started for the nearest telegraph office. We don't know where that is, but he will find it, and I suppose send the news to Washington. By a quick moving of Mr. Dunn and his wife I believe none of the late official dispatches were taken. Mr. Dunn told me so as we parted. It was a perfect surprise. They burned all the commissary stores and set fire to the goods, but otherwise they behaved well toward us, they using to violence. The captain of the party happened to be the brother of an old friend of mine in the Pacific, named Fitzhugh. By that my boat was saves by the bond, &c. When the Titan left the wharf our cavalry were within a few hundred yards, but just in time to be too lat. If you require any more particulars, send for me at Kimberly & Bros. The boat shakes so I cannot write.

Very respectfully, &c.,

WM. WEBSTER.

P. S. - They shot all the horses, six or eight, and took their riders off with them as prisoners. Mr. Dunn, the telegraph operator, and his wife behaved nobly.

W. W.

[33.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Cumberland, Md., March 13, 1864.

His Excelleny the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Washington:

SIR: After having taken command of this department I feel it my duty and it affords me the greatest pleasure to thank you for the confidence you have shown to me. I do not know whether I shall meet your expectations and those of the loyal people of this State, but will try the best I can to do so.

With the assurance of my high respects, and with the sincerest wishes for your health and final success, I remain, your most obedient servant,

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

[33.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 118. Washington, March 15, 1864.

* * * * * * *

45. Brigadier General J. S. Wadsworth, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person to Major-General Meade, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Army of the Potomac, for assignment to duty, on or before the 25th instant.

* * * * * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[33.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, March 18, 1864 - 3 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Harrisburg:

You will report in person without delay to this Department, to receive instructions and join your corps in the field.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[33.]