WASHINGTON, D. C., February 26, 1865-3.40 p.m.

Brevet Brigadier-General MORRIS, Baltimore:

Major General W. S. Hancock is temporarily assigned to the command of the Middle Military Division in the absence of General Sheridan.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

(Same to General Cadwalader.)

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 26, 1865-6.45 p.m.

Brigadier-General MORRIS, Baltimore:

It is reported that about 150 rebels have crossed the Chesapeake Bay to Eastern Shore of Virginia. The navy will cut off their retreat. Telegraph to authorities on Eastern Shore to try and capture them.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

BALTIMORE, MD., February 26, 1865-8.30 p.m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.:

Your dispatch about rebels on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is received. At the same time one came from General Kenly, at Salisbury, Md., giving copy of same dispatch from Commodore Parker, showing thereby that he is already informed. Early this evening instructions were sent to General Kenly to do the best he could with Smith's company of cavalry, and if he needed a company of infantry to call upon Colonel Bowman, at Willington, who has been directed to furnish him a company of regulars if he calls.

W. W. MORRIS,

Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.

NAVY-YARD, Washington, February 26, 1865.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I am informed that 154 rebels have crossed Chesapeake Bay, bound to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I have gun-boats cruising to prevent them from returning ; and if the military authorities on the Eastern Shore are immediately informed of this movement I think the rebels must be captured.

Respectfully,

F. A. PARKER,

Commander, Commanding Potomac Flotila.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, February 26, 1865-9 p.m.

Brigadier-General BARNES, Point Lookout:

We have this evening information that a rebel raid has crossed Chesapeake Bay for some unknown point. You should keep a sharp lookout and notify the gun-boats. The rebels have a boat of some description. Acknowledge the receipt of this telegram.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.