WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1862.

General LANDER,

Patterson's Creek, Va.:

A deserter who came in from the enemy last evening reports that Jackson has returned to Winchester, and that two of his brigades were expected at that place yesterday.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1862.

General W. S. ROSECRANS,

Wheeling, Va.:

Deserter reports that Jackson was three days ago at Winchester, and two or three of his brigades were to be withdrawn to that place.

A. V. COLBURN.

[5.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers 31.
Washington, January 31, 1862.

I. The commanding general thanks Lieutenant Colonel John Burke, thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, and the handful of brave men of that regiment and the First New Jersey Cavalry, under his command, for their services in the affair at Lee's house, or Belmont, on Occquan Bay on the night of the 28th instant. Their coolness under fire, and the discretion and judgment displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Burke have won the confidence of the commanding general, who recognizes in these qualities the results of discipline and attention to duty.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Wheeling, January 31, 1862.

Lieutenant-Colonel COLBURN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Say to the General-in-Chief in my judgment the public service will be subserved in a higher degree by the appointment as brigadeir, and I will make the sacrifice if necessary. I want hartsuff under my command. The general will remember how much more necessary experienced generals are in the mountains. If the general will give me Hartsuff, and 3,500 men to the Big Sandy and Kanawha column, I will, with his permission, try to cut the Virginia and Tennessee road within six or seven weeks. Will write the general soon. Will the division staff bill pass?

W. S. ROSECRANS.

[5.]

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 2, 1862-1 a. m.

General W. S. ROSECRANS,

Wheeling, Va.:

The General-in-Chief directs that the three Ohio regiments and one battery, now at Grafton, be at once ordered by you to hold themselves