OPERATIONS IN N. C. AND S. E. VA. [CHAP. XIII.

HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 9, 1861.

Colonel FORNO, Fifth Louisiana Regiment:

SIR: You will keep a strong picket at Denby Church, in front of Young's Mill, and one in the woods at the head of the mill-pond, near Miranda Wall's; encamp your troops in the strongest positions, and establish your guns in the most commanding places at or near Warwick Court-House, in front or rear, as the ground may offer the greatest advantages. If there by a cavalry guard at Yong's farm you will direct it to report to you at once the appearance of a fleet off the mouth of Warwick River and the landing of an enemy on either side of that river. Should the enemy land on the Mulberry Island side of the river, you will march your whole force down the Mulberry Island road to take him in rear, if he should attempt to attack Colonel Hodges on Mulberry Island Point, permitting him first to engage with Colonel Hodges on Mulberry Island Point, permitting him first to engage with Colonel Hodges before attacking him with all your force with the greatest vigor. Should he land on Young's farm, which is the eastern side of the river, you will remain in your position at or near Warwick Court-house, taking care to call in your pickets at once from Miranda Wall's and Denby Church, which is the name of the church in front of Young's Mill, and will have the enemy watched at Young's farm. You will also place a picket on Warwick River, which at that point is said to be half a mile from Warwick Court-House. About this spot you will consult Captain Curtis and his officers, they being acquainted with the country. Should the enemy advance upon you by Young's farm, you will fall back to Blow's Mill, taking your position on the west or Williamsburg side, and there defend it, in all cases sending information of his movements by express to General Hill, who is near the cavalry camp, and to the commanding officer at Williamsburg, as well as the commanding officer at Yorktown. In case it should be absolutely necessary to retreat farther, you will fall back upon the works at Williamsburg. By order of General Magruder:

H. M. STANARD, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

C. S. STEAMER RALEIGH, Off Roanoke Island, September 10, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Forces:

GENERAL: As you have doubtless been informed by the engineer of the progress of our works here, I will confine myself to one remark; it is this: From all I have seen and heard since taking possession of this island, I am free to declare that I regard the maintenance of this position possible only so long as it is defended by troops from another State or from a more loyal part of North Carolina.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

THOS. T. HUNTER, Commodore C. S. Navy, Commanding Expedition for Defense of North Carolina.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 11, 1861.

HonorableS. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, C. S.:

SIR: Captain Henderson was detached from the naval battery at Yorktown three or four weeks ago. I have detained him, nevertheless,