feated them; killed 2 and captured 3 of their horses, fully equipped. He lost 1 man killed. He thinks that his reconnaissance shows that the enemy are not in strong force near Suffolk.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear-Admiral.

UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA,

Off Newport News, Va., April 23, 1863.

Major General JOHN. A. DIX, U. S. A.,

Commanding Seventh Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, Va.:

GENERAL: I respectfully inform you that the proclamation of the President of the United States, dated March 31,* and the accompanying order of the Secretaries of War+ and Navy of the same date, regarding commercial intercourse with inhabitants of the insurrectionary regions, which I understand as superseding the order of the President, dated November 12, 1862,++ in reference to vessels and merchandise entering and departing from the port of Norfolk, have been communicated this day to the guard vessels for their guidance.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your,

S. P. LEE,

Actg, Rear-Admiral, Commanding N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA,

Off Newport News, Va., April 23, 1863.

Major General JOHN A. DIX, U. S. A.,

Commanding Seventh Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, Va.:

GENERAL: I send herewith 4 negroes, who went on board the Mount Washington in the Nansemond on the 15th instant, representing that they were free negroes, and that there was no enemy in sight; but scarcely a minute had elapsed when the Mount Washington was attacked and a long and severe engagement followed. I respectfully request that you will make such disposition of them as may seem proper under the circumstances of the case.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg, Rear-Admiral, Commanding N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FORT MONROE, April 23, 1863.

Major-General KEYES,

Commanding, Yorktown:

I have been every day since you were here to the Nansemond or to Suffolk. We cannot get more troops for you at present. I do not feel easy about our force at Fort Magruder. It would not be difficult to cut it off. If we remain there we must hold Williamsburg with our pickets. Please send the correspondence with Dr. Wager, late in charge of the asylum. I may write General Wise. If we get rid of the enemy at Suffolk I shall strengthen you for active work.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

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*See p. 572.

+See General Orders, Numbers 88, April 3. p. 580.

++See p. 452.

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