CHAP. XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

also the artillery left by Captain Larned. it is reported to me that some of the troops who landed at the inlet committed depredations on the inhabitants. You can assure the inhabitants that I will not only punish the offenders, but will see justice done them, at least to the amount taken from them, which was yesterday ordered, if it could be found, to be restored to them.

I hope you will forewarn all who may be guilty of such infamous practices, for the severest punishment awaits such conduct.

You will send by the steamer when she returns all the small-arms taken at the capture of the troops and forts.

You will report to me by return steamer the state of your command and whatever may be necessary to a right understanding of its condition, and what may be considered proper to make it all it should be for the defense of the position.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., September 13, 1861.

Lieutenant General WINFIELD SCOTT, General-in-Chief:

GENERAL: On the 11th instant I reported that I sent to hatters Inlet one company of artillery and five companies of the Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Hawkins. The steamer Spaulding returned this morning with 500 men of Weber's regiment (Germans). By this conveyance I received two reports from Colonel Hawkins, dated 7th and 11th instant, with four other papers, marked A to D. (Copies of all inclosed.) They show that na artillery officer is much wanted at Hatters Inlet. Fortunately Brigadier-General Reynolds arrived this morning. He will proceed to-morrow with the two remaining companies of the Ninth. He will also take lumber with him to build a wharf and storehouse.

I am anxiously looking for more troops, not only for this place, but for Hatters Inlet. It is uncertain when they may be required at the latter place. We have only 300 regular (artillery) at this place and Newport News. To fill the seven companies we require 260 recruits. We have one company of volunteer cavalry, 90 strong. Taking away 30 men, drivers, from the light battery, will for the present break up that light battery. It is said that the cavalry volunteers will soon be ordered to Washington. This will deprive me of all means to make reconnaissances beyond the pickets. Proper reconnaissances cannot be made without cavalry. Before these are taken from me I earnestly hope a squadron of the U. S. cavalry or dragoons will be sent me. I cannot get along well in this position without light artillery and cavalry. Before sending any more troops than those that will embark to-morrow to Hatters Inlet, I will wait for a report from Brigadier-General Reynolds by the return steamer.

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

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

FORT CLARK, Hatters Inlet, North Carolina, September 7, 1861.

SIR: On August 30 I landed here from the fleet and took command of Fort Clark, where I still remain, with the three companies which I brought with me from Newport News.