be, and they are hereby,annexed to the Department of Virginia, under the command of the general commanding that department.

By order of the Secretary of War:

ED. R. S. CAMBY,

Brigadier-General, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

DECEMBER 21, [1863] - 7 p.m.

Colonel J. W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe:

Fugitives from South Mills arrived last night, report a force of the enemy (cavalry and infantry) between Elizabeth City and South Mills, within 8 miles of Pasquotank Bridge, numbers not stated. I will obtain further information in the course of the day.

GEO. W. GETTY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

(Same to Colonel Stetzel, Suffolk.)

DECEMBER 21, [1863] - 9 p.m.

Colonel STEITZEL,

Suffolk:

Major Wetherill, who has gone to South Mills, reports, on the authority of Mr. Duke, of Lake Drummond, that there is quite a force of rebel infantry and artillery at Zuni, with the intention of making a move, via Suffolk, with a view of drawing off attention from a force operating in the direction of South Mills. Be on your guard and advise me of all that is going on in your neighborhood.

GOE. W. GETTY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

DECEMBER 21, 1863.

Major-General BUTLER,

Fort Monroe:

If General Wild is in Currituck County,it would be well to send a steamer to Pongo to be in readiness to transfer the Ninety-eighth New York from that place to Coinjack Bridge or Northwest Landing, as may be most needed. I have sent a squadron of cavalry to South Mills to obtain information and watch the movements of the enemy. Commanders of posts have been instructed to afford all possible assistance to General Wild.

GEO. W. GETTY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., December 21, 1863.

General GRAHAM,

Commanding Naval Brigade, Norfolk:

Will you be pleased to send a gunobat to Pongo, to report to General Ledlie or Lieutenant-Colonel Wead, commanding Ninety-eighth