the Secretary to order, subject to my control, all the force operating within it.

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

March 30, 1862.

Major-General FREMONT, Wheeling:

Your request for authority to draw troops from the Governors of States has been submitted to the President and will be answered to-morrow. That method of obtaining re-enforcements is subject to grave objections, and will not be accorded if the force can be furnished from the troops now in the field, unless to a limited and specific extent. What number of troops do you desire in addition to your present force and from what States can you procure them?

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WHEELING, VA., March 30-10 p.m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I can do good work if you will let me have immediately 20,000 men. I suppose some force may be had from Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan-in Ohio, one fine infantry regiment, two batteries of artillery; in Wisconsin, Barstow's cavalry regiment, at Racine. There was a few weeks since a battery (Coldwater Artillery) in Michigan. Pray let me have 10,000 or 12,000 men from the East, so that I may take the field immediately.

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General, Commanding.

STRASBURG, VA., March 31, 1862.

General S. WILLIAMS:

Our supplies have in part arrived. We shall move to-morrow morning at daybreak.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

STRASBURG, March 31, 1862-5.30 p.m.

General S. WILLIAMS:

Three brigades of Shields' division, with one of Williams' and all artillery, are in front of Strasburg, with one of Williams' in rear. Advance brigade 5 miles beyond town. Outposts 2 miles farther, near Maurertown. Shields' division in great part are shoreless, and artillery ammunition wanted, which is hourly expected. Can move to-morrow morning if desired, but shall be better prepared next day. Cavalry not yet arrived. Reply delayed in hopes of arrival of supplies, that would

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