apply more especially to small commands like the little brigade with which I am instructed.

When may I hope to be relieved by the arrival of another regiment? We can subsist if this brigade moves on at once.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. P. SCAMMON,

Colonel, Commanding Provisional Brigade.

If trains are sent back to Raleigh we are detained here too long. I shall, however, send back a part of the transportation of both regiments, even if my orders from you permit an immediate advance to the railroad. I am expecting a pack train of 50 mules promised to be here by the 11th at furthest.

E. P. S.

SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. General 'S OFFICE,

No. 102.
Washington, May 8, 1862.

I. Brigadier General S. W. Crawford, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Shenandoah, and will report to Major-General Banks.

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X. Brigadier General Truman Seymour, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Rappahannock, and will report in person to Major-General McDowell.

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By order of the Secretary of War:

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON CITY,

May 9, 1862.

E. M. STANTON, Fort Monroe:

General Burnside, by letter of the 5th instant,* reports the belief that troops of the enemy have been sent from his front to Virginia. McDowell reports an increase of the enemy in his front. The movements of Jackson are uncertain. McDowell reports a rumor that he is to command in his front. Fremont reports that Milroy is threatened by Jackson. Shilelds reports a reconnaissance to the suburbs of Harrisonsburg without discovering any enemy, which may show the departure of Jackson, but not his destination. An apprehension of the advance of McDowell upon Richmond may have originated some movement by the enemy which may be converted into and aggressive one, requiring high authority for the orders that may be necessary to meet it.

The Military Board concurs in the above.

E. A. HITCHCOCK,

[Major-General.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 9, 1862.

General DIX, Baltimore:

I think proper to advise you confidentially that the Secretary of War, now at Fort Monroe, has transmitted to this place a rumor that the

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* See Series I, Vol. IX, p.384.

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