WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., April 6, 1862.

Major General GEORGE M. McCLELLAN:

The President directs me to say that your dispatch to him has been received.* Sumner's corps is on the road to you and will go forward as fast as possible. Franklin's division is now on the advance toward Manassas. There are no means of transportation to send it forward in time to be of service in your present operations. Telegraph frequently, and all in the power of the Government shall be done to sustain you as occasion may require.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[11.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

No. 101.
Camp near Yorktown, Va., April 7, 1862.

* * * * * *

3. Brigadier General H. G. Berry is assigned to the command of the brigade of Hamilton's division, Third Army Corps, hereby commanded by Brigadier-General Richardson, this assignment to take effect from the 2nd instant.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[11.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK, April 7, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I proceeded yesterday, in company with Brigadier-General Wadsworth, Military Governor of the District, Brigadier-General Woodbury, engineers, and Lieutenant Houston, to examine into the question of the defense, if any, required at or near Aquia, and the force to be stationed for the prevention of any attempt to again blockade the Potomac. From all the information we could obtain from officers and others, and especially from those who have just made a reconnaissance as far as Stafford Court-House, in the direction of Fredericksburg, and from some prisoners who have been captured there, the enemy has but a small force this side of the Rappahannock. The force which, shortly after the falling back of the enemy, was estimated at 30,000 is now supposed to amount to 6,000, which is behind Fredericksbhurg, with the exception of a small infantry force with an advance guard of cavalry. It will take two weeks to throw up intrenchments.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General.

[12.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., April 7, 1862.

Brigadier-General ROSECRANS, Wheeling:

You will please report yourself immediately to this Department for orders.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[12.]

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*Probably that of April 5, 7.30 p. M., VOL. XI, Part III, p.71.

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