ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, November 11, 1864.

Major-General DIX,

Commanding Department of the East:

The Secretary of War directs that the troops taken to New York by General Butler be returned to the field as promptly as possible. Acknowledge receipt and report when the troops have embarked.

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

NEW YORK, November 11, 1864.

(Received 8.20 p. m.)

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND:

I have received dispatch in relation to the return of General Butler's troops to the field.

JNO. A. DIX.

[NOVEMBER 11, 1864.- For Townsend to Butler, relative to return of troops to the field, see Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 603.]

NEW YORK CITY, November 11, 1864.

(Received 6.35 p. m.)

Brigadier General E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Telegram received. The troops shall be embarked as soon as transports can be had. Have sent for the regulars, who are on the border. Your telegram gives me no orders. I have some private business which will detain me until Monday. Will the Secretary allow my stay?

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, November 11, 1864-9 p. m.

Major-General BUTLER:

Your telegram of this date to General Townsend has just been brought to my house. General Grant is urgent for the return of your troops quickly. The order contemplated your return with them, and if not specified in the official telegram it was omitted by the inadvertence of the Adjutant-General. You have leave to remain until Monday if you desire to do so.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. PROVISIONAL DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 1.
New York Harbor, November 11, 1864.

The troops of this command will proceed immediately to the positions they left on embarking-the infantry to Fort Richmond, the artillery to Fort Hamilton-and debark promptly. Commanding officers will