[Inclosures.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 13, 1863-9.20 p. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

If it is deemed of importance to keep open the telegraph communication to this point, it will require that a regiment of cavalry be sent from Washington to patrol and guard the line via Occoquan to Dumfries. My cavalry have other duties that will prevent their attending to this. The force should be send without delay.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 13, 1863.

Major-General HOOKER,

Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

I do not think that the safety of Washington depends upon the maintenance of communication with your army, but I think it is your duty to maintain your communications with Washington, and to kept the War Department advised of all your movements and intended movements. You therefore have my orders to keep up such communications.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WASHINGTON, D. C.,

April 14, 1863-11 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER, Army of the Potomac:

General Heintzelman has ordered a regiment of cavalry to scout south of Occoquan and Dumfries.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863.

Brigadier-General PLEASONTON,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

The commanding general directs me to advise you that General Heintzelman, commanding Defenses at Washington, will order a regiment of cavalry to south of the Occoquan to Dumfries. It is understood that this regiment is for the purpose of protecting the telegraph line. I will have the commanding officer at Dumfries notified.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 14, 1863.

Colonel RUCKER:

I am quite sure I will need the 300 mules referred to. I beg, therefore, you will send them, and, if possible, with drivers and harness. I