OPERATIONS IN N. C. AND S. E. VA. [CHAP. XIII.

afford me at any time when other duties compel them to return, as these gentlemen informed me when I asked their aid.

I make this explanation in reference to my present or future applications for additional aides. I have no officer of the Regular Army as aide, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cram, ordered here on duty as topographical engineer, is willing to perform that duty, and act also as my aide. I shall therefore ask the President that Major Cram, who is probably lieutenant-colonel by his seniors being retired, be appointed aide, with the rank of colonel, as it seems there is no other officer of the Army available for this position, and his ability and long service will render him especially useful to me. I understood from Colonel Cannon that you were willing to assent to this arrangement.

I am only awaiting the arrival of a steamer to forward the State prisoners here to Fort Lafayette, and except they will leave to-morrow or Tuesday.

I have called for an immediate report from the proper officers as to the negroes here, in reference to General McClellan's request, which will be ready in a day or two, and I shall then forward as many as can be spared from the public works in progress at this post and upon which they are engaged, viz: A new redoubt, railroad and other roads, bridges, &c.

I would again repeat that I have here but one permanent aide, Captain Jay, a civilian; the other tow, Messrs. Cannon nd Hamilton, whole services are purely gratuitous, will probably be called away shortly, and I shall then have but who civilians, Major Jones and Captain Jay, and with the aid of all these gentlemen, and the volunteer services of Lieutenant-Colonel Cram in addition, I am occupied from 5 o'clock in the morning until 9 or 10 in the evening, and sometimes later, in the discharge of the multifarious duties that devolve upon me, incident from the peculiar position of this department.

In conclusion, I would remark that I have just received dispatched from Hatters Inlet. I think they are of sufficient importance to claim your immediate attention. I have inclosed copies to Lieutenant-General Scott.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, September 22, 1861.

Lieutenant General WINFIELD SCOTT, General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: I herewith transmit two communications from Colonel Hawkins, commanding at Hatters Inlet, dated 19th and 21st September, 1861.

I would commend them to your special attention. I could hope that you will be able to furnish me with more troops in order that the important position of the inlet may be preserved. Several tug-boats of light draught will be sent down two companies, but will wait until I hear from you. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.