CHAP. XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
correct idea of their numerical force, but should judge from 4,000 to 5,000. The were no vessels or encampments of any kind either at York or Back Rivers or at New Market Bridge. On a branch of James River, about 5 miles from Newport News, on the opposite side, there is a vessel at anchor. On the left bank of James River, about 8 or 9 miles from Newport News, is a large encampment of the enemy from 150 to 200 tents, also an encampment in the rear of the Pig Point batteries of from 40 to 50 tents. At Norfolk two large ships of war are lying at anchor in the stream, one of which appeared all ready for sea, with sails bent, &c. No operations at Tanner's Creek. I illustrate what I saw by the accompanying hasty diagram.* the guns which I discovered in a previous ascension proved to be only heavy field pieces mounted on carriages. Along the coast below Swell's Point no batteries or enemy were visible.
With respect,
JOHN LA MOUNTAIN, Aeronaut.
GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEP'T SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA, Numbers 1. } Fort Monroe, Va., August 17, 1861.
I. By direction of the President, the undersigned this day assumes command of the Department of Southeastern Virginia.
* * * *
JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.
GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Numbers 27. } Fort Monroe, Va., August 18, 1861.
The President of the United States having assigned Brevet Major-General Wood to the command of this department, Major-General Butler begs in a final order to take leave of the troops lately under his command.
He is happy to acknowledge the alacrity and cheerfulness of the officers and men under duties most fatiguing and perplexing, because in-active, and he only regrets that he cannot award praise to all.
He begs to make honorable mention of the uniform good conduct of the Twentieth Regiment New York Volunteers; the Union Coast Guard, under great difficulties for want of organization, under Captain Helleday, and the corps of mounted men at Camp Hamilton; to the men and a large portion of the officers of the First New York Volunteers, who under great embarrassments have maintained the discipline and efficiency of this regiment. Especial praise is awarded to the Ninth Regiment, under Colonel Hawkins, except in a single instance, which the regiment as well as the general sincerely regrets, and which the subsequent good conduct of the regiment will entirely obliterate.
High commendation is given to Colonel Carr and the officers and true men of the Second New York Regiment, who have withstood the misrepresentation of newspapers, the appeals of partisans, politicians, and the ill-judged advice of friends at home and the influences of bad associates, and remained loyal to the flag of their country. Very great credit is due them.
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*Not found.
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