batteries, with a large number of shot and shells, as well as many other articles of value to the Government.

Troops have been stationed at the navy-yard, Craney Island, Sewell's Point, and other places.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General, Commanding.

P. S.-Please to inform me what orders the President gave the flag-officer, Goldsborough, in regard to the removing of the guns from Norfolk to Fort Monroe. The flag-officer says he received verbal orders to remove the guns.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 16, 1862.

Major General JOHN E. WOOL,

Commanding Fortress Monroe:

I have the honor to transmit to you the following order.

P. H. WATSON,

Assistant Secretary of War.

[Inclosure.]

Order thanking General Wool for the capture of Norfolk.

The skillful and gallant movements of Major General John E. Wool and the forces under his command, which resulted in the surrender of Norfolk and the evacuation of strong batteries erected by the rebels on Sewell's Point and Craney Island and the destruction of the rebel iron-clad steamer Merrimac, are regarded by the President as among the most important successes of the present war. He therefore orders that his thanks, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, be communicated by the War Department to Major General John E. Wool and the officers and soldiers of his command for their gallantry and good conduct in the brilliant operations mentioned.

By order of the President, made at the city of Norfolk on the 11th day of May, 1862.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

FORT MONROE, VA., May 17, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

With a grateful heart I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your several dispatches by telegram of the 16th instant, including the order and thanks of the President. For the honors so generously conferred on me I assure both you and the President neither shall have cause to regret.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.