that you have, concerning the re-enforcement of the enemy from Richmond, to Wash. ington, as it may have an important bearing on movements elsewhere. Say that all of the enemys cavalry are in my immediate presence, which I trust will enable Stoneman to do a land-office business in the interior. I think the enemy in his desperation will be compelled to attack me on my own ground. Observe all his movements and inform me of them. In half an hour more 1 should probably have been engaged. I am all right. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., i$fay 1, 1863. (Received 8.45 p. in.) Major-General BUTTERFIELD: You are mistaken in supposing I made an attack. The attack was ordered at 2 p. in., and at 1.30 the troops were moving into position, and attacked while moving. I dont know what you mean by talking of going to Washington. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. [Indorsement.] Copy for information of General Sedgwick. Nothing had been said to General Hooker of anybody or anything going to Washington except telegrams. The dispatches have evi- dently been mutilated or misintei~preted. DANL. B (TTTERFIELD Page 331 cHAr. XXXVILJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 331 MAY 1, 18638.45 p.m. General HOoKER, Ghancellorsville: Dispatches just received8.45 oclock. Infantry will be ordered to Banks Ford at once. I spoke of sending word to Washington; nobody thinks of going. Have telegraphed Peck of Hoods and Picketts presence. Will telegraph Washington. My dispatches do not seem to have been understood. The utmost vigilance has been ordered from the start. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 18638.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: The telegram for Sedgwicks d~emonstration reached him too late. Order it in immediately. JOSEPH HOOKER. [Indorsement.] Copy for information of General Sedgwick. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. CAMP NEAR FALMOTJTH, VA., May 1, 186310 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: I have just received the following dispatch from Benham: BANKS FORD, VA., May 1, 1863. General BUTTERFIELD: My reflection upon the information just brought by General Hunt, considering the alarm or watchfulness of the forces this p. in., leads me to the belief that they rather fear an attack from us, but my belief is that I can dispose my 600 men very effectively at the mouth of tbree ravines to resist them, but if we have a full division from any of the troops near here, I should feel we can defy them fully. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier-General. There are now twenty-twoguns of the Horse Artillery at Banks Ford and a brigade of infantry ordered there. There will be in the neigh- borhood of thirty-four guns in all in the morning. I have no data on which to base any reason or supposition of an attack on ~ Ford. Benham says if he had a full division from any troops, he should feel that he coald defy them. If he could not defy them from the river with thirty-two pieces of artillery and a brigade of infantry, he ought to be pitched into the river himself. I have never been there, but it cant be possible but this would hold it. It may be that he has an idea that he is to be attacked there. I have sent Colonel Platt there to-night, and a brigade of Gibbons is ordered there. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 332 332 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 186310.05 p. m. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: General Hooker directs me to telegraph all information I receive concerning th~ re-enforcements of the enemy from Richmond, as it may have an important bearing on movements elsewhere, and to say that all the cavalry are in his immediate presence. Our information is as follows: Two deserters from a Louisiana regiment of Earlys division, who came in this morningborn in New York State, but for some time residents of the Southreport that while detached to the rear of their lines yesterday, near Hamiltons Crossing, to bake provisions for their company, they saw Hoods division pass by along the line; that they talked to the troops and asked them where they belonged. The char- acter of these men and the nature of the information they gave as to the position of the enemy in front of the left wing of the army causes me to rely upon their statements. Colonel Sharpe, deputy provost- marshal-general, advises me that deserters from Earlys division had heard their captain say on Wednesday that 1-lood and Pickett would be here in time for the fight. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of AS~taff. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., May 1, 186310.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: I have received several dispatches from you dated 8.45 p. in.; one directing the utmost vigilance of Sedgwick and Gibbon to learn the earliest movements of the enemy; Gibbon to send a brigade to Banks Ford; suitable force sent and properly posted to prevent any crossing; orders to telegraph all information to Washington concerning re-enforce- ments of the enemy from Richmond; one in which you say you do not know what I mean by talking of going to Washington. The character of these dispatches received leaves no doubt in my mind that my dis- patches to you have either been mutilated or tampered with. I have, therefore, caused a literal copy of every dispatch which I have sent you to be made and forwarded herewith by special messenger. I have sent you, to my recollection, no information of any demonstration of the enemy toward Banks Ford. I have no.information with regard to the arrival of Picketts division from the south, except in the memoranda from Colonel Sharpe, which I inclose.* With regard to Hoods division, Reynolds and Sedgwick had the impression yesterday that the enemy were re-enforced from Richmond. Two deserters came in to-day, one of them quite an intelligent man. From a long and careful examination of him, I became satisfied that a portion, at least, of Hoods division had arrived from Richmond, I make a r6sume of the movements of the enemy in front of Sedgwick as impressed upon my mind by the char- acter of all the information received to-day, viz: That Hoods divis- ion, or such portion of it as arrived, moved up in front of you toward Chancellorsville; that A. P. Hills division was relieved last night by Early~s division, and moved oft to your front. Their movements were * Not found Page 333 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 333 visible from 8.30 to 11.30 oclock by our signal officers and balloons. After 11.30 oclock no movements from the enemy~s right to his left, that is, from Sedgwicks front to yours, has been visible -at all during the day, except trifling detachments. Orders have been i55ue(l for patrols on the telegraph lines, with directions to put to (leath instantly any person found tampering or interfering with them at all. Five miles of telegraph wire is at Banks Ford, with instruments, ready to cross there, and were ordered there on the supposition that Banks Ford would be uncovered by the operations of to-day. Can be changed to United States Ford if you so direct. The report of the effect of demonstration of Sedgwick is, the enemy got under arms. Reynolds adds (to General Sedgwick), from what he had told General Sedgwick, lie would understand that Reynolds could not move without bringing on an engagement. The artillery, as requested by General Hunt, has all been sent to Banks Ford. General Patrick has been during the day at United States Ford, with 100 cavalry. Sent about 40, under Colonel Cram, to yourself; to keep communication open. He reports that the telegraph wire was broken by the carelessness of tl.,e artillery. I have sent Col- onel Platt to Banks Ford to assist in posting troops there. A brigade of General Gibbon, as directed in your orders, has been directed to pro- ceed there. Private dispatch from General Wadsworth reports the troops in good spirits and position a strong one. The only thing I have tried to say about Washington in my dis- patches to you is that I have reported nothing to the President, Secre- tary, General Halleck, or any one else; that I have not allowed any dispatches to go to give any one information of what is occurring. I desired to know if this met your approval. I did not feel authorized myself to make any statements without your approval. I send herewith, in addition to the copies of my own dispatches, copies of information and dispatches received from other sources, that have not been sent up by special messengers before. I directed General Benham, as will be seen by copy of my dispatch to you, to forward you all important information from Banks Ford by conriers, and hereafter not to trouble you with unnecessary details. I directed the signal officer to send you from there promptly all the re- ports from the balloon. The de]ay in yonr getting balloon reports or reports of the movements of the enemy this morning was for two rea- sonsfirst, nothing conld have been discovered until about 9 oclock, owing to the fog; second, the telegraph had been interfered with and has not been in working order. I send this by special messenger, directed to wait for your reply, and return before morning with any directions for operations to-morrow. Inclosed is Richmond paper of yesterday. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. MAY 1, 1863. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Deserters just received from Earlys division, Hays brigade, Jack- sons corps. Their division relieved A. P. Hill, who marched up to our right. You have, I should judge from th~iir statements, one less divi Page 334 334 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. ion to-day than yesterday in your front when they left. The table of regiments, & c., given you is confirmed by all statements yet received. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 102. Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863. I. Division commanders will at once get their commands under arms, prepared to move. Division commanders will report as soon as possi- ble in persou to the major-general commanding at the Chancellor house. II. By direction of the commanding general, the troops of this corps will immediately move and assume the position indicated upon the ac- companying sketch,* and to which General Griffin will be directed by Lieutenant-Colonel Webb, and General Sykes by Captain i~Iason. Gen- eral lluinphreys will alter his position after General Griffin has assumed his, Colonel Webb indicating to him on the sketch the new l)OsitiOn he is to occupy. Each division commander will take every precaution to conceal this movement from the enemy, by having out their pickets and strong guards till near daylight, and calling them in at that time. They will also be careful to communicate with the commanding officers upon their right and left when they are about to move. Each division commander will take his artillery with him, and post it wherever prac- ticable, and will make all practicable obstruction to the proposed ad- vance of the enemy. By command of Maj. Gen. George G. Meade: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 18634.45 p. m. Major-General SLOCUM: Let the right of your line fall back and rest at the saw-mill on Hunt- ing iRun, or in that direction, and have everything passed to the rear of it. By command of Major-General Hooker: WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. (Copy furnished Major-General Howard.) HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, May 1, 18633 a. m. Brigadier.General HUNT, Chief of Artillery: General Reynolds wants a 20-pounder battery in place of the 3-inch battery sent him last night. Can you spare him one? He is opposed by 20-pounder guns. He reports the ammunition used in his 3-inch guns not good. JOHN SEJ)GWJCK, Major-General, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac. * Not found Page 335 CHAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 335 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, illay 1, 18636.35 a. m. Generals JOHN SEDGWICK and JOHN F. REYNOLDS: The commanding general is very anxious to have frequent and full information of any movements of the enemy in your front. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. READQUARTERS LEFT WING, hay 1, 18636.50 a. m. [Captain CUSHING:] Received dispatch from General Williams in regard to movements of enemy. JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major- General. SEDGWICKS CROSSING, ]Jfay 1, 18637.15 a. m. Captain CUSHING: General Sedgwick wishes to have this line extended to General Rey- nolds. We have no lances; send another instrument. WILSON, Lieutenant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 1863. Lieutenant WILSON: Extend to General Reynolds, as requested. Fifteen miles of wire came from Washington this morning. General Sedgwick will give you a de- tail to cut lances from the trees. I will send you some wire as soon as possible. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, May 1, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding, & c.: My movement is now going on. It has been delayed by the enemy sinking one of the pontoons. General Wadsworth is conducting the movement. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General, ~Jommanding. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, May 1, 18637.45 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Will you please send three or four pontoon boats and a few balks and chesses to General Reynolds at his bridges I One of his boats was struck by a shot yesterday. Please send as early as possible. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General Page 336 336 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL HEADQUARTERS FIRST Coups, May 1, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: The enemy appear to remain in their position, and, as far as we can learn, have not changed. I sent a deserter to General Butterfield direct last night, or rather this morning, who can give very valuable informa- tion in relation to the forces opposite h~re and above Fredericksburg. The fog is so thick that we can do little but be ready to meet an attack, which are the orders I have given. Respectfully, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General. [P. S.]Our scouts sent out toward the enemys picket line reported a movement to my left, but it was not very reliable; thought to be their picket relief moving. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ]llay 1, 18638.35 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: General Reynolds reports enemy in same position in his front, as far as he can learn. Fog so thick nothing can be done except to be ready to meet an attack. Scouts report a movement to our left, but this is not very reliable; supposed to be picket relief merely. General Brooks reports nothing new in his front. No diminution nor change in the enemys picket line. The balloon has not gone up on account of the fog. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General, Commanding Left Wing. MAY 1, 18639 a. in. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: There are no pontoons at engineer camp. Have sent Colonel Platt to look after the matter~ When he gets to you, tell him twenty are reported by telegraph at Aquia. DANL. BUTTERFIELD~ Major- General, Chief. of Staff. BALLOON IN THE AIR, May 1, 18639.15 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK: GENERAL: Heavy columns of the enemys infantry and artillery are now moving up the river, accompanied by many army wagons, the fore- most column being about opposite Falmouth and 3 miles from the river. There is also a heavy reserve on the heights cpposite the upper crossing, and all the rifle-pits are well filled. Yery respectfully, & c., T. ~. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac Page 337 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 337 HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, May 1, 18639.20 a, m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: The oniy movement of the enemy visible since the fog lifted is the moving up of artillery on a ridge in my front, apparently toward the Telegraph road. Five batteries up to this time have been seen moving upon this road, and are still passing. In our immediate front the enemy are quiet. They have now guns in position to fire at our bridge, and par- tially enfilading our lines, but we are pretty well protected, and if they open their guns I think we can silence or take them. Of the batteries reported above, three had 8 horses. Some infantry were seen moving with them. The deserter who came last night reported they had a very large number of guns. The road on which this movement is taking place is, I think, the road leading from Hamiltons house out to the Telegraph road. Respectfully, & c., JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, May 1, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: GENERAL: I think the proper view to take of affairs is this: If they have not detached more than A. P. Hills division from our front, they have been keeping np appearances, showing weakness, with a view of delaying Hooker, in tempting ns to make an attack on their fortified position, and hoping to destroy us and strike for our depot over our bridges. We ought, therefore, in my judgment, to know something of what has transpired on the right. iDo you not think this the correct view? Let me know, if you please, what you think of it. Very respectfull5, & c., JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major-General Volunteers, Commanding. BALLOON IN THE AIR, May 1, 186310 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: A column of the enemy is now crossing a small run that empties into the Rappahannock at Banks rord. One of the columns that left from opposite here required thirty minutes to pass a given point. The balloon at Banks Ford is continually up. Long trains of wagons are still moving to the right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ T. S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aerontuts, Army of the Potomac. 22 R R-~-YQL XXY~ PT I Page 338 338 N. VA., W VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL BALLOON IN THE AIR, May 1, 186311 a m. Major.General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I can see no earthworks on the Bowling Green road. Should judge that the guns had been taken from the eartliworks to the right of Fredericksburg. Another train of wagons is moving to the right, on a road about 1 mile from beyond the heights opposite Franklins crossing. The enemys barracks, opposite Banks Ford, are entirely deserted. The largest column of the enemy is moving on the road toward Chan- cellorsville. The enemy on the opposite heights, I judge, considerably diminished. Can see no change under the heights and iu the rifle-pits. I can see no diminution in the enemys tents. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. CHANCELLORSYILLE, May 1, 186311.30 a. m0 General BUTTERFIELD: Direct Major-General Sedgwick to threaten an attack in full force at 1 oclock and to continue in that attitnde until further orders. Let the demonstration be as severe as can be, but not an attack. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. (Telegraphed to General Sedgwick, 5.05 p. in.) MAY 1, 18634.55 p. in.; sent 5.20 p. m. Major.General HOOKER: Dispatch ordering demonstration at 1 oclock just received, 4.55 p. m. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, May 1, 186312 m, Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: General Reynolds says: Telegrapli General Butterfield that I think General Hooker will be met by the en- emy crossing or covering the Telegraph road in some position beyond Owens and Taylors houses. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General, Commanding. BALLOON EAGLE, BANKS FORD, May 1, 186312.25 p m. General SEDGWICK: There is a force of the enemy under arms in a clear field back of a thin wood opposite Banks Ford. I judge them to be about 5,000 Page 339 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 339 They are back from the river nearly a mile. I think the earthworks on the bank of the curve in the river 1 mile south from Banks Ford are well supplied. E. S. ALLEN, [Aeronant.] BALLOON IN THE AIR, Major-General SEDGWICK, May 1, 1863-42.30 p. m. Gomma~nding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In a west-northwest direction about 12 miles, an engage- ment is going on. Can see heavy smokes and hear artillery. In a west- southwest direction about 4 miles, artillery is moving toward the en- gagement. A large force of the enemy are now digging rifle-pits, ex- tending from Deep Run to down beyond the lower crossing, just by the edge of the woods at the foot of the opposite heights. There are but few troops in sight now, except those manning batteries and in the rifle- pits. There appears to be a strong force in the rifle-pits. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. MAY 1, 186312.50 p. m. General SEDGWICK: GENERAL: The enemy have advanced their skirmishers to the river in front of this place, and now occupy, the rifle-pits. They are also ad-. vancing their skirmishers across the field to my right. I can see noth- ing south of the Massaponax. FITZHUGII HOUSE SIGNAL STATION. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 1, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK: Commanding, d~c: Just received the following dispatch from the general, in reply to your inquiry: Two corps are to go on the Bowling Green road. Major-General Sedgwick looks after the Bowling Green road. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 1, 18631 p. m. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: General Hooker telegraphs you to throw your whole force on the Bowling Green road and no other. My telegraphic communication to the general is roundabout, and takes three hours time. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 340 [CHAP. XXXVII. 340 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. MAY 1, 18631.20 p m. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: General Hookers telegram was in reply to your letter as to which routes your columns were understood to move. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. BALLOON IN THE AIR, May 1, 18632.15 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: GENERAL: The enemy opposite here remain the same as last reported. Immense volumes of smoke are rising where the battle is going on, opposite United States Ford. A large force must be engaged on both sides. This would be a good time for some staff officer to ascend, if it is desirable to you. Very respectfully, & c., T. ~. ~. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON IN THE AIR, May II, 18632.45 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemy are throwing up earthworks for artillery on a little rise of ground at the foot of the heights, about 300 yards from Deep Run. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, May 1, 18632.50 p. m Major-General REYNOLDS, Headquarters sixth Army Corps: Colonel Wainwright just returned from across the river, and reports the enemy in line of battle on the railroad, and strongly fortified, the same as yesterday. ~. KINGSBURY, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General, First Army Corp8. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, May 1, 1863-3 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK: My men are still under arms. The result of the demonstration was, that the enemy also got under arms. From what I have told you, you will understand that I could not move without bringing on an engage ment. Shall still keep them under arms. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major- General Volunteers, Commanding Page 341 CHAP. XXXYII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. MAY 1 18638 [General REYNOLDS:] .40 p. m. You need not keep your men under arms. If you are not too tired, the general would be pleased to have you ride up here. M. T. MoMAHON, Assistant Adjutant-General, & c. MAY 1, 1863. [Colonel MCMAHON:] General Reynolds will be over to see the general at once. C. KINGSBURY, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General, d~c. BALLOON IN THE AIR, Major-General SEDGWICK, May 1, 18633.45 p. m. Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The smoke from the battle appears to be in the same po- sition, but in much lighter volumes. Everything opposite here remains the same. Very respectfully, & c., T. S.C. LOWE, Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, Major.General SEDGWICK, May 1, 18634 p. m. Commo~nding Left Wing: The troops of the enemy in my front are formed in two lines of bat- tle, in about the same strength and position as they were yesterday, when I telegraphed you they were threatening my right. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Commanding First Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, Col. M. T. MOMAHON, May 1, 18634.30 p. m. Assistant Adjutant-General, Sixth Army Corps: I have but one of Grahams batteries here, viz, Gibsons. Have ordered it up. C. S. WAINWRIGIIT, Commanding Artillery, First Army Corps. F SIGNAL STATION, May 1, 18634.30 p. m. General SEDGWICK: A battery of four guns southwest of this point is seen; also a new work for four guns is being constructed south-southwest. No guns are 34 Page 342 342 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL yet in position in this work. Both works are supported by rifle-pits and a ravine. An old work is seen on a small elevation to the right rear of the completed battery, but no guns in position at present. A six-gun battery south and in front of Reynolds, on Summit Point. Independent of Bowling Green road and the railroad, there is a com- plete rifle-pit along the edge of the woods in our front; also short pits in commanding positions over the plain. [P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, & gnal Officer.] HEADQUARTERS LEFI WING, May 1, 18635.30 p. in. Major.General REYNOLDS: GENERAL: Please put your command in readiness to make a dem- onstration. By command of General Sedgwick: M. T. MoMAHON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, May 1, 18635.40 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: I have ordered the demonstration, directed by General Hooker, for 1 oclock to-day, to be made immediately. General Reynolds, supported by one division from Sixth Corps, will at once assume a threatening attitude, and maintain it until further orders. Another brigade will cross the upper bridges, to make a display in General Brooks front. JOHN SEDG WiCK, Major-General, Commanding Left Wing. BALLOON EAGLE, BANKS FORD, May 1, 18636 p. m. General SEDGWICK: Saw about 50 or 75 in an open field, 1~ miles up the river from Banks Ford, and 2 miles back. Should judge they were skirmishing; they were passing from one thick pine to another. E. S.ALLEN, Aeronaut. NEAR FALMOUTH, May 1, 18636 p. m. General HOOKER: Sedgwick makes the demonstration, ordered for 1 oclock, now, 5.45 oclock. Reynolds, on our extreme left, assumes threatening attitude, and holds it until further orders. He will be supported by division from Sixth Corps. A brigade will cross the river to make display in Brooks front. DANL. BUTTERFiELD, Major-General Page 343 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 343 CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 1, 18638.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: The telegram for Sedgwicks demonstration reached him too late. Order it in immediately. JOSEPH HOOKER. [Indorsernent.] Copy for information of General Sedgwick. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 1, 18638.50 p. m. Gommanding Officer, Sixth Corps: General Hooker countermands the demonstration as too late, and orders it in. Acknowledge. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Ill ajor- General, Chief of Staff. MAY 1, 186311 p. m. General Reynolds has Wadsworths division over the river occupying the rifle-pits. General Newton, with Brooks division, occupies the upper crossing With Light Brigade, 9,600 men. Inexpedient to cross a larger force unless they remain exposed to fire without protection or capacity for a reply. To make a good demonstration it would be neces- sary to take the Bowling Green road, which would lead to an engage- ment and possibly a check. The road could not be held only as a picket line, it being enfiladed opposite the two crossings. The railroad line has been strengthened by rifle-pits both along and front of it. The object of the demonstration was to expose their lines of battle.* CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA, May 1, 18637 a. m. General JOHN GIBBON: The commanding general directs that one regiment only of your divis- ion remain with the pontoon train at Banks Ford, and that you recall the three other regiments that accompanied the train last night. If all the regiments have returned, the general wishes to have one sent to Banks Ford at once on duty with the bridge train. The general further directs that the remainder of your division do not move until further orders. Please acknowledge. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., May 1, 18639.25 a. m. General GIBBON: I have received a dispatch from the general, directing you to cross at Banks Ford to-morrow at 9 a. m. This dispatch is dated May 1. I have * This is the brief of a communication froni Sedgwick entered in Letter8- Received book of the Army of the Potomac. The original paper not foun4 Page 344 344 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. strong reason to apprehend that it was intended that you should cross to-day at 9 a. in. I am momentarily expecting a telegram. I wish that you would send a staff officer to Banks Ford to read all telegraphic dis- patches there. Hold your command in readiness to sl)ring, in case this should prove an error and it is intended you should cross to-day at 9 oclock, to move to that point as rapidly as possible, to cross. I inclose copy of the dispatch. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major.General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 1, 18631.30 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The following just received from the right of my picket line: Information has just been received from the right of the picket line of this brigade that the enemys vedettes and supports have been withdrawn away from the river front, and are now entirely ont of sight. JOHN 0. SCOTT, Captain, Commanding Brigade Picket. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 1, 1863. General JOHN GIBBON: The commanding general directs that you exercise the utmost vigi. lance to learn the earliest movements of the enemy on the opposite side of the river, and tako all possible measures to prevent them. If the absence of the brigade you have been ordered to send to Banks Ford should weaken you too much, which the general hopes will not be the case, you must call on General Sedgwick for assistance. Observe all the movements of the enemy, and communicate them to these head. quarters by telegraph. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 1, 18639 p. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, lldqrs. Army of the Potomac: Your telegram received. Have ordered a brigade to move at once to Banks Ford and report to General Benham. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier- General. SEDDONS HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, May 1, 186312.30 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: Enemys battery on the crest of~the hill in our front remains the same as yesterday, and workmen are engaged in erecting ne~ batteries o Page 345 CflAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION 345 each side of it on the same knoll. It is my belief that their infantry force is not as large as yesterday. Two camps that were to be seen in the woods yesterday, in our front, with their parks of wagons, have been removed. A train of wagons was to be seen this morning moving along the crest of the hill from their right toward Fredericksburg. LOUIS B. FORTESCUE, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. MAY 1, 1863730 p. m. Major-General PECK, Suffolk, Va.: Hoods and Picketts divisions, of Longstreets corps, are in our front; so reported by deserters and prisoners captured to-day. This will leave nothing of Longstreets command in your front but Ransom, if he is there. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. SUFFOLK, VA., May 1. 1863. General D. BUTTERFIELD, Army of the Potomac: There may be portions of Longstreets troops with your opponents. If so, they are the first installments. Deserters and contrabands who came in yesterday from floods and Picketts divisions agree in all points with others that have fallen into our hands. The pickets of Corse, Gar- nett, and Law are on all the roads now. There have been heavy rains here for a few days. Longstreet had two railroads in about 16 miles of his line. JOHN J. PECK, - Major-General. (Sent by General Butterfield to General Hooker, 11.45 p. in.) PITTSBURGH, PA., May 1, 1863. (Received 11.40 a. in.) His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: From 5,000 to 7,000 rebels, under Jones, have got to Mannington, in Marion County, Virginia. They are conscripting, gathering horses, booty, and doing devilments generally. You must send from Burnside four or five regiments to Parkersburg, to fall behind them at Clarks- burg. If they cannot come by rail from Parkersburg, there is an excel- lent road to march on. Clarksburg is 25 miles south of Mannington, and good road also. Send from Washington four regiments to Oakland to co-operate. I earnestly submit that, without material damage to these commands, the troops I ask for can be spared. They will be sufficient for the pur- pose, and of inestimable advantage in this section. If not stopped, they will carry 6,000 horses out of Western Virginia and Pennsylvania. F. H. PEIRPOINT, Governor of Virginia Page 346 346 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HARRISBURG, PA., May 1, 1863. (Received May 14.25 p. in.) ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United & ates: I ani hourly receiving dispatches from the western part of this State. I presume you are well informed as to the doings of the rebels now threatening our border, and I have assured the people of that region that the General Government has the means and the disposition to pro- tect them. The following dispatches have just been ieceived from Pittsburgh, dated this day: The undersigned, who were present at a meeting of citizens to-day to confer with Governor Peirpoint, Senator [W. T.] Willey, and other Virginians, in relation to the threatening position of affairs on the border, by direction of that meeting, respectfully and earnestly request that you will immediately call out, or authorize General Thomas M. Howe to order out, such militia force as he may deem necessary to co-operate with the Federal forces now retreating from the border of Virginia and falling back on Pennsylvania. J. K. MOREHEAD, Chairman. J. HERON FOSTER, Secretary. Also signed by John Harper, C. W. Batchelor, Charles McKnight, James Park, jr., J. P. Penney, William M. Sliinn. R. B. Carnahan, Robert P. Nevins, and others. I would respectfully ask that the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Militia be sent at once to Fayette Conuty, to join Major Showalters battalion of Sixth Virginia in operation against the rebels now threatening Pennsylvania. This regirn eut is ready to move. Answer to General Howe. F. H. PEIRPOINT, Goveraor of Virginia. I have had other dispatches, stating that the Union forces have been repulsed and are falling back into Pennsylvania. I also learn from Governor Peirpoint that the rebels are having everything their own way in Western Virginia, owing to their superior numbers. I should be pleased to have~ your opinion as to the propriety of my complying with the requests contained in the above-quoted dispatches. If it is your pleasure that I should call out the militia, immediate ar- rangements should be made for their transportation and subsistence. Au immediate answer will greatly oblige. I send copy of this dispatch to General Schenck. A. G. (JURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG, PA., May 1, 1863. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United & ates: I am so importuned from the west, where a great deal of alarm and anxiety justly prevails, that you will pardon me for earnestly requesting an answer to my dispatch of this p. in., so that I may be informed what preparations or means, if any, are being made use of or desired to pro- tect this State from threatened invasion. The rebel force is doubtless greatly magnified, but there can be no doubt of it being much larger than our own. Troops sent from Baltimore by railroad could reach Union, Fayette County, in seventeen hours. A force sent at once would quiet all ap- prehension in Western Pennsylvania. A. G. CURTIN, (JovernQr Page 347 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 347 HARRISBURG, PA., May 1, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Have just received following dispatch from S. T. von Barnhorst: PITTSBURGH, PA., May 1, 18638.20 p. in. Governor CURTIN: News by Connellsville train this evening. Major Showalter, commanding Union forces, has fallen back to Uniontown. Postmaster of that place writes that rebel force, estimated at 20,000, is reported, under command of StonewaJi Jackson. A. G. CURTIN. (Same to President and Generals Halleck and Schenck.) EXECUTIVE MANSION, May 1, 1863. Governor CURTIN, Harrisburg, Pa.: The whole disposable force at Baltimore and elsewhere in reach have already been sent after the enemy which alarms you. The worst thing the enemy could do for himself would be to weaken himself before Hooker, and therefore it is safe to believe he is not doing it, and the best thing he could do for himself would be to get us so scared as to bring part of Hookers force away, and that is just what he is trying to do. I will telegraph you in the morning about calling out the militia. A. LINCOLN. BALTIMORE, May 1, 18632.40 p. m. Brigadier.General KELLEY: The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, from Winchester, will take the cars westward from Martinsburg at 6 oclock this afternoon. Am await- ing your answer to telegram sent you this morning as to Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, also asking if you will have Fourteenth New Jersey Infantry, 470 strong, on Virginia side. Peirpoint telegraphs that rebels are concentrating, 7,000 strong, at Mannington. He says those at Morgantown came from Beverly. Look out if any part of this be true. It is possible they may design to draw all our force to Clarksburg, to get in our rear. Kenly can probably relieve Roberts without Mulligan. WM. H. CHESEBIROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, May 1, 1863. Gov. ANDREW G. CURTIN, Harrisburg: I have no report that Union troops have been repulsed anywhere except at Fairmont, between Grafton and Wheeling, where, two days ago, a party guarding the bridge over the Monongahela were driven off by largely superior numbers, and the bridge destroyed. Other bridges near Littleton and Benton have also been burned. The enemy are now around Clarksburg, where Colonel Mulligan has gone to the relief o Page 348 348 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXVII. General Roberts, and where I expect their combined forces to drive and defeat the rebels. I hold Grafton, and occupy all the railroad from here to that point, the only serious damage on the line having been the burning of the bridge over the Voughiogheny, which has already been rebuilt and was crossed this morning by cars and troops. I have no reliable information of any invasion of Pennsylvania. I have heard of the rebel force at Morgantown, and am not certain whether they are there yet, or now down near the railroad west of Grafton, or crossed over to join the others near Clarksburg. The wild panic at Wheeling and at Pittsburgh has been to me all along unaccountable. Please pass this telegram on to Governor Peir- point. I find by report from General Kelley that the Governor was entirely mistaken about 7,000 rebels at Mannington. I wish the troops at Wheeling, instead of sticking to the town, would go out or send out and look along the railroad to help stop the mischief, if any is still going on west of Grafton. Besides about 4,500 troops of all arms with Roberts and Wilkinson, at Clarksbnrg, I have sent westward into the invaded district over 6,000. All I want is some co-operation from the direction of Pennsylvania and the Ohio River, to be at and capture the enemy completely, if he does not escape by Clarksburg at once. ROBT. C. SCHENUK, Major.General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, Mn., May 1, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: Mr. Garrett informs me of your misapprehension as to strength of cavalry in Valley. Elliotts brigade has two regiments; whole strength, 1,414. This includes officers and men, sick, absent, detached, & c.less than 1,000 fighting men. His last report, 868 present for duty. Both regiments are running Pennsylvanians. McReynolds brigade, at Berry- ville, has one regiment, First New York, 506 for duty. This regiment engaged scouting the Blue Ridge and up the Shenandoah. Garrett gave me this morning, 3 a. in., first authentic intelligence of Hooker crossing Rappahannock. ROBT. ~. SCHENOK, Major. General. BALTIMORE, Mn., May 1, 1863. (Received 2.30 a. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, - Geaeral-in-Chief: Followingjust received from David, cipher correspondent at Parkers. burg: Message to Mulligan cannot be sent. Line broken at Bridgeport. Enemy captured company of cavalry 4 miles east of Clarksburg, and are now represented as stir- rounding the town. Attack momentarily expected. T. B. A. DAVID. I send this to General Kelley, who may be able to reach Mulligan from the east and to have Clarksburg supported from Grafton. ROBT. C. SCHEKOK, Major.General Page 349 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 349 BALTIMORE, MD., Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, May 1, 18632.30 p. m. General-in-Chief: Following just received from New Creek, dated 1.30 p. in.: Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, A88i8tant Adjutant-General: General Kenly has just arrived at Grafton; will push right on to Clarksburg by rail as far as he can with safety, then debark and march by turnpike. I will order him to attack and raise the siege at once. Mulligan will move by my old route to Philippi, on east side of the river, and cut off their retreat by the Beverly and Fairmont turn- pike. He will not move, however, till I hear something definite from Roberts. Everything looks well now. The enemy have completely surrounded Roberts, but had not attempted to attack him up to last advices. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier~Genera ROBT. C. SCHENUK. BALTIMORE, May 1, 1863. Major-General MILRoY, Winchester, Va.: Hold the best regiment of Elliotts cavalry in readiness for imme- diate service on the railroad west. Report immediately by telegraph the number fit for duty in the regi- ment. By order: WM. II. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. WINCHESTER, VA., Colonel CHESEBROUGH, May 1, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Baltimore: Elliotts cavalry, rank and file, fit for duty, 790. Kelley reported rebel cavalry near Bath last evening. I sent Major McGee, with three companies of Virginia cavalry, to reconnoiter that country early this morning. R. H. MJLROY, Major- General. BALTIMORE, May 1, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Creek, Va.: Must send cavalry west on railroad. Order Fourteenth Pennsylvania ready immediately at Martinsburg to take cars I will send. Telegraph strength, and how soon can send detachment Fourteenth New Jersey to Martinsburg. WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. BALTIMORE, Mm, - May 1, 1863. General MILROY, Winchester, Va.: Must send cavalry west on railroad. At what earliest hour to-day can the Twelfth or Thirteenth Pennsylvania be at Martinsburg to tak Page 350 350 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. cars? Will send also Fourteenth Pennsylvania. Can Elliott go in command? Enemy still occupying and destroying beyond Grafton. Roberts reported surrounded. Hookers entire army across Rappahan- nook. At Washington they feel sure Lee must recall Hills or other forces from the Valley. Will send you three more companies Massa- chusetts artillery. Hold Winchester. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General. CLARKSBURG, VA., May 1, 1863. Brigadier-General LIGHTBTJRN, Wheeling, Va: ~ZRun all your available force to the extreme point that they can be transported by rail, which, I think, is Fairmont, and march as rapidly as possible for this point. Supplies should be thrown out as far as possible upon the railroad. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General. CLARKSBURG, VA., May 1, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. A. J. LIGHTEURN, Mannington, Va.: Rebel General Jones crossed the Parkersbnrg Railroad at Bridgeport, and is now encamped about 9 miles from here near Philippi road. Rebel Generals Imbodens and Jacksons combined forces are either between this place and Weston or this place and Buckhannon, m arching to form junction with Jones for an attack, as I know, upon this place. Have your supplies forwarded as far as possible. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General. NEW CREEK, [May] 1, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS: Has General Kenly arrived? What is your latest news of the en- emy? Dont let him escape you if it can possibly be prevented. Com- municate fully with me. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CLARKSBURG, VA., May 1, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Greek: Your telegram received. Jones force passed my left through Bridge- port to-day. It is now encamped on Brushy Fork, 9 miles from this place, evidently trying to form a junction with Imbodens and Jacksons forces. The advance of their forces on the Buckhannon road, 4 miles beyond Maxwells Mills. They intend, after joining their forces, to attack this place. Part of Jacksons forces reached Westoii yesterday at noon, and are reported to be moving in this direction and to co-operate in attack Page 351 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 General Kenly has just reached Bridgeport with his command, and will join me before morning. One of his regiments and a section of artillery I have ordered to remain at Bridgeport. The combined forces of im- boden, Jones, and Jackson, according to the best information I have re- ceived, are about 6,000 men, the greater part of it cavalry and one bat- tery ot artillery, six pieces. You must throw supplies of subsistence and forage by rail to Grafton. I have no cavalry that can do any service. The forces of Milroy should be thrown in toward Franklin, to cut off Jones retreat. Scam mons forces should be drawn round toward Summerville and Lewisburg, to prevent retreat in that direction. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., May 2, 186311 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: We cannot control intelligence in relation to your movements while your generals write letters giving details. A letter from General Van Alen to a person not connected with the War Department describes your position as intrenched at Chancellorsville. Cant you give his sword somethiiig to do, so that he will have less time for the pen? EDWIN M. STANTON. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 18631 .55 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Direct all of the bridges to be taken up at Franklins crossing and below before daylight, and for Reynolds corps to march at once, with pack train, to report to headquarters* JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOl~AC, May 2, 18635.05 a. m. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding, & c.: Dispateh dated 1.55 oclock for removement of Reynolds and bridges just received, 4.55 oclock. The same is now up. Copy has been de- livered to Sedgwick.* It cannot be complied with as regards before daylight. Telegraph operator says the orderly lost his way who brought it to United States Ford. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, il!ajor- General, Chief of ~3taff. The orderly must run his horse from United States Ford to General Hookers. MAY 2, 1863. (Delivered 10 a. in.) General BUTTERFIELD: I have not dared to take up the bridges at Franklins crossing. Rey- nolds bridge ought not to be taken away until after dark; it may cost * ~ee Butterfield to 8edgwic1~, 5 a. in., p 361 Page 352 352 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. the loss of many boats. Will pontoon wagons be sent to take them at dark? Shall the bridges at Franklins crossing be taken up at dark without further instructions? Please communicate.* SEDG WICK, General. (Repeated to General Hooker.) MAY 2, 186310.05 a. m. General HOOKER: Sedgwick says has not dared to take up bridges at Franklins. Rey- nolds bridge ought not to be taken away until after dark; it may cost the loss of many boats. Asks shall bridges at Franklins be taken up at dark without further instructions.t Desires above communicated. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General. BANKS FORD, May 2, 18636.20 a. m (Received 7.10 a. in.) Generals HOOKER and BUTTERFIELD: All quiet; few pickets of the enemy in sight along the river, and a few vedettes show themselves from time to time. No bodies of troops to be seen so far this morning. Owens command, Second Corps, here. HENRY J. HUNT Brigadier.General, [Chief of Artillery.] EN ROUTE TO UNITED STATES FORD, May 2, 18637.20 a. m. Captain CANDLER, Aide-de-Camp, & e.: Your dispatch of yesterday, stating that the major-general command- ing did not understand what I was doing at Rapidan Station, was re- ceived at 7.05 a. m. to-day, and I have the honor to state in reply that I have been engaged with the cavalry of the enemy at that point and in destroying communications, and to inclose a copy of an order re- ceived from headquarters Cavalry Corps. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 30, 1863. Brigadier-General AVERELL, Commanding, & c.: The major-general commanding directs me to say that we have been delayed by high water, & c., and that he desires you to push the enemy * See Butterfield to commanding officer Sixth Corps, 2.30 p. in., p. 363. t See Sedgwicks dispatch, Delivered 10 a. in., p. 351 Page 353 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 353 as vigorously as possible, keeping him fully occupied, and, if possible, drive him in the direction of Rapidan Station. He turns the enemy over to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant. General. MAY 2, 18636.15 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The enemys troops opposite this place remain in the same position as yesterday. Owing to the high winds now prevailing, I am unable to use a glass sufficiently to see whether there is any move on the roads between here and the battle-ground of yesterday or not. I will examine them the first opportunity, and report. Yours, & c., T. S.C.LOWE, Chief of Aeronauts. MAY 2, 18637.45 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Heavy cannonading has just commenced in a westerly direction about 12 miles. The enemy are shelling our troops opposite here. T. S.C. LOWE, Aeronaut. MAY 2, 1863.8.30 a. in. General BUTTERFIELD: I cannot say that the enemy have decreased, but they do not show themselves quite so much this morning, and I can see no reserves on the opposite heights. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. MAY 2, 18638.40 a. in. Major-General HOOKER: Enemy shelling Sedgwicks position; supposed consequent upon Rey~ nolds move. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18639.15 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: Sedgwick is all right. He has but Ewells division in his front ~ the balance are here. .1 H. VAX ALEN, Brigadier- General and Aide-de. Camp. (Sent to General Sedgwick. 9.55 a. in.) 23 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 354 354 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL HEADQUARTERS, May 2, 186310.13 a. in. General HOOKER: Is the order still effective for General Gibbon to move to Banks Ford to-day with his whole division, or to wait until it is uncovered I * DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 186312.35 p. m. General HOOKER, and Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Gibbon reports at 12 m. that everything in our front seems perfectly quiet; few of the enemy to be seen. Hills back of Fredericksburg, near Telegraph road, occupied. Small force in the rifle-pits opposite Falmouth, and this force increased last night, probably anticipating a dash on our DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-Generat. MAY 2, 18632.10 p. in. Major.General HOOKER: Balloons cant get up for the wind. Benham not yet laying bridge at Banks Ford. Reynolds column passing on to United States Ford. Supplies of Howards, Slocums, and Meades infantry expire a. in. of Monday, unless replenished from their trains. All quiet here. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- Generat, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18633 p. in. General HOOKER: At 2p. in. enemy took a battery from a clump of pines south of Howi. son house and four pieces from a work to our right of them. They are now standing in Telegraph road, near Roe house, faced toward our right. See photograph map. DANL. BUTTERFiELD. MAY 2, 18633.15 p.m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: A brigade of the enemy left from opposite our upper crossing fifteen minutes since, and crossed Deep Run, and is now moving to the right toward Banks Ford. They have also disappeared from opposite our extreme left below the lower crossing. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. * See Butterfield to commanding oilieer Sixth Army Corps, 2.30 p. in., p~ 363 Page 355 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18633.30 p. m. General HOOKER: Only balloon ascension wind permitted, at 1 p. in., reports no move- ments visible on any of the roads seen. Enemy remain about same opposite Sedgwick. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. MAY 2, 18633.45 p. m. General HOOKER: Balloon reports a brigade of enemy left from opposite our npper crossing at 3 p. m. Crossed Deep Run, and is now moving to the right, toward Banks Ford. They have also disappeared from opposite our extreme left, below lower crossing. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General, Chief of Staff. (Copy to generals at Banks Ford and to General Gibbon.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18634 p. m. General HOOKER: Signal officer reports, 3 p. in., sixteen pieces artillery seen moving on Ridge road, in direction of Chancellorsville. Fonr wagons accompany the batteries. Four regiments of infantry retiring from Sedgwicks front. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General. MAY 2, 18634.27 p. m. General HOOKER: The column reported by balloon at 3 p. m. as moving toward Banks Ford are now reported as having taken the Plank road leading from Fredericksburg. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 2, 18634.55 p. m. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Signal at Phillips house reports enemy evacuating your front. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General, Chief O) Staff. MAY 2, 18635 p. m. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Lowe reports the enemy have entirely withdrawn their advanced line, with exception of a smalt picket force. Lowe reports they have also disappeared from opposite our extreme left, below the town crossing. DANL. BUTTERFIELD M4jor. General, Chief of Staff Page 356 356 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS, May 2, 18635.15 p. in. General BUTTERFIELD: General Averell is at IRapidan Station, and has been there, as nearly as the commanding general can ascertain, for several days.* The general sent orders to him yesterday to report in person with his com~ mand, which he has failed to do. Should he return to camp for sup. plies, the general requests that you will give him orders to join him immediately with all his command, except one regiment, which the general wishes employed in patrolling the country between the Aquia Railroad and that of the Orange and Alexandria. This regiment must be kept well thrown out, for the purpose of giving us timely notice of any guerrilla parties which may invade that district. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier. General and Aide.de. Camp. CAMP NEAR FALMoU~H, VA., May 2, 1863. Brigadier.General AVERELL, Commanding Cavalry Division: The major-general commanding has directed that you report to him in person with yourentire command, save one regiment. This regiment you will direct, in accordance with the commanding generals instruc- tions, tobe employed in patrolling the country between the Aquia Rail- road and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. This regiment tuust be kept well thrown out, for the purpose of giving timely notice of any raids and destroying any guerrilla parties that may invade that district. They will relieve the details placed on that duty by Colonel Blake. Similar instructions to the above were sent you when your command was atRapidan Station. Up to this time they have not been complied with. The major-general commanding directs it to be done immedi. ately. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. MAY 2, 18635.30 p. m. Major.General BUTTERFIELD: Nearly all the enemys force have been withdrawn from the opposite side. I can only see a small force in the neighborhood of their earth. works. I cannot at this time get a sufficient elevation to tell what road they take, but should judge, by the appearance of army wagons moving to. ward Chancellorsville road, that the troops are moving that way also. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 18635A0 p. in. General BUTTERFIELD: There are six guns to our right and in reaL of the Lacy house; one on Maryes Heights; five on the second line of works and to the left See Averells report of May 4, 1863, Part I, p. 1Q74 Page 357 C~. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 357 of the Telegraph road; three to the left and rear of the Howison house; fifteen in all. One regiweut in the rifle-pits on Maryes Height JAS. S. HALL, C~ptair& and Signal Officer. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 18636 p. m General BUTTERFIELD: The major-general commanding desires you to send him all obtain- able information, not only respecting Sedgwicks operations, but also in regard to any movement at Fredericksburg, the number of the force there, & c. J. H. VAN ALEK, Brigadier-General and Aide-de-Camjp. BANKS FORD, Vi., May 2, 18636.45 p. m. General HOOKER: All quiet. About a regiment reoccupy the rifle-pits of the enemy. Apparently the movement of Reynolds up the river has caused their reoccupation. General Gibbon reports (at 5.30 oclock) enemy falling back from Sedgwicks front. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 18638.25 p. m Brigadier-General GIBBON: Everything working well. Sickles is in the eneiny~ trains. Sedg- wick is pursuing here. Be ready to spring with your full supplies whenever you receive the order. Expect it at any moment. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Stafl. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTII, VA., May 2, 18638.25 p. m. Telegraph Construction Party: The telegraph construction party will be ready to commence work at daylight to-morrow morning in the vicinity of Falmouth. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863. General HAUPT, Aquia, Va.: Have all your material, men, and everything ready to move to-night with train, to commence work in the morning, if required. I may tele- graph you at any moment. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 358 [CHAP. XXXVII. N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. 358 F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 18638.30 p. m. The enemy is now building fires along the ridge in rear of the Howi- son house. We see distinctly men carrying fire-brands about, lighting them promiscuously. ~. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant and Signal Officer. PHILLIPS HousE, May 2, 186~[8.30 p. in.] Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: As per request, please find below the movements of the enemy to- day: 11 a. m.A battery of six guns was seen moving from the Richmond Telegraph road toward the Orange Plank road. 12.15 p. m.The battery reported above took position in the work to the rear and right of the Lacy house. 1.30 p. in. A battery seen last night in pines south of the Howison house has disappeared. 3p. m.Sixteen pieces of artillery were seen moving on the Ridge road, opposite Tylers battery. Halted in woods to the rear of Owens house, near Telegraph road. Did not see them again. 4.30 p. m.Twelve regiments of infantry, sixty-eight wagons and ambulances, and one squadron of cavalry, resembling a general and his escort, passed along the crest of the hill from Sedgwicks front. They advanced to the Telegraph road, after which we could not trace them. 5.40 p. m.About two regiments took position in rifle pits on Maryes Heights. 6p. m.A battery of six guns took possession of works to our left and to the rear of Howisons house. Still there at dark. 7p. m.The enemys six-gun battery has left the works to the rear of the Lacy house. Saw it enter the Telegraph road on the crest of the hill in rear of Maryes Heights, moving south. Two guns have also left Maryes Heights, taking same course. The horses of nearly all the batteries are harnessed, and most of them attached, ready for moving. A long line of wagons was seen just at dusk on the Telegraph road, but could not discern which direction they were taking. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Acting Signal Officer. 8.30 p. m.While I write, the enemy are firing the ridge to the rear of the Howison house. We can see the men carrying fire-brands and firing the underbrush. Fredericksburg seems entirely deserted. Every- thing is very quiet in the city. JAS. ~. HALL, Captain, (C-c. [Indorsement-Il HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 1863. Official copy for information of Major-General Sedgwick. Respectfully, ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 359 CHAP. XXXVIILI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 359 F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 186310 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: A large and apparently brush fire has been visible for the last fifteen minutes in woods south of the Massaponax, near Judge Brooks, on Bowling Green road. It is now rapidly going down. Enemy had camps in the vicinity. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, Signal Officer. MAY 2, 186310.30 oclock. Major-General HOOKER: Dispatch ordering General Sedgwick to move toward Chancellorsville and connect with you received at 10.30 oclock. He will have a copy in fifteen minutes from that time by an aide. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOLtAC2 May 2, 186311.10 p. m. General HOOKER: Gibbon ordered across river to-night. Sedgwick has his orders; asks for a guide. Have directed him to seize citizens and put them to death if they fail to put him on the right road. Pontoon bridge will be laid near the Lacy house for Gibbon by time his troops get there. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. Memoranda of General Hookers, May 2, 1863. General Reynolds will post his corps, the right resting on the Rapi- dan, on the east bank of Hunting Run, and extending up to the cross- ing of the Chancellorsville and Elys Ford roads, and thence along that road in the direction of Chancellorsville. General Sykes will form on his left, along the same road, and this whole line will be supported by the remaining portion of the corps of General Meade- General Reynolds will throw well out to the front a line of skir- mishers, to give him timely notice of any approach by an enemy. General Howard will throw his corps on the line now occupied by General Meade, and will also throw his pickets well out along his whole line, for the purpose of keeping himself informed of the move- ments of the enemy. These lines must be held at all hazard. The Second, Twelfth, and Third Corps will hold their present posi- tions nntil further orders, sending all their wagons and spare batteries immediately to take post in the vicinity of the United States Ford Page 360 360 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, HE & DQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 120. May 2, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. R. 0. Tyler, U. S. Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters for duty, is assigned to the command of the Artillery Reserve, and will enter upon his duties at once. By command of Major.Geueral Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863. Commanding Officer, Engineer Troops, in Camp: You will make every preparation to be ready to lay the pontoon bridge, taken up from General Reynolds crossing, to-night. Have it mounted on the wagons immediately, and be ready to lay it across the river within two hours of time you receive this order, in the vicinity of Falmouth; place will be indicated. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Ahjor-General, Chief of & aff. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, May. 2, 186310.30 a. m. Commanding First Division~ GENERAL: Major-General Couchs picket officer reports that the enemy is massing his troops in front of Hancock and toward the left. You are directed by the major-general commanding to be vigiiant, and throw out pickets to keep a sharp lookout for any approach on the part of the enemy, and, whenever practicable for them to advance in any force, to throw out detachments, instructed to be careful not to allow themselves to be cut off, but at the same time to endeavor to as- certain if the enemy is in their front, and give timely warning of their approach. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant.General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 18639.30 a. m. Major-Generals HOWARD and SLocuM: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that the dis- position you have made of your corps has been with a view to a front attack by the enemy. If he should throw himself upon your flank, he wishes you to examine the ground .and determine upon the positions you will take in that event, in order that you may be prepared for him in whatever direction he advances. He suggests that you have heavy re- serves well in hand to meet this contingency. The right of your line does not appear to be strong enough. No artificial defenses worth naming have been thrown up, and there appears to be a scarcity o Page 361 CHAP. XXXVII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 361 troops at that point, and not, in the generals opihion, as favorably posted as might be. We have good reason to suppose that the enemy is moving to our right. Please advance your pickets for purposes of observation as far as may be safe, in order to bbtain timely information of their approach. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General and Aide-de-Camp. FALMOUTH, May 2, 18635 a. m. General SEDGWICK: Just received from General Hooker, dated 1.55 a. in., May 2, Chancel- lorsville: Direct all bridges to be taken up at Franklins crossing and below before daylight, and for Reynolds corps to march at once, with pack train, to report to headquarters. DANL, BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 2, 18636 a. m. General SEDGWICK: There is no visible change since last evening, only the withdrawal of the battery ou the hill which Colonel Tompkins dift~red with you as to the kind. I think they are only drawn under cover. I see one caisson in the ravine to the rear of their last nights position. No change as to numbers in the rifle-pits nor in range of our vision. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18637.30 a. m. General SEDGWICIC: The following has just been received, addressed to General Butter- field: I have just & btained a tolerable good view of all the main roads beyond the heights, and toward Chancellorsville, but could see no troops or wagon trains on them. The enemy opposite remain in the same position, apparently, without any increase. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE. JAS. S. HALL. SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 18638.40 a. m. General SEDGWICK: There is much less display of force in front of General Brooks this morning. Flags which were there yesterday have disappeared, but the position enables them to conceal troops by sitting or lying down. KENDALL AI~D BABCOCK, Signal Officers Page 362 362 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 1863930 a. m. Major-General II3UTTERFIELD: The general commanding desires you to instruct General Sedgwick, if an opportunity presents itself with a reasonable expectation of suc- cess, to attack the enemy in his front. We have reliable information that all the divisions known to us as having belouged to the army at Fredericksburg, except Ewells, are in this vicinity. It is impossible for the general to determine here whether it is expedient for him to attack or not. It must be left to his discretion. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier.General and Aide-de-Camp. MAY 2, 18639.45 a. in. General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing: General Hooker telegraphs that you are all right. You have but Ewells division in your front; balance all up there. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, May 2, 18639.53 a. m. General SEDGWICK: My troops are all across the river, except the skirmishers now coming. JOHN F. REYNOLDS, [Major. General, Commanding.] CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 2, 186310 a. m. General D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: No fighting to-day so far. Enemy i8 making movements in force on our right and left, but for what object we know not yet. It is expected he will attack to-day. Our lines are strong for defense. Where is Bu- fordl I will advise you when anything important occurs. We must fight soon, of course. Look out for your side when we open. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, May 2, 186311.40 a. in. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The column spoken of by you in your dispatch to Lieutenant Fortes- cue, and reported as moving around the hilt toward our right, is now reported to have gone into bivouac on my front.* JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General. * See Butterfield to Hooker and Sedgwick, 12.35 p. in., p. 354 Page 363 CHAP XXXVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. 363 MAY 2, 18632.30 p. in. Commanding Officer, Sixth Corps: Following from General Van Alen: The major-general commanding directs me to say that no orders have been sent for General Gibbons division to move to Banks Ford. The order was only for one bri- gade of his division. The bridge can be taken np at such time as General Sedgwick thinks best. ~ DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. BAiiKS FORD, May 2, 18633 p. m. General SEDGWIOK: Everything is quiet in any direction from Banks Ford. Their earth- works are still manned. They have twenty-three guns, I think, in their earthworks south of the ford. E. S. ALLEN, Aeronaut. CHANCELLORSYILLE, May 2, 18634.10 p m. General BuTTERFJ~ELD The major-general commanding directs that General Sedgwick cross the river as soon as indications will permit; capture Fredericksburg with everything in it, and vigorously pursue the enemy. We know that the enemy is fleeing, trying to save his trains. Two of ~ divisions are among them. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier-General, and Aide-dc-Camp. (Copy from Butterfield, at Falmouth; to Sedgwick, 5.50 p. in.) MAY 2,1863. Colonel McMAHoN: The rebels have removed the four guns from works directly in front of General Brooks, and appear to be moving the larger portion of their force from General Brooks front toward our right. GEG. J. CLARKE, Signal Officer. FALMOUTH, May 2, 18637.05 p m. General SEDGWICK: The major-general commanding directs you to pursue the enemy on the Bowling Green road. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, 4lajor- General, Chief of Staff. * See Sedgwicks dispatch, Delivered 10 a. in., p. 351 Page 364 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 18638 p. in. Major-General SEDGWICK: Inclosed dispatch just received from Phillips house. Their horses are poor. They cannot but be panic-stricken if you give them a sharp blow in the night. Your opportunities are grand beyond question. I know you will improve them. Nothing from the general since you were here. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. [Inclo8ure.J [F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 18637 p. m.j General BUTTERFIELD: The enemys battery (six guns) has left works opposite the upper part of the city. Saw it enter Telegraph road on crest of the hill in rear of Maryes Heights, moving south. Two guns have also left Maryes Heights, taking same course. Two batteries took positiou at 6.15 oclock on hill south of the Howison house. Were still there at dark. Horses are harnessed and standing near battery on crest of hill in rear of Maryes Heights. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant, Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, May 2, 18638 p. m. Major.General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: General Brooks has taken the Bowling Green road, in front of him; is still skirmishing, and will advance as long as he can see, and will then take position for the night. Newton is moving in the direction of Hamiltons Crossing, and at daylight the entire corps will be in motion. JOHN SEDGW1CK, Major. General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 18638.15 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: The general commanding understands that General Meade has sent General Sykes division on the Hunting Run. He will establish his line on that, resting on the I~aI)idan, and extend it in the direction of Chancellorsville, along the line of the Chancellorsville and Elys Ford road, as far as he can defend it. The general desires that you connect your right witW General Sykes left along the same line of road. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General and Aide-de-Gamp. 36 Page 365 CHAP. XXXYIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 365 FALMOIITH, May 2, 18638.25 p. in. Gommanding Officer, ~3ixth Corps: Dispatch received. Cant you take Fredericksburg to-night, so we can commence railroad and telegraph and pontoon bridge by daylight? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General and Chief of /gtaff. CHANCELLORSYiLLE, May 2, 18639 p. in. General BUTTERFIELD: The major-general commanding directs that General Sedgwick crosses the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg on the rt~ceipt of this order, and at once take up his line of march on the Chancellorsyille road until you [he] connect with us, and he will attack and destroy any force he may fall in with on the road. He will leave all his trains behind, except the pack train of small ammunition, and march to be in our vicinity at day- light. He will probably fall upon the rear of the forces commanded by General Lee, and between us we will use him up. Send word to General Gibbon to take possession of Fredericksburg. Be sure not to fail. De- liver this by your swiftest messenger. Send word that it is delivered to General Sedgwick. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier-General and Aide-de- Camp. (Similar dispatch from Van Alen to Sedgwick, same hour.) CIJANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 2, 186310 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: General Sedgwicks dispatch * has been received. It does not alter in any sense the character of the instructions sent General Sedgwick. They must be fully carried out to the very letter. This is vitally im- portant. Gibbon must cross the river to-night. J. H. VAN ALEK, Brigadier- General and Aide-dc- Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 186310.10 p. in. (Received 11 p. in.) Major-General SEDGWICK: The major-general commanding directs that you cross the Rappahan- nock at Fredericksburg on the receipt of this order, and at once take up your line of march on the Chancellorsville road until you connect with him. You will attack and destroy any force you may fall in with on the road. You will leave all your trains behind except the pack- mnle train of small ammunition, and in arch to be in the vicinity of the general at daylight. You will probably fall upon the rear of the forces * Probably that of S p. in., p. 364 Page 366 366 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXYIL commanded by General Lee, and between you and the major-general commanding he expects to use him up. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant J)ANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863. General SEDGWICK: Seize the mayor of Fredericksburg or any citizen. Put them ahead as guides, on pain of death for false information. Meanwhile I will send you one, if I can.* DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK: I send you a contraband, who knows the Plank road leading to Chan- cellorsville. Push on without delay. I have ordered Gibbon over the river to-night, and, to avoid interference with your column, will have the pontoon bridge laid at the Lacy house for him. Look out that your troops do not come in contact with his. DAiN L. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 186312 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK: From the statement brought by General Hookers aide, it seems to be of vital importance that you should fall upon ~ rear with crushing force. He will explain all to you. Give your advance to one who will do all that the urgency of the case requires. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., May 2, 186310.20 a. m. Brigadier-General GIBBON: I have hardly had time to post you fully in regard to the condition of affairs as I should like to have done. As matters stand now, Gen- cral Hooker is at Chancellorsville with the Third, Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth, with two divisions of the Second Corps. Reynolds is en route there from the lower crossing. Sedgwick will be at the lower crossing alone after Reynolds is gone. Twenty-eight or thirty pieces of the IReserve Artillery are at Banks~ Ford, with one of your regiments and * See Butterfield to Hooker, 11.10 p in., p 359 Page 367 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 367 some engineers. Two bridges ready to be thrown across whenever the ford is uncovered. Stonemans cavalry is supposed to be in tlie enemys rear, on the line of his railroad. Sedgwick has one division of the enemy in front of him, and the balance are in front of General Hooker. Please report to me what appearances are in your front along the river at Fredericksburg and your vicinity. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 2, 18631 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Wrote you fully this morning. No increase of force. The hills behind Fredericksburg, that is, on Sedgwicks right, have some considerable force on them, but I do not know whether Fredericksburg is occupied in force or not. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 2, 18633 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Reports from my picket line on the right state that the rebels are withdrawing their pickets all along the river above the dam. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier-General. F SIGNAL STATION, Near i~hillips House, May 2, 18635 p. m. General GIBBON: The enemy are evacuating their position in front of General Sedg- wick. Many men, much artillery, and numerous army wagons seen moving to our right and their rear. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Officer. F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 18635.30 p. m. General GIBBON: Twelve regiments infantry, sixty-eight wagons and ambulances, and one squadron cavalry have just passed along the crest of wooded ridge in front of General Sedgwick, moving toward Richmond Telegraph road. P. A. TAYLOR, First Lieutenant and Signal Officer. NEAR FALMOUTII, VA., May 2, 1863S .30 p.m. General HUNT, Banks Ford: The enemy is falling back from Sedgwick~ front. Their pickets still remain in front of this place. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier- General Page 368 368 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL F SIGNAL STATION May 2, 18636 p. m. General GIBBON: There are fifteen guns in position in rear of Fredericksburg. One or two regiments occupy the rifle-pits on Maryes Heights. Sedgwick is advancing and driving the enemy. A new battery is just being put in position in rear of the Howison house. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Officer. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 18638.25 p. m. Brigadier.General GIBBON: Everything working well. Sickles is in the enemys trains. Sedg- wick is pursuing here. Be ready to spring with your full supplies whenever you receive the order. Expect it at any moment. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, M4jor.General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Jilay 2, 1863. Brigadier-General GIBBON: Your command must cross the river to Fredericksburg to-night. Pontoon bridge now at the Lacy house. Get under way soon. General Sedgwick is ordered to move through Fredericksburg toward Chancel- lorsville. Look out you do not come in contact with him. You must see to the laying of the bridges. DAI{L. BUTTERFIELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 2, 186310.45 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Is there a bridge at hand that I can make use of to cross at the ford at Falmouth , or am I expected JOHN GIBBON Brigadier- Get~eral. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS: In regard to your line of march, the general indicated no route.* Under present circumstances the shortest line would seem to be the one, but you must consider whether the fire your troops would receive from the enemys artillery while passing along the River road, the guns of the enemy in position, & c, would make it proper for you to diverge for a * See Butterfield to Sedgwick, 5 a. in., p. 361 Page 369 Page 369 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 370 Page 370 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 371 Page 371 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 372 Page 372 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 373 Page 373 is not available at the time of scanning. 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A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 382 Page 382 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 383 Page 383 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 384 Page 384 is not available at the time of scanning. A replacement page will be inserted as soon as one is acquired Page 385 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., ]Iliay 3, 18639.05 a. m. General JOHN SEDGWJCK: My dispatch last night ill regard to not using signals was intended for night signaling only, as a signal last night might have informed the enemy of your movements, which it was desirable to avoid. General Hooker seems, from the sound, to be ~)usliing this way. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 18632.25 a. m. Geiieral HOOKER: General Sedg wick just reports three regiments threaten his left flank now and have engaged his l)ickets; there is still a three in Fredericks- burg; that he is marching as rapidly as possible, but cannot reach you by daylight. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staffi MAY 3, 18632.35 a. in. Major-General SEDGW1CK: An aide just arrived from General Hooker. Everything in the world (lej)eIIds Upon the ral)idity aiid I)roml)tness of your movement. Push c very thing. I send the aide to you. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. FALMOUTH, May 3, 18633.15 a. m. Ma or-General SEDGWICK: Gibbon telegraphed at 2.40 oclock that lie is putting his pontoons in the water just above the Lacy house without opposition. The two giltis were Gibbons answer, with canister, to a volley of musketry from the opposite shore. No firing since. S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOuTII, VA., May 3, 18634.55 a. In. Major-General SEDGWICK: The following has just been received from the commanding general, and is respectfully communicated to you for your inforniation and guidance: CHANCELLORSVILLE, May 3, 18634.10 a. ni. The general c~mii ianding directs me to say that any force in front of General Sedg- wick must be a small one and must not check his advance. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier-General and ~1 ide-dc- Camp. Very res~)ectfully, & c., S. XVJLL1AMS, Assistant A (~jut(tnt- General. 25 R RVOL XXV, PT II 38 Page 386 386 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVI FALMouTII, May 3, 18635.45 a. in. Major-General HOOKER: Heavy cannonading in Sedgwieks front for the last twenty minutes, apparently in front of Fredericksburg. No reports yet. 1)ANL. BUTTERFIELD. FALMOUTIL, May 3, 18636.08 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Balloon reports the enemy rea~)pearing on heights in front of Sedg- wicks crossing. Sedgwick, judging from the so~~d,is meeti ngwith strong resistance. I have no reports Iro;i l::ii yet. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. FALMOUTH, May 3, 18636.2() a. in. General HOOKER: Sedgwick reports himself at Sumners old l)attlc-ground at 5.30 a. in., hotly engaged, and not sanguine of the result. DANL. BUTTERFIELI), Major- General. FALMOUTH, May 3, 18636.2(i) a. in. Major-General ~EDGWICK: 1l:~vc lelegraplied your dispatch to General Hooker. You know how much (I(-l)eJt(Is oii your pushing, and, of course, xviii (10 eveiythiiig iii your power. I have (lirected the engineer officer to report for orders to you concerning the lower bridges. DANL. BUTTEJIFIELI), Major- General. FALMOUTIr, May 3, 18636.45 a. in. Major-General HOOKER: Sedgwicks l)rosl)ects here look uiifavorable, from rel)orts. lie is not out of Fredericksburg. DANL. BUTTEilFIE LI), Major- General, Chief of ~tq~ FALMOUTII, May 3, 18637.05 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Sedgwick still in front of Fredericksburg, as far as I c?u~ judge. Trains were running up all night to vicinity of Ilaniiltons (Jrossiiig. it may be that the enemy were re-enforced. DANL. BUTTELIFIELI), ]Iilajor- General Page 387 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. [BANKS FORD,] May 3, 18638.30 a. m. General HOOKER: The enemys pickets again withdrawing from the rifle-pits; but few remain. Some artillery, a few guns l)OSte(l by him last night on the crest opposite, just withdrawing. General Tyler is here. Will am- munition from the general artillery train be required? Capt. F. Taylor is with you and knows where it can be gotten. HENRY J. HUNT. (Repeated to General Butterfield.) FALMOUTH, ]Iiiay 3, 18638.30 a. m. General HOOKER: Our skirmishers just occupied rebel rifle-pits on hazel Ilun. Gib- hon moving to right, with prospect of flanking the enemy. Enemy resist (lesperately. BUTTERFIELD. FALMOUTH, May 3, 18638.42 a. m. Gemmeral SED~WJCK: F: cm statement of E. Buckley, of [J. P. W.j Reads (afterward Frasers) battery, MeLaws (livision, a deserter, last night, the enemy brined column yester(hmy to frighten us. No great force there. Jack- sons tO~l)5 went above on Plank roa(1. If an attempt had been made last night, we could have carried the heights. BUTTERFIELI). FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863-8.45 a. in. Gemmeral IlooKEn: Se(lgwick at 7.40 oclock reports about making combined assault on their works. Gibbon on right; Newton center; howe on hit. if he fails, will try again. BUTTERFIELD. BANKS FORD, May 3, 18638.45 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD: Dispatch received. Will do all l)ossible to keep open telegraphic communication with United States Ford, and keep you advised. From the fire which approaches us, by the sound, I judge that we are push- ing the enemy back. HENRY J. HUNT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 18639.15 a. m. Major-General SEDO WICK: You will hurry up your column. The enemys right flank now rests imear th& Plarmk road at Chiancellorsville, all exposed. You will attack at once. By command of Major-General Hooker: C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineer8. 38 Page 388 388 N. VA., ~ ~ Ml)., ANI) 1~A. [C LAP. XXXVII. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 18639.40 a. in. General JOHN SEDGWICK: General Hunt reports from I3aiiks Ford that from the sound he judges that General hooker is pushing the enemy toward the river, and that the enemy appear to be evacuating their intrenchments at Banks Ford. Very respectfully, & c., DANE. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. [AT BANKS FORD,J May 3, 18639.50 a. in. General HUNT: General hookers attack was down Cliancellorsville road. He is ~)robably, from the sound, pnshing this way. Sedgwick is ~)repari1Ig column of assault now. BUTTERFIELD. UNITED STATES FORD, May 3, 1863---10 a. in. General BENHAM, or Corn in an (ling Officer, Banks, Ford Commanding general desires that you will send the Ibilowing mes- sage across Banks For(l to General Sedgwick at omice. Where is he ~? C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers. [Inclosure.] MAY 3 186310 a. m. General SEDGWICK: You will hurry 111) your column. The enemys right flank now rests near the Plank road at Chancellorsville, all exposed. You will attack at once. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQIJARTERS, UNiTED STATES FORD, May 3,186310 a. m. General BUTTERFiELD: General Hooker wishes to know where General Sedgwick is. C. B. COMSTJCK, Captain oj Engineers. SIGNAL STATION, [May 3, 1863JlI a. in. Captain CONSTOCK, - U. S. Engineers, United States Ford: Your messages received at 10.30 oclock and sent at once by orderly to General Sedgwick, via Falmouth ; also by telegraph to General But- terfield. No bridges (lowIl here yet, as the enemy still hold the opposite bank. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General Page 389 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 389 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, AMy 3, 186310 a. m. General HOOKER: All dispatches to Sedgwick been delivered: Last ones just run to him for life. He is on Suniners old battle-ground, held in check appar- ently. Advised inc at S oclock that he would form column of attack and push. Gibbon is with him. I have pushed him all that I felt justifle(l. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 186310.05 a. in. General SEDGWJCK: XYhat can I say to General hooker of your position, I)rospects, and what he can expectl Telegraph is open to him l)artially. DANE. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of A3taff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, May 3,186310 a. in. (l) General SEDGWICK: I ant just advise(l galls, date United States Ford by In , 8.45 Terrible conflict; enemy in great force in their front and right, but at that moment they were repnlsing him and driving hun on all sides. General Hooker is safe, so far. Imigalls says we shall be victorious. What from your column of ~attack ~? Another (lispatch from General Hooker: Coinmnnicate with Sedgwiek. XVe are (Iriving the enemy, au(1 only need him to coInl)lete the job. Hastily, yours, ilTajor- BUTTERFIELJ), General~ Chief /. Aiaff. Please acknowledge above, and (late and lionr. MAY 3, 186310.15 a. in. General BUTTERFIELD: lour two dispatches received. There is no cavalry.here for patrol duty, and the macn at the telegraph statiomi are worn omit by comistant patrolling. The commnnicatiomi agaimi open to United States Ford. From appearances, our troops are gradually pushing this way. HENRY J. hUNT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, General HOOKER: May 3, 186310.35 a. mu. SC(lgwick at this momnent comnmences his assanlt. He is on our old gronmid of 1)ecembcr 13. The force in his front is small bnt active. Will l)ost. you sliec(lily as to resnlt. BUTTERF JELl), Mi~or- General, Chief of Statf Page 390 390 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAr. XXXVII. MAY 3, 186310.50 a. in. General HOOKER: Am signaled that Sedgwick has carried Maryes Heights, and, officer thinks, captured the guns. _ B UTTERJELD. MAY 3, 186311.10 a. ni. (From Signal Station, 10.50 a. ut) General HOOKER: First range of hills ours. Batteries an(l l)risoliers takeii. Enemy retreating. B UTTEIIFIELI). MAY 3,186311 a.. in. General HOOKER: Signal that enemy are retreating in Sedgwicks front, pursue(1 at a run by our infantry. We have the battery on right of Telegraph road; oar troops advancing on the left. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. MAY 3, 186311.05 a. in Major-General SEDGWJCK: Have ordered bridges relaid iu rear of Brooks, below, as requested by you this moment. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & aff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK: In accordance with your dispatch, just received, stating that in your view it is imnportaiut that the bri(lges shoul(l I)e transterre(L at once to Fredericksburg, I have directed it to be done. [~uofessor Lowe reports enemy appearing oii opposite heights. Is it iiot your troops that he takes for the enemy ~ Tix and opeii signal communication with the Phillips house, if you need it. DANL. BUTTElifIELD, Major- General, Chief of Statr FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863. Major-General SEDGwICK: I sent word to Gibbon with regard to the location of the bridges, as I supposed he would be in the town under orders to hold it, and would have instructions from you where you desired them to be laid. I have feared since that you might think strangely of it, and advise you with this explanation. At the time I sent one or two dispatches to him, I suI)posed you were in advance of Fredericksburg and he in it. They report to me that your wounded . are being h-ought over the lower bridges, and that they are not up yet, as ordered by you and by m Page 391 CIIAl. XXxVii.j CORIWSPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 391 from your order. I wish to facilitate your operations every way. Coin- mand me in any way, and J am at your disposal. Telegraphic commu- nication with the general via the United States Ford is broken. Will advise you when restored. I am of no service here while the line is down. If I can aid you on the field, command me. BUTTERFIELD. P. S.My orders were to remain here from General Hooker, but I feel like disobedience now. Please consider this confidential. MAY 3, 186311.27 oclock. General HOOKER: Signal station reports (11.20 oclock) enemy retreating in great dis- order. They abandoned their line from Hazel Run to their extreme left. They are trying to form oii the Dahlman Heights; their attempt as yet fruitless. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. MAY 3,186311.40 oclock. General HOOKER: Signal rel)orts (11.15 a. in.) oar trool)s gaiue(l crest of hill on Tele- graph moad; en enty retreating south on said road, with ambulances and wagons; some of their troops moving in direction of Orange Plank road. Sedgwick reports driving them on double-quick. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. UNITED STATES FORD, May 3,186312 in. General BUTTERFIELD: General Hooker is doing well. We have plenty of fresh troops still left, but have gained no groun(1 to-day, yet our lines are strong; but no (loubt another desperate effort will be made to force our position. We feel confident that Sedgwick must press them fast. Answer me here. I will take it to General Hooker. lie wants Sedgwick to press them. RUFUS I4GALLS, Chief Quart crmaster. [Indorsexnent.I MAY 3, 186312 in. General SEDGWICK: What answer can I send General Hooker 0? BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 186312 in. R. INGALLS, Chief QuartermaRter Sedgx~-ick is by this time (12 in.) probably free from all obstructions of e:mrthworks. lie has carried the heights on right of Telegraph road Page 392 392 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. Two lines of his troops have (Iisal)peared in the woods on the hills, and all seems going well. Will advise you farther as soon as I can get word from Sedgwick. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 186312.30 p. m. General HOOKER: Sedgwicks lines are now seen moving forward admirably and rap- idly. With onr glasses his troops are just made out. He has suffered but little, as we learn, in carrying the heights. Will keep you fully advised every moment. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 186312.32 p. m. General HOOKER: Signal reports (12 in.) enemy still being driven on ~edgwicks right. To the left and rear of the Howison house the enemy have taken a position on Telegraph road, and arc holding our forces in check. They are hotly contesting the ground at this point. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 3, 18631 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel MOMAHON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Sixth Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report that my division has taken five of the enemys fortified works, one battery, and a large number of pris- oners; the exact number I can [cannot] now state; they are still coming in. My loss in officers and men has been considerable. A. P. HOWE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. MAY 3, 18631 p.m. General HOOKER: Enemy evacuating rifle-pits on the run, and artillery and infantry are moving at the (louble-quick to re-enforce the enemy at Chancellorsville; also everything appearing to be clean in our front or south of us. Shall I lay one bridge or two? H. W. BENHAM. MAY 3, 1863i p.m. General HOOKER: Colonel Smith, of General Owens brigade, in charge of pickets, re- ports the enemy moving large bodies, with artillery, from Fredericks- burg toward our right. I have sent orders to fire on such, if they pass within our range, just to make sure they are not our troops. The pickets of the enemy are reported to be leaving the rifle-pits across the river. General Benham is ready to throw the bridges, but none of our troops have made their appearance from above or below. HENRY J. HUNT. (Repeat to General Butterfield. Page 393 CHAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 393 BANKS FORD, May 3,18631.10 p. m. General HooKER: Capt am Comstocks dispatch to General Sedgwick to support you from below received l)y him at 11.30 oclock. lIe must be moving ral)i(lly toward you. Their troops lately in our front are moving up in advance of huin. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. MAY 3, 18632.30 p. m. General HOOKER: Following from General Warren, at 1 p. in.: MAY 3, 18631 p. in. General BUTTERFIELD: We have advanced with Newtons division on the Plank road as far as Guests house. The heights were carried splendidly at ii a. m. by Newton. Howe immediately after- ward carried the heights to the south of Hazel Run. We have been waiting to get his division behind us before advancing, to get np batteries and stragglers, and get the brigades straightened out, whuich were a little disorganized by a successful ~harge aiid l)lirsuit. Our loss, though honorable proof of a severe contest, is not very severe. rue Sixth Corps is in splendid spirits. We captured several guns. General howe reports a force yet in his front. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Brigadier- G eral of Volunteers. P. 8.Brooks division were kept by the enemys fire in position on our left, and after the heights were carried he had 3 miles to march to join us. He is not up yet. DANL. 13UPTERFJELD. MAY 3, 18633.25 p. m. Generai HOOKER: Following from aide sent to Sedgwick: 2.20 P. M. Brooks division has just moved ahead again, and other two divisions will follow shortly. Sedgwick says loss heavier than he expected, having lost several colonels and iuuany tiel(l officers. Warren thinks 11 miles beyond this the enemy have halted and will make a stand. The men show much fatigue, but Sedgwick intends to push vigorously. No report of where he was exactly. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 18634 p. m. General HUNT, Banks Ford, Va.: Newtons division had advanced as far as Guests house, on Plahk road, at 1 p. m. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 18634.05 p. in. General HOOKER: Following from signal: 3.25 i. M. Battery of enemy just opened on our troops near Guests house, on the Orange road. Our batteries in position and replying. Gibbons troops nrc moving out on time Plank road. I think officer means Newtons troops. He took two batteries on Frederi ekshii rg Heights. You i dispatch, received and sei it to President. BUTTERFIELD Page 394 394 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. xxxvit MAY 3, 18635 p.m. Major-General HOOKER: At 3.30 p. iii., as near as I can get at it, Sedgwicks advance was about 3~ miles distaut from Fredericksburg, near Guests housesee photographic map. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3, 18635.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: The signal telescope discovers about several thousand troops due west from this point, about 8 miles. Counts seven colorsrebel battle-flags. This would locate them at 5 p. m. near Tabernacle Church by the pho- tograph map. Is not this a column marching to meet Sedgwick and away from your front ~ XVIII get further information if I can. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HOOKER: May 3, 1863GAO p. m. Following from a staff officer sent to Sedgwick: 5.30 r. M. Line slowly advancing. Communication opened with Banks Ford. Enemys in- fantry just opened upon them. Still driving them. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 18636.50 p. in. General HOOKER: Sedgwicks column reported at 4.15 p. m. advanced three-quarters of a mile beyond Guests house. Sedgwick tells my staff officer he is get- ting along very well. He is moving in two columns on either side of the Plank road, a line of a half mile deployed. Warren thinks the enemy will make a stand half a mile beyond their tlieii position. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 18637.15 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: General Sedgwick was attacking the enemy on a ridge at Salem Church, 6~ miles from Chancellorsville, the enemy making a stand at that point. Infantry fire heavier than hitherto, and our men fall back a little in center. Heavy infantry fire reported. Time, 6.05 to 6.15 oclock. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, General HOOKER, May 3, 18637.40 p. m. (Jha a cellorsvillc: Sedgwick has just ordered forward all his ammunition traimis. BUTTERFIELD Page 395 ChAP. XXXV1J.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC.IJNION. 395 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 18638.30 p. in. General HoOKER: Just received report from aide with Sedgwick, dated 6.30 p. in. Brooks division was driven back, and are now apparently driving them. The enemys infantry fire is much less. Our men are again advancing, and the line has been mnch more extended. 6.45 p. rn.Our batteries have ceased, and the line is now advancing in splendid style. I have said to General Sedgwick that General Hooker expresses great anxiety to have his corps l)Hshed forward as rapidly as possible, and he (General Sedgwick) says this is being (lone. Our men are cheering in the front. Artillery has opened on the extreme left. Do you get reports via Banks Ford ~ If so, can I commnnicate with you that way~ DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of staff. MAY 3, 18638.30 p. m. (~eneral HOOKER: The latest I have from Sedgwick is from him at 6.30 oclock. Dis- l)ateII just sent General H. Have an order from him to send his amunn- nition traiuis. Iii writing my last dispatch, General Williams made me ask if I, instead of General Sedgwiek, could communicate with you that way. I was advised that, at 5.30 oclock, skirmishers of Sixty- ninth had opened communication with Colonel Doull, at Banks Ford. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 3,18639.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Lieu ten ant Woolsey, aide-dc. camp, just returned from Sedgwick. Left him at 7.25 oclock. Sedgwick had been skirmishingfighting all the way up. Heavy infantry fire about 7 oclock. All quiet when he left. Bartlett told him he had lost heavily. Position about one and a quarter miles beyond Gnests house. Line across road. Colonel Doull was to leave for Banks Ford an(l rel)Ort exact position of affiuirs to you. Had not left when he started. Heard artillery firing oui their left about 6 p. in. Warren said it might be Buford. I think it was a portion of force that had fallen back from Fredericksburg before Sedgwick and down toward Hamiltons Crossing. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. MAY 3, 186310.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Siornal officer reports everything quiet on the heights to the rear of Fredericksburg. We see no camp-fires, indicating presence of the enemy, only on ridge near rebel railroad station, and these very fow. Time, 9.30 p. m. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Miajor- General, Ch jef of Staf Page 396 396 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 186312 midnight. (Received Sixth Corps, May 46.30 a. in.) General SEDGWICK: I find everything snug here. We contracted the line a little and rel)lllsed the last assault with ease. General Hooker wishes them to attack him to-morrow. If they will, he does not desire you to attack them again in force unless be attacks him at the same time. He say~ you are too far away for him to direct. Look well to the safety of your cori)5, and keep HI) communication with General Beuhain at Banks Ford and Fredericksburg. You can go to either place if you think it best. To cross at Banks Ford would bring you in supporting distance of the main body, and would be better than falling back to Fredericks burg. G. K. WARREN, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3, 186312.20 a. in. Brigadier General GIBBON: Push everything to get that bridge over. If you are likely to fail with the bridge, keel) yonr ammunition dry, and l)ush over the ford, it l)racticable. You innst cross to-night. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTIT, VA., May 3, 18631.45 a. in. Brigadier-General GIBBON: If it is found to be entirely impracticable to lay a bridge or cross at the fords near Falmoutli, you can go via Sedgwicks crossing, where the two bridges remain. I learned, about (lark that the Twenty-first Mississippi Regiment had been left in the towu and were trying to get out. They may be there still, if so, you can easily caj)ture them l)y sending a brigade via Sedgwicks crossing. I)ANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of 5U4f. HEADQUARTDRS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 3,18634 p. m. General GIBBON, Lacy House: Have you taken any steps to get down the batteries we captured out of their positions and over the river? BUTTERFIELD. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 18634.04 p. m. General JOHN GIBBON: If you have tiot :lreid~ done ~o, I am directed to say that you wilt at once cause the lrisollers, gui~, arms, ainiiiunitioi, and equipment Page 397 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 397 captured from the enemy this morning in front of and in Fredericks- burg to be brought to this side of the river. Very respectfully, & c., S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 3, 18634.05 p. m. General HOOKER: Gibbons division still in and around Fredericksburg. Shall it be pushed after Sedgwick or remain here ~i BUTTERFIELD. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, May 3, 1863S .40 p.m. General JOHN GIBBON: The orders of the commanding general stated that you were to cross and occupy Fredericksburg last night. I presume he left you to the (lisL)osition of General Sedgwick. I have telegraphed him concerning it. How many guns and prisoners did Sedgwick get~ Make strong exertions with a view to to-morrows oI)erations. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & aff. MAY 3, 18636.20 p. in. General GIBBON: General Hooker wishes you kept at Fredericksburg. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, MajorGeneral, Chief of & aff. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 3, 1863. Brigadier-General GIBBON: Reports of signal officers make a cavalry force opposite to Reynolds crossing, a battery near Captain Hamiltons crossing, and two regi- ments of infantry supporting it. At 1 p. m. a brigade of infantry that were out as skirmishers retired, going back over the hill, and no trains in (to rebel railroad station, I suppose) since 1 p. m. Is this a force of about a brigade and a battery cut off by Sedgwicks assault and sepa- ated from his prisoners, or is it a force probably left to guard their supply depot l I have been so bnsy every moment with matters of detail that I have hardly had time to think of it. Keep a watch Oil this force and its movements. Their main army was all in front of General Hooker at noon to-day. To-night Sedgwick has some portion, I know not what, in front of him. Keel) your orderlies on hand to post me quickly, so that the general may be informed of all that trans- pires. DANE BUTTERFIELD, Mdjor- General, Chief of staff Page 398 398 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. YORKTOWN, May 3, 186312 noon. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: I learn that the enemy have left the White House, on the Pamunkey. They have planted torpedoes there in the river. I cannot learn whether the bridge has been destroyed. E. D. KEYES, ]1lajor. General. BALTIMORE, Brigadier-General KELLEY, May 3, 1863. Martinsburg, Va.: I still think that if Jones does return to the railroad, it will be at Rowlesburg or some point east of that. His attack, if it should be made on Grafton, might be a feint, and could not be successful. Look to the line between New Creek and Grafton. ROBT. C. SCHENUK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORE, May 3, 18631.10 p. m. Major-General MILROY, Winchester, Va.: Just received the following dispatch: Colonel Smith reports the enemy moving down the Valley from Franklin. I have ordered Smith back into Greenland Gap, and the First Virginia Infantry and the Ringgold Cavalry, from Romney, to his support. Please order Milroy to push on his force seut toward Moorefield, and we will put them in a tight place. I go to New Creek in a few moments. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-Gen al. You will exercise your discretion as to yonr ability to add to the force sent to Moorefield, and will hold the rest at Winchester, not inov- ing up the Valley, but scouting and keeping watchful iu that direction. ROBT. C. SCIJENUK, Major- General, Commanding. BALTIMORi~, M D.~ May 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Following just received from Geiieral B. S. Roberts: CLARKSBURG, VA., May 3, 1863. General SCHENCK: The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry is now moving between Grafton and Bridgeport. Jones forces have all massed at Philippi, and are moving rapidly by the way of Bev- eily. Jacksons and Jenkins forces, about 6,000, with battery of six gnns, are yet at Buekhannon, and believe they can hold the country, or, at all events, keep np a per- petual guerrilla war, cnt telegraph, harass trains, and act on railroads. Governor Peirpoint has on way to rue t~vo regiments of militia. These regiments, and the militia companies at Grafton, I shall place along the railroad from Grafton to Park- ersburg, and move the volunteers in tifree columns ou the forces at Bnckhannon Page 399 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 399 The moment I get rations, forage, and transportation together, Colonel Mulligan will IIIOVO by the way of Philippi; General Kenly by the direct road to Buckhaunon; Colonel Morn, with part of the Fourth Brigade, by Janelew an(l Weston. Colonel Wilkinson will remain beic. The attack of my cavalry on Jones rear guard was more fatal to him than I supposed. About 30 of his iiieii nero killed, mainly by sabers, arid others, wounded, have been brought in. It caused hirii groat alarm, and prevented his doing extensive damage at Bridgeport. He only staid there about two hours. If Milroy moves forces by Mooretield, and Scammon by Summerville, the enemy should be captured. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General. BALTIMORE, May 3, 18631 a. m. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Clarks burg, Va.: Reports of apprehended return by Jones and attack on Grafton. Communicate with Mulligan, and give him support, if needed. He will be re-enforced with some infantry from Fairinont, sent there from Wheeling. The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, sent you from Win- chester, will reach Grafton about 7 this a. in. Received your dispatch of to-day. Have directed Scammon to send what force he can to Sununerville, and Milroy to send some cavalry and a section or two of artillery to Moorefield; also to make a reconnaissance up the Valley, to which Jones will doubtless eventually return. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major- General, Commanding. CLARKSRURG, VA., May 3, 1863. General R. C. SCHENCK, Commanding at Baltimore, Md.: No additional information of the enemy to-day. Jones had reached Leadsville, between Phulippi and Beverly, last night. Can hear no movements of the forces of Jenkins and Jackson that have been at Buckh annon. Have sent Colonel Thompson (Third Virginia Regiment) and section oC battery to Janelew, and the Second (Colonel Latham) with a section of battery to Bridgeport. The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 320 strong, reaches me to-day, broken down. No means of transportation gotten here yet. It will be several days before I can do anything but protect railroad. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 186311.30 a. rn. General HOOKER, Via United States Ford: Bell, citizen of Fredericksburg, reports Hood and Pickett in Peters- burg last Thursday, and were to be here yesterday by Central and Aqitia Railroads. Railroads in good or(ler yesterday. Pickett was to come via Fredericksburg and Hood via Gordonsville. Circumstance Page 400 400 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. connected with his statement convince me that it has good foundation. Am just mounting to join you. Also reports Pickett reoccupied and drove Gibbons troops out of heights we captured yesterday. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General. (Copy to General Peek.) CAlVIP NEAR CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., ]Jiliay 4, 186312 m. Col. AMBROSE THOMPSON, Quartermaster, Aquia, Va.: Keep as much of the public l)roPerty afloat as you can until further orders. Be prepared to act on your judgment at short notice. See that your depot is kept constantly prepared. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. UNITED STATES FORD, VA., May 4, 1863. Col. D. II. RUCKER, Quartermasters Department: ship io more horses or other stores until further notice. Please advise Captains Stoddard and Ferguson. My reasons are good. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. NEAR CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 186312 m. General H. HATIPT, Supt. of Military Railroads, Falmouth Station, Va.: The bridge need not be built, of course, at present. You doubtless will see that your road stock is not molested by any raid of the rebels. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. MAY 4, 1863. Col. 11. INGALLS, United States Ford, Va.: Your suggestions have been anticipated. I have ordered all rolling. stock not required for use here to be returned to Alexaiidria. Would it not be well not to keep too large 5111)plieS at Falnioutli? II. HAUPT. MAY 4, 1863. General HAUPT, It Station, Va. Supt. of Military Railroads Falmout I do not wish any more supplies takeii up until further notice. I hope you will ask for protection at Aqnia in case of necessity, though we trust to fight out in excellent style yet. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster Page 401 CHAr. XXXVII.] CORRES1ONuENCE, ETC.UNION. 401 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ]lIay 4, 18631~ in. Capt. WILLIAM G. HANKiN, At Old fleadqucirters Army of the Potomac: Do not come up here yourself. Perhaps no one had better come just yet. Keep quiet; do not make any excitement. We are in great trouble, but we shall fight out. Do not communicate with Washing- ton on the subject. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. WASHINGTON, I). C., May 4, 18633.10 p. in. MnjorGeneral HOOKER: We have news here that the enemy has reoccupied heights above Fredericksburg. Is that 50 ~ A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 18634.20 p. in. his Excellency the PRESIDENT: I am informed that it is so, but attach no llnl)ortance to it. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 18633.45 p. in. Major.General MEADE: Major-General Hooker directs that you send in three regiments as skirmishers to your front as far as the Chancellorsville and Germauna Plank road, to find out the enemys force in that direction. Support your skirmishers by a brigade. The general desires to see what is in the field to the right of the Chancellor house. Let your line of skirmishers be strong enough to drive in the line held by the enemy. Very respectfully, & c., J. II. VAN ALEN Brigadier.General, Acting Chief of & aff CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 18636.15 a. m. General SLocuM: The general commanding desires that you send out a regiment on the River road, with orders to proceed until they come up with and feel the enemy sufficiently to be able to ascertain his position, and whether lie is in force or not. J. H. VAN ALEX, Brigadier-Yeneral and Aide-de- Camp. .~6 R RVOL XXV. PT I Page 402 402 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL UJIANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 18638.30 a. in. Major-Generai COUCH: The general commanding desires that you hold one (liViSion of your command iii readiness to move upon the flank of the enemy ~n the event that an attack, which he (loes not anticipate, shall be made upon the line of Generals Slocum and Howard. J. II. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General and Aide-de- Camp. (JHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 4, 18638.30 a. m. Major-General SLocuM: The general conimanding has received your dispatch without date. He is aware of the ~veakiiess of your line, and as that of General Couch appe~rs to be the strongest, an(l one which the enemy will be the least likely to attack, he has directed General Couch to hold one (livision of huis command in readiness to move upon the flank of the eneun.y ~vit bout further orders iii the event that ati attack should be made on time front held by yourself and General Howard. This, however, he does not anticipate. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General and Aide-dc- Camp. NEAR SALEM CHAPEL, VA., May 4,118631.30 a. m. General HOOKER: We were checked here last night and held until dark. I believe the enemy have been re-enforcing all night auud will attack me in the morn- ing. Ho~v do matters stand with you0l Send me instructiolis. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General, Commanding. MAY 4, 18632.45 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Following just received from signal station at the Phillips house, 2 p. in.: The enemy reported near the Temple house. Are moving south toward the Tele- graph road, and the movement is by the flank. Cannot tell their object. S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant. A ~jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, May 4, 18636 a. in. General SEDGWLCK: Tlucgcuucr~u I couum mu mud hug desires you to tclcgr~uj du to hiuim your exact position. What infi,rmation lu~ve ~you re~pectiiug thue force of enem Page 403 ChAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 403 in frotit and rear ~ What is your own strength? Is there any danger of a force coming up in your rear and cutting your conininnicatioit l Can you sustain yourself acting separately or in co-operation with us ~ J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General. MAY 4, 18636 a. in. General GOUVERNEUR K. WARREN, United & ates Ford: have you good communication with General ~3edgwick, and are you certain that he has received your dispatch with respect to the opera- tions of his corps l Please answer immediately. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTh CoRls, May 4, 186362.~0 a. am. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Ci, i~j ({/ Sic/i: 1 ant ~~imxious to hear from General Hooker. There is a strong force in front of me, strongly l)OStCd. I cannot attack with any hope of dis- lodging them until I know something definite as to the position of their main body and ours. 1 have sent two or three messengers to Ranks Ford, but none have returned, nor have I heard from the general since yesterday. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General, Commanding. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 18636.30 a. ni. General PLEASONTON: Send a regintemit of cavalry to Sedgwick, to join hint by Banks Ford, if practicable, as it was yesterday. J. H. VAN ALEN. Brigadier- General and Aide-dc Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 18636 a. rn. (Sent 7 a. in.) General HOOKER: By an aide just from Sedgwick, I learn that Warren has fully ex- plained to you his position. Warrens dispatch to Sedgwick had rmt reached him at 4 oclock this morning. I fear it may have been cap- tured. I learn it left Banks Ford by an orderly for General Sedgwick, who has not returned. Copy was furnished for my imtformation. I have sent it 1)ost-haste to General Sedgwick. It is important that you and he should know if the (lispatch was captured. DANL. I3IJTTEIWI ELi), M4jor- General, Chief of Stafl Page 404 404 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. MAY 4, 18637.10 a. in. Geiieral HooKER: Enemy a(lvaIlcing on Fredericksburg from lull l)ehind Ilowison house. About one brigade in sight. Sedgwick, at 6.20 a. iii., says he hus had nothing from you. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, May 4, 18637.15 a. m. General HOOKER: Forces engaging Gibbon in front of Fredericksburg seem to imperil our communication with SedgwicL I fear the staff officer who left here with a copy of Warrens dispatch will not reach him. From the tenor of that officers statement, I judge Sedgwick was waiting to hear from you. It is important that he shonid get Warrens dispatch. Gibbon just advised me that deserter reports Longstreets forces in directiou of Bowling Green. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. 7.20 a. m.The enemy have reached Orange Plank road, in front of Fredericksburg. MAY 4, 18637.20 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK: One of your staff just left with dispatch from General Warren to you. A brigade of the enemy are reported advancing on Fredericks- burg. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 3, ri,] 18638 a. m. Generat SEDGWICK: The general directs me to say that, from information received from Generals Warren and Howard of the movements of the enemy, that it is their intention to make the attempt to luierce our center. He desires that if any portion of your force is available, and can be spared, they be moved in a central position, near where they can support Howard or be thrown to the right or left, as re(luired. He is under the impression that you have three brigades in reserve, and thinks L)erhaps two of them might be (lisposed as above. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff CIJANCELLORSYLLLE, VA., May 47 18638 a. m. General BENHAM: [lie ot oing on on the opj)osite side of Observe operations thc.enemv the river from Banks Ford, making use of all the means iii yonr Page 405 CORREsPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 405 with the utmost care. Send up the balloon, atid, if practicable, let siiiall reconnoitering parties be sent on to the high ground. hold corn- iruiiiication with all persons you see on tbe other side of the river, and iiiake use of all other means to accomplish this end. If any of the in- formation gathered should be of value iii the movements of the army, let it be sent to me at once by telegraph. JOSEPh HOOKER, Major. General, Commanding. MAY 4, 18638.10 a. m. Major-General SEDGWTCK: The enemy are advancing on Fredericksburg; reliorted to have pos- session of Orange Plank road. One l)riga(le just reported advancing. Now, 8 a. in., a column reported coming on Telegraph road. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of staff. NEAR BANKS FORD, May 4, 18638.15 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: There is a force, I judge a brigade, about 4 niiles southeast by east from Banks Ford, upon a hill. Open lot. Think road back of them. E. S. ALLEN, (Copy for General Sedgwick.) Aeronaut. MAY 4, 18638.20 a. in. General BENITAM, or 6ommanding Officer, Banks Ford, Va.: have operator keel) copies of all my dispatches to General Hooker and his to me, to be sent to General Sedgwick whenever communica- tion is opened with him. Give instructions, and be careful that any (hispatches sent him do not fall into enemys hands. Advise me if: you have ammy communication with him. If not, let us know the moment you can do so. Make efforts. BUTTERFIELD. MAY 4, 18638.30 a. in. General HOOKER: I am occupying the same position as last night. The enemy made an attack on Howe; did not amount to much. I think I have made secure my communication with Ranks Ford. I think they will attempt to drive me back. I await instructions. JOHN SEI)G WICK. FALMOUTif, May 4,18638.35 p. m. General GIBBON: Following just received from signal station, Fitzhugh house, 6 p. in.: A large squad of cavalry has heco opposite this poi it I da, about 1 mile back from the river. Their horses have been kept saddled. I counted 1~O of them. Page 406 406 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAl. XXXVII can see no artillery. A train, consisting of an engine atl(l ten cars, came iii this afternoon. A train of wagons was loaded from them, and went oft across the hills to the right. S. F. BAIRSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 4,18638.40 a. rn. Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac: The third brigade of the enemys forces seen advancing on ridge rear Roes house, toward Fredericksburg. TIi is indicates the piesence of a division, at least, coming up. Gibbon has but. two brigades here. Nothing from Sedgwick; no communication with him. DANL. 13lJTTEI~FlI~L 1), Major. General, Chief of $taff (Copy to General Sedgwick.) MAY 4, 18638.55 a. m. General HoOKER: Have oI)ened flag signal communication with Sedgwick. Sent him Warrens dispatch. Enemy reported retreating from direction xvii ence they came toward Fredericksburg. BUTT FiRFIELD. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, May 4,18639 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: I am occupying same position as last night. I have secured my corn- inunication with Banks Ford. The emiemy are in possession of the heights of Fredericksburg in force. They appear strongly in our front, and are making efforts to drive us back. My strength yester(lay morn- ing was 22,000 men. I do not know my losses, but they were large, probably 5,000 men. I cannot use the cavalry. It depends upon the condition and position of your force whether 1 can sustain myself hcre. Howe reports the enemy advancing upon Fredericksburg. JOHN SEI)C WiCK, Major- General. BANKS FORD, VA., May 4, 18639 a. mu. General BUTTERFIELD, Old Headquarters Camp: Colonel MeMahon has just left here, and has reported favorably as to General Sedgwick. I have just received or(iers to lay a second bridge down, however. I now forward yonr communications to him, atl(l will keep you advised. It is just rel)ortcd to me that Newton is thiling back on my bridge. Your two copies for General Sedgwick n~w go together. II. W. BENIJAM Page 407 CHAP. XXXVII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 407 NEAR BANKS FORD, V A., May 4, 18639.45 a. m. General HoOKER: The enemy are pressing me. I am taking position to cross the river whenever necessary. JOH1~ SEDGWJOK, Major- General. PHILLIPS HOUSE, May 4, 186310 a. m. General SEDGW~CK: The enemy have halted on distant ridge, near large brick house to the rear of city (there is at least a full division), and are forming in line of battle. They are now moving toward the city in line. JAS. S. HALL, Captain, & c. MAY 4, 186310.20 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Telegraph just received. Will leave in thirty ininntes. I have sent all possible information received with regard to Longstreet, and directed COI)Y of your dispatch to be sent via Banks Ford, having been advised by Benham of communication there with Sedgwick. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 186310.20 a. in. General SEDGWICK, Via Banks Ford, Va.; Brigade of Gibbons still holds Fredericksburg. Your commissary, just come in from your position, via Stan shury house and River road across canal, through Fredericksburg, reports road clear then, say three-quarters of an hour since. BUTTERFIELI). MAY 4, 186310.20 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Heavy force of enemy reported advancing on Fredericksburg. BUTTERFIELD. (Copy to General Sedgwick.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4,186310.30 a. m. General SEDGWICK, Commanding & eth Corps: The commanding general directs that, in the event you fall back, you reserve, if practicable, a position on the Fredericksburg side of the Rappaliannock, which you can hold securely nntil to-morrow p. in. Please let the commanding general have your opinion in regard to this by telegraph from Banks Ford as soon as possible. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 408 408 N. VA.. W. VA., MD., AND PA. rCTTAP. X~I~VTh CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 186311 a. m. Major.General SEDGWICK: The major-general commanding directs me to say that he does not wish you. to cross the river at Banks Ford unless you are compelled to do so. The batteries at Banks Ford command the position. If it is practicable for you to maintain a position south side iRappahantiock, near Banks Ford, you will do so. It is very important that we retaiii position at Banks Ford. General Tyler commands the Reserve Artil- lery there. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier. General and Aide-de-Camp. SiXTH CORPS, May 4, 186311 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFiELD, and General HOOKER: I hold the same position. The enemy are pressing me hard. If I can 1101(1 until night, I shall cross at Banks Ford under instructions from General Hooker. given by Brigadier-General Warren. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General. SEDGWICKS HEADQUARTERS, May 4, 186311.15 a. in. Major-General HOOKER: Tile enemy threatens inc strongly on two fronts. My position is bad for such attack. It was assumed for attack and not for defense. It is not improbable that bridges at Banks Ford may be sacrificed. Can you help me strongly if I am attacked f JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General. P. S.My bridges are 2 miles from me. I am compelled to cover them above and belo~v from attack, with the additional assistance of General Benhams brigade alone. CHANCELLORSYILLE VA., May 4,186311.50 a. m. Major.General SEDGWICK: If the necessary information shall be obtained to-(lay, and if it shall be of the character he anticipates, it is the intention of the general to a(lvance to-morrow. Iii this event the position of your corps on the south bank of the Ilappahannock will be as favorable as the general could (lesire. It is for this reason he desires that your troops may not cross the Ilappahannock. J. 11. VAN ALEN, Brigadier- General an (I A ide-de- Gui; Page 409 ~iIAP. XXXVII. j CORR1~S~ONDEN(JE, tTcXUN ION. 4c~ SEDGWICKS HEADQUARTERS, May.4, 186312 m. Generals HooKER and BUTTERFIELD: General Howe has had a sharp fight, and has taken a flag and 200 prisoners. SEDG WICK, tJeneral. FREDERICKSBURG, May 4, 186312 in. General BUTTERFIELD: The enemy that entered the earthworks in rear of Fredericksburg still remain. They have also considerable inflintry and some wagons with their artillery on the heights to the left of Hazel Run. A portion of Geiieral Sedgwicks command occupy a position to the right, corn- mandmg the enemy. I should estimate the enemy now in sight at least 15,000 strong. T. S. C. LOWE. (Copy to Geiieral Sedgwick.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 18631.20 p. m. General SEDGWICK, Commanding Sixth Corps I expect to advance to-morrow morning, which will be likely to re- lieve you. You iiiust not count on much assistance without I hear heavy firing. Tell General Benham to pnt down the other bridge, if you desire it. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, May 4, 18631.40 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: I occupy the same position as yesterday, when General Warren left me. it is not a strong one. I have no means of judging of the enemys force about me; deserters say 40,000. I shall take a position near Bank s Ford and the Taylor house, at the suggestion of General Warren. Officers have already gone to select a position. It is believed that the heights of Fredericksburg are occupied by two divisions of the enemy. JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major. General. MAY 4, 1863[Hour not state(1.] Major-Gener:il SEDGWTCK, Banks Ford, Va.: It is of vital importance that you should take a commanding posi- tioii near Fredericksburg, which you can. hold to a certainty till to-mor- row. Please advise me what you can do in this respect. I inclos Page 410 410 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. FCHAP. XXXYII. substance of a communication sent last night. its suggestions are highly important, and meet my full approval. There a~e positions on your side commanded by our batteries on the other side I think you could take and hold. The general would recommend as one such position the ground on which Dr. Taylors is situated. HOOKER. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 1863.[Hour not stated.] General SEDGWICK: I have reported your situation to General Hooker. I find that we contracted our lines here somewhat during the morning, and repulsed the enemys last assault with ease. The troops are iu good position. General H. says you are separated from him so f~r that he cannot advise you how to act. You need not try to force the position you attacked at 5 p. m. Look to the safety of your corps. You can retire, if neces- sary, by way of Fredericksburg or Banks Ford. The latter would enable you to join us more readily. G. K. WARREN, Brigadier- General. MAY 4, 18632.15 p. m. General HOOKER: I shall do my utmost to hold a position on the right bank of time iRappahannock until to-morrow. JOHN SEDGWJCK, ]Ifajor- General. PHILLIPS HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, Brig. Gen. A. PLEASONTON, May 4, 18635.15 p. m. United AStates Ford: I know nothing about our lines, other than those in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. General Sedgwicks line fronting the city extends from near the Dahlman house (situated south of Guests house) to J)r. Taylors house. Every time his line changes, which has beeim frequently, I report the fact to headquarters. His back line, toward Chanceliors- ville, I know nothing about, as I cannot see it. General Gibbons line is iu the immediate rear of the city and in front of the works occupied by the enemy. JAS. S. HALL, Captain and Signal Officer. UNITED STATES FORD, VA., May 4,18636.30 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Bank~s Ford, Va.: Your (livision ammunition trains can at all times be replenished at Falinouth Station, from traimi of cars in (~lI;1rge of Lieutenant [Morris] Schafi~ 1). XV. FLAGLER, Chif Ordnance Officer Page 411 (riAi. NNICV!1 1 CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETCUNION. 411 HEADQUARTERS, May 4, 1S637.15 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK: The general directs a full report of your position, the number of the enemys forces opposed to you, and your dispositions. He wishes this report as soon as I)ossible, that he may act advisedly. DANL. BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 18637.40 p. m. General HOOKER: The atmosphere being thick with smoke, it is impossible for the signal officers to see the movements of General Sedgwick or those of the eneiuiy. The artillery firing is very heavy. The musketry fire seems to have sensibly diminished. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BANKS FORD, VA., May 4, 18639.50 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD: General Sedgwick is in direct communication with me, and is about half a mile south of my bridges, in the upper rifle-pits. I informed him in due time of when I expected my bridges to be shelled, but I presume lie could not prevent it. Rebel skirmishers are reported to me now as on the left bank, below this, but I do not believe it. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. F SIGNAL STATION, May 4,186310 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Stafi: I reported to headquarters what forces were enoaoe(l. The enemy attacked Sedgwick. it was his right and center that they were driving. JAS. S. hALL, Captain and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS, May 4, 186310.20 p. rn. D. BUTTERFIELD, United States Ford, Va.: I am now going to General Sedg wick; expect to see him in twenty minutes. ~hot and shell flew all around my bridges several times; most fortunately did not hit them. I had Only 1 sergeant killed. have two bridges ready at this moment. A strong infantry fire has just burst out to the right and front, apparently within one-half to three-quarters of a mile. H. W. BENHAM Page 412 412 N. VA., \V. VA., MD., ANP PA. (CoAP. xxxvii. BANKS FORD, VA., May 4, 186311.50 p. m. (Received May 51 a. in.) General HOOKER, United States Ford: My army is hemmed in upon the slope, covered by the guns from the north side of Banks Ford. if I had only this army to care for, I would withdraw it to-night. Do your operations require that I should jeop~rd it by retaining it here ~ An immediate reply is indispensable, or I may feel obliged to withdraw. JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major- General. MAY 4, 18639.40 a. in. Major-General HOOKER: Following from Gibbon One brigade of division in town, the other and batteries this side at bridges. If Sedg~vick has gone forward, of course I shall take up bridges, if forced out of town, an(1 if lie has gone away, I had better withdraw at once and take up bridges. My reply: Hold on to the last extremity, until further orders. Sedgwick holds same position as ho did. No information yet received shows more than a division in front of Fredericksburg. Should Sedgwick throw himself rapidly and boldly omi their flank, he would capture or destroy them, if circumstances of your movements and position and presence of enemy on his front and left 1)eIulit. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, (Copy to General Sedgwick.) Major-General, Chief of Stafl. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., General GIBBON: May 4, 186310.27 a. in. You l)erhal)8 had better take up your lower bridge and get boats out of water, an(l hold engineer force ready to work on others. Use your discretion. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. MAY 4, 186310.35 a. in. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The general says that Gibbons command is to remain where it is. The bridges, of course, are to remain. It would seem from your dis- I)atch that Gibbon and the enemy are retreating from each other. J. II. VAN ALEN, Brigadier-General and Aide-de- Camp. 0 CAMP NEAR FALMOIJTH, VA., May 4, 1863. General GIBBON: Make your dispositions so that no confusion or panic ensues. Three regiments of enemy kept Sedgwick dut of town for sevei-al hours. Yo Page 413 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 413 ought to be able to manage the l)osit]oI1 so as, if conhl)elled to retire, to do so gracefully and soun(l. 1 have sent three batteries of Reserve Artillery to youten 20-pounders and four or six 3-inchall we have here. Exercise control over Tylers 4A.inch guns, on your left. Scud them a small support if they have none. Short of the loss of every man of your coin ma uid, do not permit the enemy to cross. In case you retire from the town, be vigilant. I am just ordered to General Hooker, and leaving here. Keep the fords well guarded by batteries and your picket line strong. Keep an eye out for the l)ontoon train that was reported at Hamiltons Crossing. Much may depend on you, and I have no doubt you will prove yourself, as you have always heretofore, fully equal to the responsibility. Headquarters camp is here, one regiment (Ninety-third New York) for guard and a few Eighth Infantry provost duty. DANL. I3UTTEIIFIELI), Major- General, Chief of staff. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 4, 186311.30 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: The general commanding desires that you will make a reconnaissance in sneli flirce as you may think necessary for the purpose of asccitaiii. ing the best route lbr him to take should it be necessary br him to advance to the Chancellorsville and Germanna Bridge road, oui the eastern side of Hunting Creek, and to report the result as soon as you can. J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier. General and Aide-de-Camp. CHANCELLORSVLLLE, VA., May 4, 18634.15 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: Major-General Hooker directs nie to say he wishes you to send a suf- ficient fbrce to l)enetrate as far as the Plaiik road, through Chancellors- ville, up Hunting i1un, of sufficient strength to drive in the enemy~s skirmishers if they have any. General Meade has been ordered to do the same thing in his front. Very respectfully, & c., J. H. VAN ALEN, Brigadier. General, Acting Chief of staff. WASHINGTON, D. C., Major-General HOOKER, May 4, 1863. Army of the Potomac: 1\lajor-General Dix telegraphs that Longstreet is in full retreat from Suffolk. H. W. HALL ECK. tleieral-in- Chief Page 414 414 N. VA., W. VA., MD., ANI) PA. [CHAP. XXXVIL Fowr MONRoE, VA.~ M;ijor-Ceiieral HOOKER, 4, 18G39 p. m. Huadqearters Army of the Potomac: 1o1lo~viiig just received from General Keyes: Lientenaiit-Coininander Gulls, just returned from near West Point, has learned that the rebel force from White house and below, and opposite oii the Paniunkey, have been withdrawn to Hanover Court-House. There are troops on this Peniusnia, but how many is not known. Nothing has been learned about bridges except that the railroad bridge at the XVhite House still stands. JOHN A. DIX, Major. General. MAY 4 1863 Major- General PECK, , about 7 a. in. ~uffoik, Va.: Notliltig of l)ositive iiatiire with regard to 1-lood and Pickett. Among 800 or 1,000 prisoners yesterday, statements to ally one talkiiig to them was to effect that Hood and Pickett were due here last night, and we should soon hear frotn them. The most reliable imiformation 1 have had is from a deserter, a resident of Orleans County, New York, conscripted in a Louisiana regimemit, who stated that on Sattlr(lay, while detailed to the i-ear of their columns, engaged to cook provisions, a force about equal to two brigades marche(L by. Conversing with the troops, he asked whose they were. They said they were Hoods division. They are being re-entorce(l in some measure from belowwhether from your front or General Keyes of course I do not know. They had nothing at llicliinond to seiI(l here. We have had heavy fighting here for two or three (Lays. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Sta[T. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, Major-General PECK, May 4,186310.45 a. in. 8majolk, Va.: Our cavalry bring informnatioii of 15,000 or 20,000 of Longstreets forces getting off from the cars at Gordonsville. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of & aff. SUFFOLK VA., Major-General HOOKER, May 4, 1863. Commanding Army of the Potomac: Longstreet was re-enforced by General Benning with five regiments an(l fifteen pieces on the 2(1. lIe crosse(1 the Chiowan with l)oiltoons. General [James L.1 Kemper, with another brigade, has also crossed, making three in all. Hood commande(I yesterday, and Longstreet was 2 miles iii the rear with reserves. -They suffered. At 9.30 p. in. all his forces moved by different interior rbutes for the Blackwater. He ha Page 415 JIIAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 415 several hours the start. All his arrangements were for a continual siege of Suffolk. I was fully prcpare(l for that. JOHN J. PECK, JI((jor- General. (Copy to General Halleck.) MAY 4, 1863. Maj. (len. JOSLPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac I have a communication of General 11111 to General Longstreet, of May 2, 1863, in which he reports his arrival with his entire division at Or near Carrsville, and asks for orders. His command was then only 14 miles front Suffolk. This is confirmed by telegraph from South Mills, N. C. All time troOI)5 that crossed the Chowan were ordered to Suffolk and the su~)l)ly trajims to Franklin, the depot of the railroad from North Carolina. Every arrangement was made by the enemy that is called for by the rules governing a besieging army. JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. PITTSBURGH, PA., May 4, 18634.40 p. m. Maj. Gemi. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: There has been sonic alarm here, but I think without sufficient reason. All is quiet now. The rebel cavalry came no farther in this direction than iXiorganto wn. They were not in Pennsylvania at all. They are 110W rel)Orte(l to have gone south, across Parkersbnrg Railroad, at Bridgeport, in tIme direction of Buckhannon. One hundred and fifty of Mulligans command surrendered at Fairmont, and the retreat of Major Showalter appears to be disgraceful. I go to Wheeling to night. WILLIAM F. BARRY, Brigadier- General. WHEELING, VA., May 4, 1863. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: Please sen(l inc immediately 2,000 arms for militia, short French rifle preferred, for the wood~. There has been a great loss of property in this county in horses and cattle. The rebels, nuder Colonels Jackson and Jmnboden, are at Weston. Jones has gone to Beverly to send for- ward his booty. If Staunton could be taken, it would interrnpt their booty. F. H. PEIRPOINT, Governor. WHEELING, VA., Afay 4, 1863. Hon. P. H. WATSON, A8sistant Secretary of War: I must have immediately 1,500 carbines~ I~lease send forward in- ~1 anter. F. H. PEIRPOINT, Governor of Virginia Page 416 4t6 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cn.~i. XXXVII. CLEVELAND, Oiiio, May 4, 1863. Maj. T. T. ECKERT, Washington, D. C.: Lieutenant David sends me the following: Enemy is at Weston. His force being augmented by rebel citizens. Roberts thinks numbers have been underrated. Their scouts aiid pickets iiidicate their route to be Parkersburg. They can go there without trouble. Country entirely Ol)CII to them. Kelley reports force advancing on him dowa New Creek. We have railroad commu- nication with Parkersburg, but have given it up every night as lost. Not guarded. A. STAGER. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, May 5, 186312.15 a. in. General D. BIJTTERFIELD, United States Ford: Gibbon holds Fredericksburg. The enemy have made no attempt to take the town. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. MAY 5, 18638.30 a. in. General D. BUTTERFIELD, Headquarters: Scou1~ William Chase, sent the 3d instant to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy in the vicinity of Guineys Station, returned this morning. He encountered no force on the opposite shore, except a few cavalry pickets. He was at Guineys Station the night of the 3d, and up to 3 p. m. yesterday. Saw two trains come up the night of the 3d, apparently empty, and both returned filled with baggage and tents. The railroad appeared to be well guarded, especially at the bridges. Only two trains came up to Hamiltons Crossing yesterday. They had no troops, and retnrned with tents and baggage. Some small squads of cavalry were riding about. Directly opposite to Guineys Station is an infantry camp of about two regiments. Force in all that vicinity estimated not to exceed 2,000. The two trains that ~vent ~p and do~vn on the night of the 3d were the same that went up and down yester. day. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BANKS FORD, VA., May 5, 18639.30 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD: I must be ordered to United States Ford by mistake. I have been here all the time, and took np my bridges this morning, and I fear they will be destroyed if I leave. As Colonel Stuart urges it so much, to save, as he thinks, our niules and wagons, I wish to make an effort to save them. I am almost too much exhanstc(l to go up, but will attempt it, if possible, and hope a messenger may meet me along the telegraph wire if it is a mistake. H. XV. BENHAM, Brigadier- General Page 417 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 417 MAY 5, 18639A0 a. m. General BENHAM: The major-gencial commanding directs that you send all your avail- able men that cai be spared from other trains and bridges to United States Ford. CHAS. W. WOOLSEY, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp. General D. BUTTERFIELD, HEADQUARTERS, May 5, 186312 m. United States Ford: Lieutenant Woolseys dispatch just received, and Major Perry and all the engineer troops at headquarters that can be spared from the trains there are ordered by telegraph to report forthwith at United States Ford. Two hundred men more can be spared from the trains here if the destruction of the twenty-eight boats and their equipage is authorized. The boats are very worthless, and it is the strong opinion of the three senior field officers of the brigade here that they onght to be de- stroyed; otherwise that they will cost in property, and perhaps in life, far more than their value, and though I have wished to make an effort to save them, I fear they have too much reason for their opinion. Aui I authorized to destroy these twenty-eight pontoons and their equipage If I judge best, and return the wagons and teams, of far more value, to headquarters I The enemy command the location of the bridges and of the valleys leading to them, and shelled them accurately last night and to-day. I have not yet been able to find the written dispatch that I was verbally told had been sent here that I was to report at United States Ford, though I have sought for it at the telegraph station. They are now shelling my park, where I am writing this, near the Blake house. I trust to an early reply as to destroying the trains. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA~, May 5, 1863i p. m. Colonel SHARPE: Early~s, Andersons, and McJ~aws. Will send you the regiments by Manning. BABCOCK. PHILLIPs HOUSE, VA., May 5,18631.45 l~ m. (Received at A. A. G. 0., Falmouth, Va., 2.45 p. in.) General WILLIAMS: Assistant Adjutant-General: About one brigade of infantry, column much broken, just passed down the Richmond Telegraph road on crest of second ridge in rear of the city. Six pieces of artillery, oiie wagon, and one ambulance l)assed in front of the Landon house, moving toward our left, and disappeared in ravine where enemys lines formed for attack on Sedgwicks left yes- terday. Twelve pieces of artillery crossed the same ravine, moving toward the right, and disappeared in ravine in fiout of tho Dahlmau 27 1~ RYOL XXY, PT I Page 418 418 N. VA., W. VA., MD., A~D PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. house, a little to our left of Guests house. 1 have watched half an hour the Plank road in front of Guests, to observe if they l)asse(l up, but have been unable to trace them farther than ravine. Think they halted. P. A. TAYLOR, Lieutenant and ~S~ignal Officer. (Send to Generals Butterfield and Sedgwick.) Major-General HOWARD, MAY 5, 1863. Commanding Eleventh Corps: I have received orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac to cross the river with all the artillery, except six l)ieces now in position on the right with General Reynolds. General Hunt will give us position along the river bank. Yours, most respectfully, L. SCI3IJRMER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Chif of Artillery. MAY 5, 186312.30 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of & aff: Commnnication with General Sed gwick is at present full and open by two bridges and by messenger or telegraph. His main body is, however, below the crest of the hiJi, opposite the ford, nuder full fire of artillery. I consider his command in great danger. H. 0. TYLER, Brigadier- General. BANKS FORD, VA., May 5, 1863. (Received 1 a. in.) General HOOKER: I shall hold my l)Osition, as ordered, on south of Rappahannock. SEDG WICK. hEADQUARTERS, - May 5, 18631 a. in. (Received 2 a. in.) General SEDGWICK: iDispatch this moment received. Withdraw. Cover the river, and prevent any force crossing. Acknowledge this. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD. BANKS FORD, VA., May 5, 18632 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD: General Hool~ers order received, Will withdraw my forces imme- diately. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General Page 419 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, E TC.UNION. 419 HEADQUARTERS, May 5, 18631.20 a. m. General SEDGWICK: Yours received, saying you should hold position. Order to withdraw countermanded. Acknowledge both. HOOKER, General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, May 5,18633.20 a. m. Major-General HooKER: Yours just received, countermanding order to withdraw. Almost my entire command has crossed over. JOHN SEDGWLCK, ]IJiajor- General. MAY 5, 18635 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD: The bridges at Banks Ford are swung and in process of being taken up. The troops are much exhausted. The (lispatch countermanding my movement over the river was received after the trool)s had crossed. JOHN SEDGWICK, i1fr~jor- General. FALMOUTH, VA., Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Jllay 5, 18635.20 a. m. Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Have arrived with my command in rear of Falmouth. There is a dense fog. Everything is quiet, as far as I can ascertain. An officer of the Fifth Artillery reports that Sedg wicks corps has recrossed at Banks Ford, with the exception of one brigade, takeii l)risoners. A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General. NEAR (JHANCELLORSYILLE, VA., May 5,18636.15 a m. Brigadier-General BENHAN: Thv commanding general directs that as soon as your bridges are taken up at Banks Ford, they be removed immediately, and parked in the rear of the former camps of Sickles corps. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD ill ajor- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, May 5, 18637 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD: I recrossed to the north bank of the Rappahannock last night, and am in camp about a mile back from the ford. The bridges have been taken up. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major-General Page 420 4:20 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XXXYIf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 5, 1863. Major-General SEDGWICK: The major-general commanding desires to know if you inflicted any serious damage upon the enemy; if so, what ~ BUTTERFIELD. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, May 5, 18637.30 a m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD Ohief of & aff: It is impossible to estimate the enemys loss. He suffered very heavily in killed and wounded. We took several hundred prisoners, some of whom escaped during our night march to the river. JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major. General. NEAR (JHANCELLORSVILLE, VA., May 5, 1863230 p. m. Major-General S~EDGWICK: The commanding general directs me to say that you are charged with the duty of guarding the river. General Gibbons command is tempo- rarily placed at your disposal for this purpose. The l)robabilities now are that the forces on the south bank will retire to-night You will make dispositions accordingly. General Huut has placed artillery in position, and will send an officer or report in person to you concerning it. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, (ihief of Staff. MAY 5, 18638.45 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: The commanding general directs you to send a most reliable regiment (good shots), with a battery, to Richards Ford, axmen with them, to fell trees, and make every possible obstacle to the passage of troops on our flank; to move quickly. The regiment and battery must intreuch themselves, and be instructed (confidentially) to fight to the death in case the enemy approach there. Let them have good supply of rations and ammunition by pack train. I inclose a copy of dispatch to General Pleasonton, who will move to the right of Richards Ford, as soon as he can, from Falmouth. DAINL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General, Chief of Staff [Iuclo8ure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 5, 18638.45 a m. Brigadier-General PLEASONTON: The general directs you to send a brigade of cavalry and a horse bat- tery to guard our right, above $ichards Ford. Take intrenching tools with them, General Reyno1d~ will be ~.1ireeted to send a regiment o Page 421 CHAP. XXXV1I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 421 infantry and a battery to Richards Ford. Obstruct all fords or possible crossings up to Ral)l)ahannock Station. Officers and men must be in- structed to fight to the death to guard our right. Put most reliable and true men on this (lilly. Will send copy of Reynolds instructions. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 5, Th6310 a. m. Col. G. H. SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal General, Ch anccllorsville, Va.: Am daily making examinations regax ding re-enforcements from Rich- mond. None have arrived, to my belief; in our front. We have pris- oxiers from about Fredericksburg at all hours of the day, and many taken late last evening. None from Hoods, Picketts, or Ransoms divisions have yet been found. If they are ul), they have gone over in your direction or toward Culpe~)er. Chase came in last night. No force between Moss Neck an(l Guineys, except very few cavalry. Rail- road well guarded, and two regiments encamped to the west of Gum- eys Station. A small force could easily reach the railroad at that point, but the cars do not go but a short distall(~c beyond. You will probably hear from Anderson and Tyson, via Kellys Ford, to-night. BABCOCK. NEAR PHILLIPs HOUSE, May 5, 186310.20 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: Dispatch received. Have sent a brigade of five regiments, under Colonel Davis, and Martins battery above Richards Ford. They have just reached here, and return at once. This command will do every- thing that can be done. Shall scrape up all the cavalry I can for any emergency. A. PLEASONTON. IN THE FIELD, May 5,186311 a. m. (Received May 6.) His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: General Hooker is not at this moment able, fre in pressing duties, to write of the condition of afihirs. He deems it his (luty that you should be fully and correctly advised. He has intrusted it to me. These are my words, not his. Of his 2lans you were fully aware. The cavalry, as yet learned, have failed in executing their orders. Averells division retuined; nothing done; loss of 2 or 3 men. Bufords Regulars not heard from. General Sedgwick failed in the execution of his orders, and was compelled to retire, and crossed the river at Banks Ford last night; his losses not known. The First, Third, Fifth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and two (livisions of Sec. ond Corps are now on south bank of Rappahannock, intrenched between Hunting Run and Scotts Dam. Trains and Artillery Reserve on north bank of Rappahannock. Position is stroixg, but circumstances, whic Page 422 422 N. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. in time will be fully explained, make it expedient, in the generals judg- ment, that he should retire from this position to the north bank of the Itappahannock for his defensible l)osition. Among these is (langer to his communication by possibility of eiiemy crossing river oii our right flank and imperiling this army, with present departure of two-years an (1 three-months [nine-mouths] troops constantly weakening him. The nature of the country in which we are prevents moving in such a way as to find or judge position or movements of enemy. He may cross to night, but hopes to be attacked in this position. DANE. BUTTE WELD, Major. General, Chief of Staff. - HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, NEAR PHiLLIPS HOUSE, VA., May 5, 18632.30 ~ m. (Received 3.15 p. in.) Major-C eneral BUTTERFIELD, Chief of KSta if: Have two regiments of cavalry below Fredericksburg, watching river and Neck over 10 miles (lown. Hear the rebels did have one pontoon train at Hamiltons Crossing. Have sent for another horse battery to be placed, one at Richards Ford. Will pounce on them it they try to cross in that way to-night below. Would it not be well for the gun- boats to push up the Rappahannock as far as they can I They can help a great deal. All quiet up to 12 in., at last accounts, up the river and to the rear toward Dumfries. A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIEADQUARTER~ CAVALRY, May 5, 18633 p. m. Brigadier-General GIBBON, Second Division, Second Corps, near Phillips lb use, Va.: GENERAL: I am here acting nnder the direct ordeis of Major-General Hooker, and am in communication with him. I will do all I can to assist you, but my own plans cannot be interfered with. I have a regi- ment of cavalry at Falmouth guarding the river, but I cannot say at what moment circumstances may induce me to withdraw it to some more iinl)ortant point. My line now extends from Rappahannock Sta- tion to below Fredericksburg some 110 or 12 miles, besides to the i-eai- as far as Dumfries. Up to this time the reports are quiet frouui the right and rear. If the rebels have a l)oIdOOII train, they will tiny to use it below to- night. I will do my best to keep you unformed of events. Very respectfully, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Comm and ing. [Indorsenient] For the information of General Williams. I should like to be in- formed whether I am in conumnamind of the forces iii this vicumuity for the defense of the river. One thing is certain, if I am, two i)cisouI~ cannot command the troops. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadici-- General Page 423 CHAP. XXXVII.] Co1~RESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 423 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, May 5, 1863. Brigadier-General GIBBON, Second Division, Second Corps: GENERAL: Your note of this date is received. I am not authorized to detach any 1)art of the cavalry to other commands without orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac,but I am positively ordered to obtain all the cavalry I can to carry out my instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASON TON, Brigadier- General. PHILLIPs HOUSE, VA., May 5, 18633.20 p. m. General BUTTERFiELD: United States Ford: General Pleasonton claims to be here under the direct orders of Gen- eral Hooker, with certain plans to carry out. Please inform inc whether I am responsible for thedefense of this 1)art of the river, and whither 1 have command of all the troops in the vicinity. JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, May 5, 18633.45 p. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: Two brigades of rebels can be seen moving toward llamiltoii~ Cross- ing; eleven wagons followiiig first brigade. A regiment can also be seen in rifle-pits on the ridge back of Fredericksburg. If you have l)Hshe(1 them to-day, this would indicate a retrOgra(le movement. have the rebels any means of crossing below Fredericksburg ~ Perhaps they have a L)ontoon train we know nothing of. A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 5, 18634.10 p. m. Genel-al JOHN GIBBON, Phillips lion-se: Your note of this date with reference to General Pleasontons corn inand received. I know nothing of the instructions General Pleason ton has received, but will at once refer the subject to the major-general comman(liIlg for his decision thereon. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF ENGINEER OF DEFENSES, Col. J. C. KELTON, Washington, hay 5, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I herewil li transmit ~on a copy of a memorandum concerning the defenses of llitrpeis Feny, prepared tot- Colonel Raynolds, engi- neer Page 424 424 N. VA., WVA.,MD,AND PA. [CiIAL. XXXVII. llarper~s Ferry, like a large fortress, is a strong position if held by trool)s enough. The number required to hold it is rather out of pro. portion to its strategic importance. As we must guard the great con- necting link between the Ohio and Potomac, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, it is uecessary to have a secure debouch~ into the Shenandoah Valley. Hence, we must hold Harpers Ferr~y. So, should the theater of war again be Northern Virginia, there might be urgent reasons for holding Harpers Ferry, even though it required 8,000 or 10,000 men. On the other hand, the point might lose its iml)ortance, and it might become desirable to abandon it. I have, therefore, felt anxious to re- strict the fortifications and the number of guns of position as much as possible, that, if evacuated e moved. , verything valuable might be easily re- I am, very respectfully, your most obedient, J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier- General. P. S.A sketch* of the place and works will be sent you as soon as a copy can be made. I examined Loudoun Heights very carefully, riding over every point where there seemed any possibility of an enemys plant- ing artillery, an(I came to the conclusion that, under the artillery fire of Maryland Heights and Fort Duncan, it would be impracticable for an enemy to plant artillery upon them. [Inclosurel Memorandum for Golonel Raynolds, concerning the fortifications of Har pers Perry. The position of Bolivar Heights is too extensive to be held by us, and it is enfiladed by the guns of Fort Duncan, and, taken obliquely by the guns of the 30-pounder battery, an enemy cannot occupy it with his artillery. The line actually fortified on the Harpers Ferry heights is, I think, excellent. It can be held by one regiment. It should be put in good condition, and a platform and embrasure prepared on each flank ot the bastioned trace, to run in a field gun, if required. On the right flank, rifle-pits should be extended, so as to see (town the steep slope to the river, and a place for a field gun should be l)repared either on the bank or at the foot of the slope, for a gun to sweep the road and the railroad. On the left flank, likewise, there should be an emplacement for two field guns to sweep the Winchester road and railr6ad. With these precautions, and the northern si(le of the Potomac held in a proper manner, it will be almost impossible to attack this line. Northern shore of the Polornac.The key-points to the defense of Harpers Ferry are Maryland Heights and Fort Duncan, and on the former particularly depends the defense. The most practicable line of attack is from the north. The enemy will first attack the summit of the mountain, either from Solomons Gal), or by ascending the lateral slopes of the mountain north of us, and then advance, deploying and endeavoring to turn the flanks of our position. I cammot regard the present arrangements as altogether adequate. All the artillery fire is confined to the crest of I he mountain. There is no flanking fire to sweep the point of our hues of rifle-pits, around and over which the enemy would try to force his way; The citadel does well enough as a keep, but should not have been the sole support of the rifle-pits. * To appear in Atlas Page 425 (ThAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 425 All that portion of the double line of rifle-pits on the highest part (as pointed out to you) should have been made a fort, and the extension of the pits to the left should have been some~vhat retired, so as to be thoroughly flanked by the fort. This idea should be carried out now by converting the space indicated into a fort, raising the parapet (thick enough, probably), and making a ditch. In the northwest angle of this xvork there should be a howitzer to flank the ground in front of the rifle- pits on the left, and on the west face there should be a 30-pounder Parrott gun to command the plain between the mountain and the Potomac. I cannot say positively whether the rifle-pits should be extended farther to the left thair they now extend, but, if not, it must be made certain that the ground is so impracticable, either naturally or by aid of the fallen timber, that they cannot be turned. As none of the guns now in position see this ground, and it may not be possible to see it from the fort, there should be places prepared for one or two howitzers. The woods down the left slope of the mountain should be felled as far in advance as pointed out. The citadel should be finished according to design. it may be found easier to make the banquettes of timber than of earth. A gun in the angle of the northeast bastion at A would see the eastern slope of the mountain well. An- other at B would see the same slopes south A of the work, though perhaps a better place for the latter purpose would be the eminence 100 or 200 yards south of B. It is intended, I believe, in the design, to have a gun at C. The platform may be made. There should be a magazine inside this work, and a secure structure, to contain pro- visions and water-tanks. The magazine outside the citadel should have its door- way corrected or protected. In the right angle of the external fort (as I propose to make it.) should be a platform for a 30-pounder Parrott, so arranged as to B fire either to the front, on the capital, or into the valley from below. The plateau just below and on the right of the stone fort should have rifle-pits ar- ranged along its margin, so as to see the slopes of the mountain thor- oughly in every direction. The timber on the E. slope should be felled as far north as I pointed out, and south nearly or quite to the Potomac. As it is, there would be danger that an enemy would find his way up the mountain between the stone fort and the 30-pounder battery. With the timber felled and kept on the ground, a very few mun could defend this flank, if skillfully l)osted and vigilant. Should the timber ulti. mately be burned oft; further arrangements ma.y be necessary. In conjunction with the defense of the mountain, a half dozen dis- posable howitzers (mountain howitzers as good as anything probably) would be desirable. I pointed out to you numerous points where they might be required, but where it is not necessary to make any prelimi- nary arrangements. As to water, it requires examination as to whether the present supply can be increased. I think the mountain ought to be tena~Ae by 2,000 men, and that no Page 426 426 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. more than 1,000 of them need depend on the spring which supplies the stone fort. The 30-pounder battery.This battery is well located, but it will be advantageous to have at least one gnu at the higher l)OiIlt we examined. It might be surrounded by a wall of saud-bags, atal arranged to fire not only at Loudoun Heights but into either of the valleys east and west of Maryland Heights. The 24-pounder seige gun in this battery is nsiess. The magazines should be adequately covered, or, more properly, have their doorways changed. The naval battery.I attach very little importance to this battery at present. It operates principally upon the town. It enfilades the rail- road approach from the short tunnel, and sees a portion of the railroad bridge. The spur on the left of where the Sharpsburg rOa(1 turns off from the river answers all these l)~~Po5~5 equally well or better, and has a most excellent and close flanbing fire upon the front of the lines I propose to hold west of the tower (Keiilys lines, as we calle(l them). Whether this last point is l)ermallently occupied with guns or not, I think the site should be cleared and an earthen battery thrown up. I did not have time to study this matter so as to say what I would do if I had to execute the works, but my impression is that I would leave the two naval guns in the naval battery simply under guard; move the 24- pounder siege gun froni it, and the 24-pounder siege gun from the 30- pounder battery to the point I speak of, and add to these two 10 or 20 pounder Parrotts. Fort Duncan.Is a most important work. It is iiable to be 5u1)jCCtCd to a l)o~verful converging artillery fire from the other shore of the Poto- mac, but its superior elevation shelters it in some olegree from its effects. It requires emnJ)lacements for a numerous battery, and which do not seem to have been at all contemplated in the desP~n. In this connec- tion I also remark that nothing is gained (except more room) in putting the battery intended to operate on Bolivar heights outside of the fort. Most of the guns of this battery are subjected to ami enfilade fire from the other shore, from which it is extremely difficult to l)rotect them. I would bring four of those 30-pounders into the work, I)roviding siege platforms (14 feet wide), with embrasures of 60 degrees flare (at angles still more, the angle being coupded). At 2 is at present a platform and embrasure for a field gun. By coupding it and cutting the erubrasures, as represented by the dotted line, a fifth gun might be lint herv; but, while it might be well to ar- range the place for it, I would only place fOur guns (1, 2, 3, and 4) Page 427 CHAP. XXXVfl.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 427 leaving two in the exterior battery. Oh the western face I would ar- range 1)Iatforms for four field guns (1, 2, 3, and 4). Einbrasures flare, 60 degrees; Platforms, 12 feet wide. At b and c, take down the board revetment of the embrasure, and in~ crease the flare, and revet with gabions or Burnettized sand- bags. At 5, 6, and 7, provide plat- forms for three more field guns. Stop up the postern on this west face. On the east face of the work I would provide platforms and embrasures for three or four more field gums. $ Besides the four 39-pounder Parrotts I i)ropose to put in the work, I would call for nine more guns, viz, seven 20-pounder (or 10-pounder) Parrotts, and two 12-pounder howitzers. The other platforms to be left vacant. The banquettes should be carefully extended up to the guns, so as to preserve all the infantry fire possible. The l)lat- forms of the guns should be 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet below the crest. The two boat howitzers now in the exterior battery should be arranged in the western end of that battery, as I suggested, or, perhaps better, in a work immediately west of the fort, so as to flank the slopes and see down to the river. The counterscarp of Fort Duncan should have a good abatis. At present the enemy can follow unseen the canal tow-path from the north, surround Fort 1)uncan, and assault it on all sides at once. The timber on the slopes toward the river, and in the ravine to the north and east, should be felled, a battery and rifle-pits established to sweep the ravine somewhere about the locality we examined for that purpose, and rifle-pits to the north of the fort to see down to the river and into the ravine. The matter requires careful study. To support Fort Duncan, maintain our communications with it, guard the western slopes of Maryland Heights, and protect the batteries on their southern slopes, there ought to be at least two works between Fort Duncan and the foot of Maryland Heights. The l)oints selected by us are well adapted for works. They should be something approach- ing to square or pentangular redoubts of about 100 yards side (if square), each having about four field guns and well abatised. It might, perhaps, be better instead of one work on the right to put two smaller works, with open gorges, on the two points we examined (the stubble field and the wheat field), and sustain them by a stronger work on the higher point in the rear. It might also be well, should the point on the river near the Sharps. burg roa(l be occupied as a battery, to make that an inclosed work. With these arrangements carried oijt, llarper~s Ferry ought, with a garrison of 8,000 men, to sustain itself against a large army, and Page 428 428 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. with half that force, to be secure against any minor attacks. The most important things, however, are the perfecting the defenses of Maryland Heights and completing Fort Duncan. if the ~3ixth New York Artillery could be assigned to the work of completing these defenses, with the understanding they should garrison them, it would be a good arrangement. They would all be ultimately needed, or, at least, well employed in the artillery service ot the differ. ent forts. Unless you can get some permanent assignments of troops or employ a force of hired laborers, I do not hope you can make much progress. But if you can do nothing else, complete Maryland Heights, and put up immediately the banquettes at Fort Duncan, and get some guns in the work. By the by, put a stop to the uncalculating requisitions on the quartermaster for lumber and such things. It costs enormously, and the timber scattered over the ground is far better for most purposes. The upper courses of boards of interior slope revetment at Fort Duncan should come off. The front line of rifle.pits at the stone fort should have an abatis, that is, the fallen timber arranged in its front, in all those parts where the ground in front is passable. Oui the mount- ain spur, on its left, an earth battery (which need not be permanently armed) would be well located to flank our defensive line to Fort Duncan. Very respectfully, J. G. BARNARD, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 5, 18634.45 p. m. General D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: There appears to be some conflict of jurisdiction between Generals Gibbon and Pleasonton. The former thinks he has, under his instruc- tions, command of all the troops in this vicinity, and the latter con- siders that his orders give him exclusive control, so far as the cavalry is concerned. Please let me know the decision of the commanding general in the matter. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 57 1863. The major-general commanding directs that every vehicle in your command on this side of the river be sent to the north bank without unnecessary delay, under cover of the present fog; all extra animals of every kind to be sent over also. This, of course, does not include your necessary artillery and a very few ambulances. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL- BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. WHEELING, VA., May 5, 1863. (Received May 61.16 a in.) Maj. Gen. Th W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The alarm here has subsided. About 1,100 militia, all fully armed, have been sent from here to Clarksburg. Arms for as many more a Page 429 CHAr. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 429 may be necessary, both there and at Pit1~burgh, can be procured at the arsenal in the latter city whenever needed. I have selected defensive positions for both cities. There is no large amount of public stores here, and none at all at Pittsburgh, except those at the arsenal. Ad- vices just received from Colonel Mulligan report the rebels to be 5,000 strong under Jones and 3,000 under Imboden, and that all have fallen back to Beverly. WILLIAM F. BARRY, Brigadier- General. BALTIMORE, MD., May 5,1863. (Sent 10.30 a. in.) Brigadier-General KELLEY, Commanding, & e., New Creek~ The following telegrams just received: CLARKSBURG, VA., May 4, 1863. Telegram just received from Charleston that the enemy occupy Sutton; force not known. Also telegram from Col. F. W. Thompson, at Lost Creek, that he has relia- ble information that Jones, with 2,000 cavalry, joined Imboden and Jacksons forces at Weston to-day; that their nuited forces are supposed to be 10,000 strong. He also reports that General Wilder [I], with 4,000 infantry, has left New River to join General Jenkins, reported to have 2,500 men, to operate in the Kanawha Valley. You will see the necessity of throwing large forces into West Virginia, to prevent its being overrun. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. CLARKSBURG, May 5, 1863. What troops can you send to this place, and to Grafton, within thirty-six hours? They are the important points, and must be held. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier-General. This notice and call from Roberts is, perhaps, not without reason. I do not apprehend that the rebels design now to return to Grafton or Clarksburg. They may strike at the Northwestern Railroad lower down, at Parkersburg and the Kauawha. Hookers movements must withdraw present danger from the Valley, and you can send to Roberts now the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and perhaps some little in- fantry, at least ~ command. Do this, or whatever else possi- ble, and let me hear from you. Transportation for what you send may have to be supplied from here. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General, Commanding. NEW CREEK, VA., Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, May 5, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Baltimore: I most respectfully suggest to the commanding general to send to General Roberts positive orders to move on the enemy at once, unless he has reliable information that would induce him to doubt the sound- ness of this suggestion. I fear the rebels will get out of West Virginia b4orp ~e~ej~ii Roberts gets ready to leave Clarksburg. 13. F. KELLEY, Brigidier- General Page 430 430 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAr. XXXVII. NEW CREEK, VA., May 5, 186311 a. m. Brigadier-General RoBERTs: A citizen from near Crab Bottom reports that Imboden bad only 1,700 men when he left there for Beverly. The rebel force in Western Vir. ginia is unquestionably exaggerated. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier. General. NEW CREEK, VA., May 5, 18635.30 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore: The following dispatch just received: ROWLESBURG, VA. General KELLEY: A scont, sent last Friday with Captain Snyder to Tucker, beyond Saint George, has come in, and confirms previous reportthat the enemy, in large Ibrce, were retreat- ing through Beverly Saturday last. Nothing new here. WEBSTER, Colonel. I know the scout (Snyder) to be reliable. I have no doubt that Jones force is retreating via Beverly. B. F. KELLEY, Briqadier- General. GRAFTON, VA., Lieutenant-Colonel CHESEBROUGILI, May 5, 1863. Baltimore, Md.: The raiders have undoubtedly left Northwestern Virginia. If the general commanding approves, I will quietly and gradually move back a portion of the troops brought west to harpers Ferry an(l points along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad east of ~ew (reek, in order to be prepared, should the rebels attempt a rai(l on the road either by the valley of the South Branch or the Shenandoah. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. LOST CREEK, Capt. JOSEPH MoC. BELL, [May] 5, 1863. Assistant Adjutant. General, and Lieutenant MARKBREIT, Aide-de-Camjp: The advance from Janelew in. Drove the rebels from Janelew; some rebel prisoners taken hurt, , sor~w rebels reported killed. No one on our side F. W. THOMPSON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Page 431 CHAP. Xxxvii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 431 BALTIMORE, MD., Brig. Gen. W. F. BARRY, May 5, 1863. Wheeling, Va.: The following telegrams just received :* * * * * * * * I have no more troops that I can send Roberts now, except a small regiment of cavalry, and, perhaps, a very small addition of inthutry. The Northwestern Railroad, Parkersburg, and the Kanawha are what need looking out for. ROBT. C. SCIIENCK, Major- General. BALTIMORE, May 5, 186312.10 p. m. Major-General MILROY, Winchester, Va.: Roberts reports that he has reliable information that Jones, with 2,000 cavalry, joined Iniboden and Jackson yesterday at Weston; their united forces supposed to be 10,000 strong. He apprehends attack on Grafton or Clarksbnrg. If his inform ation is correct, I think the design oCthe enemy more likely to be against the Parkersburg Railroad, below him, and the Kanawba. Hookers movements, which are understood to be vigorous and glorious, must relieve you of any present threaten- ing force in the Valley. My greater concern just now is for what may be west of the mountains. Railroad clear, and passenger trains running through between Baltimore and Wheeling. ROBT. C. SCHENOK, Major- General, (Jornmanding. CLARKSBURG, VA., General R. C. SCITENOK, ~5, 1863. Commanding at Baltimore, Md.: No material changes in our relations with the enemy to-day. We have had skirmishing in front, and drove the advance of the enemy from Janelew. The intelligence of the union of Jones forces with imbodens arid Jacksons at Weston is confirmed. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BALTiMORE, May 5, 1863. Brigadier-General ROBERTS, Clarksburg, Va.: Unless you have some certain evidence that the enemy is massed in greatly superior force in front of you, the general commanding is of opinion that you ought at once to move a oainst ~ pursue ~ By order: WM. 11. CHESEBIlOUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel and A ssb-tant Adjutant- General. * See Schenek to Kelley, 10.30 a. in.7 p. 4~9 Page 432 432 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cual. XXX VH. NEAR CHANCELLORSYILLE, VA May 5, 1863. Commanding Officer, Confederate Forces, Chancellorsville, Va.: I would most respectfully request the privilege of sending a burial party on the field of Chancellorsville, to bury the dead and care for the wounded officers and soldiers of my command. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, May 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterday, requesting permission to send a burial party to attend to your dead and wounded on the battle-field of Chancellorsville. I regret that their posi. tion is such, being immediately within our lines, that the necessities of war forbid my compliance with your request, which, under other cir- cumstances, it would give me pleasure to grant. I will accord to your dead and wounded the same attention which I bestow upon my own; but if there is anything which your medical director here requires which we cannot provide, he shall have my permission to receive from you such medical supplies as you may thiuk proper to furnish. Considera- tion for your wounded prompts me to add that, from what I learn, their comfort would be greatly promoted by additional medical attendance and medical supplies. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. LEE, General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 6,18636.30 a. m. General headquarters to night will be at the old camp near Falmouth. Corps commanders will send a staff officer for orders at 6 p. in., to report their locations for the night, as fixed ou the old map of the camp of oc- cupation. For the present, the Sixth Corps will continue to cover the lines as ordered, and the First Corps will camp temporarily in the vicin- ity of the old camp of the Sixth Corps, between the left of the old camp of the Second Corps and the right of the Sixth Corps. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major- General and Chief of Staff HDQRS. FIRST CAY. DIm, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 6, 18637 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: Just heard fiom brigade on the ~ight up to 6 p. m. last night. Were at Deep Run, and i~uud that stream iwpa~sable. Tl~e ~~teendm Peum~ Page 433 CHAP. XXXVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 433 sylvania Cavalry have pickets at Morrisville, Kellys and Ellis Fords. Scouts from the other side of the river report no enemy this side of the iRapidan. The brigade is 1,700 strong, without the battery. A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 6, 1863. Col. D. H. IRUCKER, Quartermaster, Washington, D. C.: The horses will be most acceptable at this moment. Send them early. We lost probably 500 artillery horses, shot in battle. Our trains are in good order. We have had plenty of forage, & c. Our operations not concluded by any means. RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quwrtermcster. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, JIfay 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: J send you information received here this morning. S. P. HEJNTZELMAN, Major- General. [Inclosure.] FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., May 6, 1863. Major-General HEINTZELMAN: John P. Devall, brakeman on the Culpeper and Gordonsville road, who came in our lines at Warrenton Junction yesterday evening claim- ing protection, reports that he left Gordonsville Saturday at 4 p. m. At that time there were abont 200 rebel infantry and 300 cavalry at Gordonsville. A rebel train which started out from Gordoiisville for Charlottesville was conipelled to return on account of a Portion of our forces being at Cobhams Station. Lees cavalry force passed through Gordonsville on Friday last for Louisa Court-House, where a fight oc- curred on Saturday evening, with what results Devall did not know. He reports that there are three trains at Gordonsville, which could not leave on any of the railroads. STAHEL, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., May 6,186312.25 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: We have, through General Dix, tha contents of Richmond papers of the 5th. General Dixs dispatch in full is going to you by Captain Fox, of the Navy. The substance is, General Lees dispatch of the 3d (Sunday), claiming that he had beaten you, and that you were then re- treating across the liappahannock, distinctly stating that two of Long- 28 R RYOL XXV, PT I Page 434 434 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII. streets divisions fought you on Saturday, and that General [E. F.] Paxton was killed, Stonewall Jackson severely wounded, and Generals Heth and A. P. Hill slightly wounded. The Richmond papers also stated, upon what authori