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

to any of the camps without a pass from these headquarters or from the provost-marshal of Fort Monroe.

V. The provost-marshal's commanding officers, and officers in charge of guards and pickets, are directed, as far as possible, to prevent any violation of this order, and in any case of its violation by officers, soldiers, or citizens, to arrest the offender, and immediately report the circumstances of the case to these headquarters.

By command of Major-General Wool:

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., September 3, 1861.

HonorableSIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I had the honor to receive your communication of the 2nd instant, in which you request all the muskets we can spare. I have directed 1,500 stand of arms to be sent, which leaves of muskets and rifles in store but 557. I will send these to you if we have, as reported, 1,000 stand at the batteries at Hatters Inlet. These I will send for this evening, and probably they will be here in two or three days. I am apprehensive, however, that many of the latter are in a very bad condition, and will require repairs and cleaning.

With your letter I received one from Major-General butler, in which he states that "by a unanimous vote the Cabinet approved of holding the forts at Hatters," which I think ought to be done, provided we can be supported the Navy. Without the latter it could not be done without several more regiments. I shall, however, send this day for the force there, 812 rank and field, thirty-seven days' rations for each man, and 200 32-pounder shell for fourteen 32-pounder guns. I will also send an engineer to examine the batteries and position, and to report to me what may be necessary for its defenses. I do not, however, feel authorized to do more until I receive official orders on the subject from proper authority and what is desired. It is not enough for my action in the case to be merely notified of the decision of the Cabinet, unless it is officially transmitted by proper authority. There should be no delay in the matter.

The position and batteries must be defended by both Army and Navy. As far as I am informed of what is desired by the President or Secretary of War, I will adopt measures to secure the position. To do so, however, requires two more regiments. I may do it with a less number of troops with efficient aid from the Navy. The position, as it appears, should be maintained, as I consider it the most important on the Southern coast.

In order that I may, with as little delay as possible, learn the views of the administration on so important a subject, I send this communication by Captain Raynolds, of the Topographical Engineers, who I could wish might be confirmed as aide-de-camp, with the rank of major. He has been acting in that capacity since I assumed command.

In conclusion, allow me to call your immediate attention to what is herein contained. We have a prize, and I do not wish to lose it.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.