CHAMBERSBURG, PA., October 19, 1864.

(Received 9.30 p. m.)

Brigadier General E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

In consequence of some alarm along the border as to the probability of a raid, I give up my leave.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, No. 62.
Chambersburg, Pa., October 19, 1864.

In honor of the distinguished services of the late Major General David B. Birney, U. S. Volunteers, who died at his home in Philadelphia, on the 18th instant, of disease contracted in the service, it is directed that from meridian until sunset on the 21st instant the national flag be displayed at half mast at the several military posts in this department, and during the same time that half-hour guns be fired at Philadelphia and at the headquarters of the department.

By command of Major-General Couch:

JNO. S. SCHULTZE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, No. 248.
Chambersburg, Pa., October 19, 1864.

1. Major General George Cadwalader, U. S. Volunteers, will assume command of the Department of the Susquehanna during the temporary absence of the commanding general.

* * * * *

By command of Major-General Couch:

JNO. S. SCHULTZE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,

New York City, October 19, 1864.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

I have been advised that a party of rebels from Canada have robbed the banks at Saint Albans, Vt., and killed several citizens. I have ordered the provost-marshal at Burlington to send his whole efficient force there, and have also ordered 100 men from Boston. I have directed a discreet officer to be put in command, with orders, in case the marauders are found on our side of the line, to pursue them, if necessary, into Canada, and destroy them.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST,
New York City, October 19, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel U. S. GRANT, General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: I deem it my duty to call your attention, as general-in-chief of the Army, to the want of troops in this city and harbor. It is