GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DIST. OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, Numbers 47.
Norfolk, Va., May 25, 1865.

To put into practical operation the plans suggested in the circular of May 10, 1865, from these headquarters, it is hereby ordered that in each of the counties of Isle of Wight and Nansemond, all the colored people who cannot support themselves, and those who can but do not, be collected and located on a farm or farms to be for the present under the military government of the United States. These farms will combine the advantages of poor-house, penitentiaries, and intelligence offices. The farms to be selected will be taken when practicable from that class of owners exempted from the benefit of the President's amnesty proclamation. A military superintendent will be placed in charge of each county poor farm. Through this agent minors will be bound out, contracts for hire will be secured for the able-bodied, work in the penitentiary department will be provided for the unwilling, and food for the helpless. As the citizens of the counties shall experience the benefits of these institutions they will be permitted to bear the expenses of their establishments and maintenance. Brigadier General C. K. Graham, commanding Norfolk, Portsmouth, and defenses,is charged with the execution of this order, and will immediately proceed to make selection of the farms in each county. The military force in the county will be located on the county poor farm. The sites will be located as near as practicable to the most convenient routes of transportation from depots of supplies. Princess Anne and Norfolk Counties, being provided for on the above principles, are excepted from the operation of this order. Special assignments to the command of counties will be made hereafter.

By order of Brigadier General G. H. Gordon:

T. H. HARRIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON, May 25, 1865.

Major General W. S. HANCOCK,

Commanding Middle Military Division:

You will please relieve by other troops all your West Virginia and Maryland troops now on duty guarding railroads, and report them through these headquarters to the Secretary of War for muster out of service.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

WASHINGTON, May 25, 1865.

Major General W. S. HANCOCK,

Commanding Middle Military Division:

Please send immediately one large regiment, or two small ones, of good reliable troops to Fort Delaware to relieve the Eleventh Maryland Regiment now on duty there. As soon as the Maryland regiment is relieved, order it to Baltimore and report for muster out. The regiments sent forward should leave behind all men whose terms of service will expire under existing orders.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.