say as little as possible about politics or the negro. Merely state that the true issue for which we are fighting is the preservation of the Union and upholding the laws of the General Government, and stating that all who conduct themselves properly will as far as possible be protected in their persons and property.

You will please report you operations as often as an opportunity offers itself.

With my best wishes for your success, I am, &c.,

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding-in-Chief.

P. S.-Any prisoners you take should be sent to the most convenient Northern post. You can, however, exchange any of them for any of your own men who may be taken.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, A. G. O., Numbers 2.
Washington, January 7, 1862.

The State of North Carolina will hereafter constitute a separate military command, known as the Department of North Carolina, under the command of Brigadier-General Burnside.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Numbers 1.
Hatteras Inlet, January 13, 1862.

In accordance with General Orders, Numbers 2, from the Headquarters of the Army I hereby assume command of the Department of North Carolina.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

January 18, 1862.

Major General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,

Commanding-in-Chief:

SIR: I inclose herewith copy of letter received from Commander Glisson, and by him from Lieutenant Braine, in relation to affairs at Wilmington, N. C.

Yours, very respectfully,

G. V. FOX,

Assistant Secretary.

[Inclosure.]

U. S. STEAMER MONTICELLO,

Off Wilmington, N. C., January 5, 1862.

Commander OLIVER S. GLISSON,

Senior Officer of Wilmington Blockade, U. S. S. Mount Vernon:

SIR: On December 30, 1861, two contrabands came off from the bat-

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