[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
In the Field, Va., October 31, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded.

I. C. TERRY,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

[Second indorsement.]

HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, THIRD DIV., 18TH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Va., November 1, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded.

A. G. CHAMBERLAIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

[Third indorsement.]

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Va., November 3, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded.

These officers probably have some cause of complaint as to the manner in which that regiment was handled, but it is doubtful whether they have sought their remedy in the proper manner.

ALONZO G. DRAPER,

Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Fourth indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
November 3, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded because orders compel me to.

I have has as much opportunity for judging of Colonel Kiddoo's conduct on this occasion and others as anybody else. I think all this unwarranted and prompted by malice somewhere. I consider Colonel Kiddoo the finest gentleman and officer in my Third Division.

G. WEITZEL,

Brevet Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

October 31, 1864 - 12 m. (Received 7.40 p. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

I received yesterday, per Captain Alden, the several commissions by brevet with which you have honored this army. I find, however, upon examination of them, that in changing the recommended dates, owing to the decision of the Senate not to confirm any appointments with a date anterior to their adjournment, that you have unintentionally changed the proposed relative rank of officers, and in such manner as not only to do injustice but to create confusion in case these officers are assigned to duty with their brevet rank. For instance, Brigadier-General Barlow has held his rank for over two years, has been distinguished in every action since Gettysburg, and was most conspicuously distinguished in the great battle of Spotsylvania, May 20, 1864, and was recommended for full promotion for this battle; he is brevetted on October 21. Brigadier-General Miles, during all the service of