for public service. We have pressed many and have foraged very heavily, giving receipts for property taken. There is some forage between Winchester and Charlestown, but far less than is represented. We shall support our force from the country as far as possible, according to the Secretary's directions, sending our cavalry back for support until wanted instead of transporting forage here.

Some skirmishing to-night, but no new developments.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 14, 1862-8.45 a. m.

Colonel McCALLUM,

Chief of Staff:

No repairs will be made on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad beyond Cedar Run. All work in that direction will be limited to the rebuilding of the Cedar Run bridge, which so arrange that it may serve for a roadway for wagons.

Place your disposable force on the Manassas Gap road, which push to completion as fast as possible.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

WINCHESTER, VA., April 14, 1862.

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Have sent instructions, and asking full information from Blenker. Move cannot be made in less than eight days from Strasburg. Will telegraph you.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Brigadier-General.

STRASBURG, April 14, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Roads magnificent. Blue Ridge covered with snow. Skirmish on the front. Hope the operations you spoke of may be yours at last. Telegraph extended no farther for want of material. Shall go to Woodstock to-night. Blenker at Berry's Ferry. Reports it three days to cross.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

WHEELING, April 14, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

General Milroy telegraphs that he learns that General Johnson was personally present at the reconnaissance of the 12th; that the enemy