6. On the march of the troops of this army from this point it is absolutely indispensable that all straggling or leaving the ranks for unauthorized purposes be prevented. Commanding officers of regiments and detachments will be held strictly responsible that no men of their commands leave their places in ranks except on account of sickness or for necessary purposes, in which cases passes must be given to show that they are unavoidably out of the column. When the army commences its movements the chief of cavalry will order a sufficient number of men to patrol the town of Alexandria to prevent any building being set fire to or any other act that can advertise the movement to the enemy and to force any stragglers forward to their commands. Upon the advance guard of the army [cavalry] coming to any town, plantation, or buildings, the commanding officer will detach a sufficient number of men to remain at such places to keep the men from falling from the ranks. As soon as the army has passed the guards will fall in with the rear guard until a halt, when they will pass to the head of the column at a walk to rejoin their regiments. Nothing tends to the inefficiency of an army more than straggling. Commanding officers must use every exertion to stop an evil of such magnitude, which has already made its appearance, from spreading or gaining any foothold in their commands.

By command of Major-General Banks:

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 9, 1864.

Brigadier General CUVIER GROVER,
Commanding the Post of Alexandria:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding is of opinion that a large number of officers desiring to avoid duty will endeavor to go down the river on the boats without proper authority. He desires you to direct the provost-marshal of the post to make in a quiet manner a daily inspection of all the transports at this place, and to confine under guard all officers found on board without proper authority, either from department, corps, or post headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 9, 1864.

Brigadier-General GROVER,
Commanding Post:

By direction of the major-general commanding you will detail 100 men for fatigue duty, to report to Admiral Porter without delay. The senior officer of the detail will take the inclosed order* for twenty-five wagons and see that they report to the admiral with as little delay as is practicable.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Sargent to Chandler, p.515.

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