SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

No. 173. Camp near New Bridge, Va., June 7, 1862.

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V. Brigadier-General Casey will immediately consolidate the three brigades of his division, Fourth Army Corps, into two brigades, to be commanded by Brigadier Gens. Henry M. Naglee and H. W. Wessells.

VI. Brigadier General Innis N. Palmer will report to Brigadier General D. N. Couch for the temporary command of Devens' brigade, of his division, during the absence of its commander on account of wounds received in battle.

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By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, D. C., June 8, 1862.

Major General I. McDOWELL,

Fredericksburg, Va.:

GENERAL: * * * The Secretary of War directs that, having first provided adequately for the defense of the city of Washington and for holding the position at Fredericksburg, you operate with the residue of your force, as speedily as possible, in the direction of Richmond, to co-operate with Major-General McClellan, in accordance with the instructions heretofore given you.

McCall's division, which has been by previous order directed toward Richmond by water, will still form a part of the Army of the Rappahannock, and will come under your orders when you are in a position to co-operate with General McClellan.*

* * * * * * *

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., June 8, 1862.

Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH,

Norfolk, Va.:

Have the fortifications at Sewell's Point and Craney Island been destroyed or blown up; and, if so, by whose order? Davis has captured Memphis and destroyed the whole rebel fleet.

G. V. FOX.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., June 8,+1862.

Major-General McCLELLAN,

Commanding Department of Virginia, before Richmond:

For the third time I am ordered to join you, and this time I hope to get through.

In view of the remarks made with reference to my leading you and

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*This communication entire will appear in Series I, Vol. XII. The above extract covers so much of it as relates to co-operation with McClellan.

+Another copy of this dispatch is dated June 10.

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