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

and it is said he sympathizes with the rebels. I hope you will order him to some other department. Major Wyse, I apprehend from reports made ot me, is no better. He applied for leave of absence,a nd I gave him leave for a month. I want subaltern officers-lieutenants capable of instructing the rank and file in the drill nd maneuvers of the piece. I applied again and again to Lieutenant-General Scott for officers, but my applications were no noticed. I have applied on several occasions for the appointment of second lieutenants of artillery, but I received no response. I thought it singularly strange that Fort Monroe should be left in its present condition, certainly the most important position on the Atlantic coast, and from which at all season of the year expeditions could be fitted out against any of the Southern States. The extent of the work, with its present garrison, is its weakness. Besides, it is filled and surrounded with wooden buildings. I would, of course, demolish these if we should be seriously threatened with a siege.

4th. In conclusion, I would urge that three light batteries, three squadrons of dragoons-two for Camp Hamilton and one for Camp Butler-be at once furnished this command; of the light batteries, one for Camp Butler and two for Camp Hamilton. These should be composed each of four 6-pounders and two 12-pounder howitzers. These are required for both defensive and offensive operations, should it become necessary. They are, however, indispensable for reconnaissances and demonstrations towards Bethel, Yorktown, &c. Volunteers will seldom attempt to resist batteries or cavalry without the same corps to sustain them and set them an example. I should indeed be glad to have a few artillery companies to man our heavy guns in Fort Monroe.

Of the enemy and their positions in and around Norfolk I have no certain information. At Sewell's Point there are two batteries of some twenty guns or more. At Craney Island and at pig Point are several batteries of heavy guns. At Lynn Haven By there is no permanent battery established. I have not been able to arrive at any correct conclusion of the forces of the enemy in and about Norfolk, the number having greatly varied within the last six weeks.

I herewith inclose a report, just received, of some closed men who have just arrived from Nansemond. This will be handed to you by my aide-de-camp, Major Le G. B. Cannon, who will make such explanation, and can inform you fully of all matters connected with this command.

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

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, November 11, 1861.

GENERAL: I learned the following from ---- ----, colored who, with five others,all colored, came from Nansemond River last night in a small boat: He says that there are two batteries on the Nansemond River, about one and one-half miles apart-the first about four miles from the mouth-both on the left bank. Each mounts four guns, about 24-pounders. The first is shaped thus: V V V V. The first is garrisoned by forty men of the Isle of Wight regiment, the second by eight. One gun in each for twill traverse; the chassis of the others are immovable. Both