You are requested to consider whether you are not already making too wide a separation between the body of troops under your immediate command and your supporting force. It is possible that events may make it necessary to transfer the command of General Shields to the Department of the Rappahannock, and you are desired to act accordingly.

We have no news of importance to-day from any quarter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., April 26, 1862.

Major General JOHN C. FREMONT,

Wheeling, Va.:

SIR: Your letter of the 16th instant, asking that your requisition for infantry arms be filled entirely by Enfield rifles in place of muskets, has been received.

In reply, the Secretary of War directs mr to say that it was referred to the Chief of Ordnance, who returns it which the following indorsement:

The only requisition for infantry arms received from General Fremont is the order of the Secretary of War, dated 11th instant, to furnish 2,500 Enfield rifles. On the 12th Captain Crispin, at New York, was directed to send this number of Enfields to General Fremont from arms he had on hand. General Fremont's request seems therefore to have been complied with.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. H. WATSON,

Assistant Secretary of War.

WHEELING, VA., April 26, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

It is reported that the Twenty-second Virginia Regiment is 7 miles this side of Lewisburg. It has two smooth-bore 6-pounders and some pretensions to fortifications. The position is in good range from the mountains this side and on the northeast. The Thirty-sixth Virginia is at Peterstown, Monroe County. About 80 cavalry at Blue Sulphur Springs. A regiment of militia at Greenbrier Bridge, 3 miles east of Lewisburg. I have ordered General Cox's division to operate against them.

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wheeling, April 26, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

General Milroy reports that his scouting parties at different times on the 23rd attacked parties of enemy's infantry and cavalry 10 miles beyond Shenandoah Mountain. Killed 1 lieutenant and 2 men, and captured 1 man of Churchville Cavalry; also captured a lieutenant of