CUMBERLAND, MD., March 22, 1865.

Brevet Brigadier-General MORGAN,

Chief of Staff, Winchester, Va.:

I have the honor to transmit the following for your information.*

GEORGE CROOK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 22, 1865.

Major-General CROOK,
Cumberland:

The major-general commanding directs me to say that your explanation+ is satisfactory, and he takes pleasure in believing that you assumed the command of the Department West Virginia without reflecting upon the position your action placed him in. He would be very glad to see you at Winchester, but the nature of the orders heretofore transmitted to you will prevent. The general directs me further to say that, in view of your telegram and the fact that your orders contemplate immediate and active service for you, he releases you entirely from arrest.

C. H. MORGAN,

Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers and Chief of Staff.

BEVERLY, W. VA., March 22, 1865.

Colonel WILKINSON,

Clarksburg:

Two deserters from the Twenty-first Georgia came through from Richmond by way of Staunton; report no organized force of the enemy this side of Staunton. Pocahontas and Bath Counties full of deserters from their army, making their way to our lines.

W. H. ENOCHS,

Colonel, Commanding.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 23, 1865-noon.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point, Va.:

We start to you at 1 p. m. to-day. May lie over during the dark hours of the night. Very small party of us.

A. LINCOLN.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 23, 1865-6.45 p. m.

President LINCOLN,

Fort Monroe:

(Care of General Barnes, Point Lookout.)

I reached the arsenal with Mrs. Stanton to see you depart a few minutes after you had got under way. I hope you have reached Point

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*See General Orders, No. 42, next, ante.

+Not found.

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