Today in History:

746 Series I Volume XXXIII- Serial 60 - New Berne

Page 746 OPERATIONS IN N. C.,VA.,W. VA.,MD.,AND PA. Chapter XLV.

of the Sixth will be sent, who are now at Bulltown. I respectfully notify you of this arrangement, and would like to know whether you can in some way protect the places to be evacuated against bush-whackers, while I will try to prevent the enemy from making raids against that section of the country lying between Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and Elk River.

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, MD., March 26, 1864.

Brigadier-General SULLIVAN,

Commanding First Division, Harper's Ferry:

You may withdraw your troops from Martinsburg on Monday, with the exception of so much infantry as is necessary to act as provost guard and for guarding quartermaster and commissary stores in the city. Notify General Averell.

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, MD., March 26, 1864.

Brigadier-General SULLIVAN,

Commanding First Division, Harper's Ferry:

Please direct Major Merrian, Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, to send me, through your headquarters, immediately, a brief written report in regard to the intrenchments of Harper's Ferry, stating the following:

First. How many forts, where situated, how named, howe many guns, and what kind in each; also how many in each fort, and whether artillery or infantry.

Second. The best ways and means to complete the intrenchments, so that at least 5,000 infantry, with their stores, can find protection within the forts and rifle-pits.

Third. Whether Bolivar Heights are sufficiently fortified or whether the intrechments should be enlarged on those heights and made bomb-proof.

Fourth. Whether a sufficient amount of ammunition is now on hand for the pieces in position, and whether the necessary requisitions have been or will be made.

This report to be sent in within three or four days after receipt of this telegram.

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

CUMBERLAND, MD., March 26, 1864.

Brigadier-General AVERELL,

Commanding Cavalry Division, Martinsburg:

Select six regiments from those you have now under your command, including the First New York Volunteers, to form a division, and send the others to this place. The cavalry now here must be sent west. You may select between the Fifteenth New York, stationed at Burlington, and mounted and well armed, and the First Virginia. I would prefer to send the First Virginia west, as they


Page 746 OPERATIONS IN N. C.,VA.,W. VA.,MD.,AND PA. Chapter XLV.