WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, November 2, 1863-10 a. m.

Major-General FOSTER,

Fort Monroe, Va.:

Your services being required for another command, orders were issued by the War Department several days ago for you to report here on being relieved by Major-General Butler. These orders should have reached you before now, and General Butler should relieve you immediately. Your proposed expedition should be postponed until your successor arrives.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

FORT MONROE, VA., November 2, 1863.

(Received 11. 50 p. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of this date. I have given the necessary orders to postpone the expedition.

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. C., Numbers 105.
Fort Monroe, Va., November 2, 1863.

* * * * *

II. Brigadier-General Wild is hereby ordered to report to Brigadier-General Barnes for command of colored troops, and such other command as General Barnes may designate.

* * * * *

By command of Major-General Foster:

SOUTHARD HOFFMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, November 3, 1863-10 a. m.

Major-General MEADE,

Army of the Potomac:

Your dispatch of 12 m. yesterday, received about 1 o'clock this morning, was submitted to the President at the earliest moment practicable. He does not see that the proposed change of base is likely to produce any favorable result, while its disadvantages are manifest. I have fully concurred in the views he has heretofore communicated on this subject. Any tactical movement to turn a flank or threaten a communication is left to your own judgment; but an entire change of base under existing circumstances, I can neighter advise nor approve.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.