sent him all the assistance he asks. My troops are in motion and in magnificent spirits. They have all the air and feelings of veterans. It will do your heart good to see them. Have effected junction with Franklin. Instructions have been given so that the Navy will receive prompt support whenever and wherever required.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

FORT MONROE, VA., May 9, 1862.

Major-General McCLELLAN:

The last reports from Commander Rodgers were last evening, that he had passed Day's Point and Harden's Bluff, after heavy cannonading at both places. He started at 6 yesterday. The Merrimac and Monitor are at this moment approaching each other (11 o'clock a. m.), and will probably engage, unless the Merrimac falls back to Sewell's Point. No troops were landed there yesterday on account of her presence.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WILLIAMSBURG, May 9, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Dispatch received. Nothing from gunboats since my last dispatch. Is there anything new from Sewell's Point, Norfolk, or the Merrimac?

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

FORT MONROE, May 9, 1862.

P. H. WATSON,

Assistant Secretary of War:

Merrimac came out about 3 o'clock. Out squadron - Minnesota, Vanderbild, and Arago - worked slowly down. Merrimac advanced toward Monitor, then turned around and went behind Sewell's Point, where our ships cannot reach her. She remains there to prevent landing of troops. Nothing else new.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Burnt Ordinary, Va., May 9, 1862.

Brigadier General GEORGE STONEMAN,

Commanding Advance Guard:

GENERAL: It is apparent from the orders which have been received from you to-day that you were not aware that the Eighth Illinois Cavalry had been assigned to my corps. It appearing evident to me, however, that you are in great need of the services of that regiments I send