seven being 20-pounders, rifled. No enemy at Emmitsburg at last accounts. I am distributing several thousand rations to the destitute of Chambersburg.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

HARRISBURG, PA., July 31, 1864.

(Received 10. 35 a. m.)

The Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

SIR: The undersigned, appointed a Committee of Safety by the citizens of Harrisburg, state that they beleive it necessary for the successful defense of this city and vicinity from the threatened advance of the enemy of have a more efficient military organization than can be made under the present commander of this department. General Couch arrived here yesterday morning from Chambersburg. Soon after he left that place it was entered by a comparatively small force of cavalry, and the town plundered and a large portion of it burned, without any defense being made. General Cadwalader reached here this morning, but without authority to command. We unanimously consider that the interests of the service and safety of this place and of the Cumberland Valley require that General Cadwalader or some other efficient officer be placed in command of this department immediately. The people will organize for defense under the command of an officer in whom they have confidence.

SIMON CAMERON,

J. J. PEARSON,

J. D. BOAS,

JOHN HALDEMAN,

AARON BOMBAUGH,

RUD. F. KELKER,

HENRY McCORMICK,

JOHN H. BRANT,

J. W. JACKSON,

Harrisburg Committee of Safety.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

July 31, 1864-11. 50 a. m.

Honorable SIMON CAMERON and OTHERS,

Committee, &c., Harrisburg:

General Couch having been assigned to the command of the department by the President, he can only be removed by the order of the President, who is not in the city to-day; but your telegram will be referred to him for his instructions. In the mean time General Halleck, who is in the general military command under General Grant's instructions, will immediately direct General Couch to assign General Caldwalader to the defense of Harrisburg, according to your wishes.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, Numbers 43.
Harrisburg, Pa., July 31, 1864.

That portion of the Department of the Susquehanna lying between the Blue Ridge range of mountains and the Susquehanna