the boats? They are the best adapted to that service in point of safety. I have others that can with safety run to New York. I have none that can be relied on in November on the coast in all weather.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., October 28, 1864 - 11.10 a. m.

Major-General BUTLER,

Headquarters:

Your list of brevets recommended by you reached me this morning. I have ordered them to be made immediately and transmitted to you. General Wild has been relieved from recruiting service and ordered to report to you. The recruiting office at New Berne has also been discontinued and the officer ordered to report to you.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

CITY POINT, VA., October 28, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER:

You may withdraw your troops to their former position. The same thing is being done on the left.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

ATLEE'S FARM,

Near Darby Road, October 28, 1864 - 9.15 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Dispatch directing withdrawal of troops received. Orders have been issued.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, October 28, 1864 - 2.05 p. m.

Colonel WEBSTER,

Quartermaster:

I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inquire into the seizure of the hospital transport Atlantic and Baltic from their appropriate duties. These vessels have been assigned to duty as transports for sick and wounded under the direction of the surgeon-general, and should not be withdrawn from this service without his consent or orders, if withdrawn from their control, and report all the facts to this office.

By order of the Secretary of War:

M. C. MEIGS,

Quartermaster-General.

(Forwarded to General Butler.)

27 R R - VOL XLII, PT III