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

The Seventh New York Regiment, owing to the unfortunate disagreement among the officers, have not attained that efficiency in their discipline and drill which the country requires of them. The Tenth Regiment and companies of the regular artillery, being more immediately under the command of Colonel Dimick at the Fortress, are brought to the notice of the general from the favorable report of the commandant. The general's official connection with them has been very pleasant, and he desires to bear testimony to the faithful discharge of their duty. The unattached companies of Massachusetts volunteers have by their good conduct merited approbation, and the command of Captain Davis deserves special commendation.

The general desires also to bear testimony to the ability and efficiency with which the quartermaster's and commissary departments have been conducted.

The general take sheave of the command of the officers and soldiers of this department with the kindest feelings toward all, and with the hope that in active service upon the field they may soon signalize their bravery and gallant conduct, as they have shown their patriotism by fortitude under the fatigues of camp duty.

No personal feeling of regret intrudes itself at the change in the command of the department, by which our cause acquires the series in the field of the veteran general commanding, in whose abilities, experience, and devotion to the flag the whole country placed the most implicit reliance, and under shove guidance and command all of us, and none more than your late commander, are proud to serve.

By command of Major-General Butler:

C. C. CHURCHILL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Numbers 9. } Fort Monroe, Va., August 21, 1861.

Major General B. F. Butler is hereby place din command of the volunteer forces in this department, exclusive of those at Fort Monroe.

His present command at Camps Buler and Hamilton will include the First, Second, Seventh, Ninth, and Twentieth New York Regiments, the Battalion of Massachusetts volunteers, and the Union Coast Guard, and the Mounted Rifles.

By command of Major-General Wool:

C. C. CHURCHILL, First Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., August 24, 1861.

Lieutenant General WINFIELD SCOTT, General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: Allow me to ask your attention to the condition of the troops in this garrison. Of seven companies of artillery we have but six officers. It is reported to me that seven of the artillery officers have been anointed in the quartermaster's and commissary departments. I have been compelled to take Captain Churchill for assistant adjutant-general. This leaves but five artillery officers. Notwithstanding, however, Captain Churchill, although his duties are exceedingly onerous,