WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, December 24, 1862.

Major-General DIX, Fort Monroe, Va.:

General Foster thinks that the troops which go by land should go to Gates' Ferry, on the Chowan River, the place where Wessells' bridge embarked.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, December 24, 1862.

Major-General BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.:

General Foster wishes a brigadier-general-a regular officer of experience. Can you give him one? Please answer. Troops that fought at Fredericksburg are nor in North Carolina.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

FORT MONROE, December 24, 1862.

Brigadier-General FERRY:

Have your brigades-Spinola' and Gibbs's -ready to march at a moment's warning.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

FORT MONROE, December 24, 1862.

Major-General KEYES, Yorktown:

Have Naglee's brigade ready to move by water at a moment's warning.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

SUFFOLK, December 24, 1862.

Major-General DIX:

Is there no way in which at least partial payment can be made to these men before leaving? Gibbs and Spinola both report their men destitute. In my own the families of the men are really suffering, and it seriously affects the spirits of the men in the command.

O. S. FERRY,

Brigadier-General.

FORT MONROE, December 24, 1862.

Brigadier-General FERRY:

I have written to Washington repeatedly in regard to the payment of the troops. The answer is that after the 1st of January they will be paid up to November 1.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.