MAY 4, 1862.

Major-General McCLELLAN:

Bigler's Wharf is burning. There are no batteries for 12 miles up the river. I have sent a steamer to burn the railroad bridge over Pamunkey River.

SMITH.

MAY 4, 1862.

Major-General McCLELLAN:

Steamer Chocura has returned from West Point. No obstructions or batteries on the river. No guns or troops at West Point. White flag at that place and at other points on the river. The frames of two large vessels building at West Point.

W. SMITH.

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 4, 1862.

Major-General WOOL, Fort Monroe:

The President desires to know whether your forces is in condition for a sudden movement, if one should be ordered, under your command. Pleas have it in readiness.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

No. 135.
Camp Winf. Scott, near Yorkt'n, Va., May 4,'62.

* * * * *

VI. Brigadier General James H. Van Alen is appointed military governor and commandant of Yorktown and Gloucester. The Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, Colonel Stryker, will form the garrison of Yorktown, and Colonel Comfort's regiment (known as the Enfans Perdus) the garrison of Gloucester. These regiments will report accordingly.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT MONROE, VA., May 5, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

My infantry are ready to march at any moment, with provisions, ammunition,&c. I have one field battery ready for the field. If I had horses, I could fit out three fine batteries. I have also several squadrons of dragoons ready to move. If I knew whether it was for land or sea service I could answer more definitely. If for sea service, there would be no delay. If for land service, in consequence of having given to General McClellan much of our transportation, we are deficient in that particular, and it might delay me a day or two.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.