CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1862, TO JANUARY 26, 1863.

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

CINCINNATI, November 15, 1862.

Major-General COX, Charleston [W. A.]:

Major-General Halleck directs that sufficient troops be left to hold the access to the Kanawha Valley, and that you move immediately, with the remainder of your command, to the defense of the railroad at Grafton and farther east, and that the movements be made as rapidly as possible. Acknowledge and tell me when, and with what force, your can move.

H. G. WRIGHT,

Major-General, Commanding.

ENGINEER'S OFFICE,

Roache's House, Near Fort Albany, November 15, 1862.

General WOODBURY,

Commanding Engineer Brigade:

GENERAL: Upon my return to camp I ascertained that the telegraph office was not in operation, and I therefore send a messenger to await your orders.

Since seeing, I have received the inclosed communication* from Major Magruder, but, for the reasons stated, I cannot literally comply with the order.

If desirable, I will attempt to take my command to brigade headquarters before morning. I have with me here 15 teams, instead of 14 as I stated to-day, and Captain Ketchum has 2, making 17 complete teams and wagons.

Respectfully,

STEPHEN CHESTER,

Captain, Commanding Detachment.

P. S.-I find that the requisition for rations, which I prepared this morning, has already gone in, and but a portion of the same been issued. The remainder will be drawn at the earliest possible hour in the morning, which, of course, will render it extremely difficult for my command to report in regimental camp to-night.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Near Catlett's, November 16, 1862-11.30 p.m.

General BAYARD:

The commanding general requests you will communicate with General Reynolds and send him the following dispatch:

General REYNOLDS, Fayetteville:

After consultation with General Franklin, it is desired that you move down the direct road to Falmouth from Bealeton, leaving ample guards at the fords to protect

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*Not found.

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