WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 1, 1862.

Major-General BANKS, New Market:

General Abercrombie has been relieved, and General Hartsuff assigned to this command, with orders to report to General McDowell temporarily and while it is necessary for that force to operate in McDowell's department. Colonel Geary has signified his intention to change his position. He has been ordered to remain on the line of the Manassas Gap Railroad to guard its reconstruction and keep the communication open.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 1, 1862.

Major-General BANKS:

The President directs that you fall back with the force under your immediate command to Strasburg, or such other point near there as will be convenient for supplies and enable you to hold the passage along the valley of the Shenandoah. General Shields will receive orders within a day or two to pass with hid division into the Department of the Rappahannock.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH,
New Market, Va., May 1, 1862.

Brigadier General LORENZO THOMAS,

Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from the Secretary of War, dated April 25, 1862, inclosing the plan of operations proposed by General Fremont for the occupation of Knoxville, and the order of the Government thereupon, forwarded for the information of this department.

I am, general, with much respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 1, 1862.

Major-General FREMONT:

This Department has not heard from you since Colonel Albert's return to your headquarters, whether you intend to carry out the plan of operations you proposed in the communication sent by him, and which was substantially approved by the President. Please inform me on this point immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.