tion. The President directs that these views be now communicated as orders, which will be observed in conformity with the closing paragraph of the sixty-second article of war, the President having specially directed the command to be exercised by General McClellan.

By order of the President:

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

March 26, 1862-10.10 a. m.

Major-General McCLELLAN:

It is specially directed by the President, under the Sixty-second Article of War, that Fort Monroe and all the forces there or that may be there shall be commanded by you until further orders.

By order of the President:

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS FORT MONROE, VA.,
March 26, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

It is reported by intelligent persons (deserters) from Norfolk that the Merrimac is ready to come out, somewhat better prepared to encounter the Monitor. They say that one of the guns had been replaced by one of larger caliber, with balls and fixed spikes. I have just received your dispatch of this date. Will answer by special messenger to-morrow.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.

FORT MONROE, March 26, 1862.

(Received 5.45 p. m.)

Major-General McCLELLAN:

The troops of the Army of the Potomac are encamped in and beyond Hampton. To facilitate the landing of troops and supplies I had the docks at Hampton repaired. I ordered the troops to be transported by water to Hampton instead of 3 miles by land, the mud almost knee-deep at the time. The object of my orders were greater dispatch and to keep the men out of the hospitals. None of your officers are more anxious on this subject than myself.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.

(Copy to Secretary of War.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Alexandria, March 26, 1862-12.30 p. m.

General SUMNER, Second Corps:

On Sunday the enemy, who had returned toward Winchester, were engaged within 3 miles of that place by General Shields and completely