return quickly to your position, leaving the cavalry to follow them up, seems to be the [best] policy if the report is confirmed. This would probably keep them at a distance, and enable General Wright's orders to be immediately carried out. I shall expect to hear from General Wright again by morning, and will communicate.

J. D. COX,

Major-General.

[HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,] Marietta, Ohio, January 21, 1863.

Brigadier General GEORGE CROOK,

Charleston, W. Va.:

In accordance with orders received from department headquarters, you will move as soon as possible with the Eleventh, Thirty-sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio Regiments, without transportation. When you start, report by telegraph the fact to me, and report, with the command, in person to General Wright, Cincinnati.

By command of Major-General Cox:

S. L. CHRISTIE,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

MARIETTA, OHIO, January 21, 1863.

Brigadier-General CROOK,

Charleston, W. Va.:

Make your preparations, but delay the movement till you hear again. Consult Scammon as to his reports of the enemy at Raleigh, and let me know what further information you have on the same point.

By command of Major-General Cox:

S. L. CHRISTIE,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 22, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, Washington:

I am very anxious to see you. Can you come down, or shall I come up for an hour?

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 22, 1863-11 a.m.

General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE:

You must judge for yourself as to the propriety of your coming up. I see no objection. Please answer whether you will come, and when

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief

63 R R-VOL XXI