bridge. Should you conclude to arm my cavalry, they will be very valuable in breaking up bushwahckers. Colonel Gavin, of the Seventh Indiana, and Acting Brigadier-General Tyler, Third Brigade, are entitled to commendation for energy and vigor. A cold sleet-storm diriving; their cavalry advance night and day in bivouac. Shall soon hear from Moorefield. My best cavalry officer, Captain Keys, is gone there.

F. W. LANDER,

Brigadier-General.

[5.]

THURSDAY, February 6, 1862-7 p. m.

Brigadier General F. W. LANDR,

Patterson's Creek:

Am very sorry the enemy have escaped you, but am sure it was no fault of yours, and that you would have succeeded had it been possible. I thank you for your energy. Will strain every nerve to give you carbines.

G. B. MCCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

[5.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Washington, D. C., February 6, 1862.

General W. F. SMITH,

Camp Griffin, Va.:

The commanding general has no objection to the movement you propose to make to-morrow against the rebel pickets at Flint Hill and Hunter's Mill, but instructs me to enjoinupon you to use great caution on the occasion. His own words, in reply to your telegram, are as follows: "He may drive them in or catch them; only don't let him catch a tartar."

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers 37.
Washington, February 7, 1862.

* * * *

14. Brigadier General J. P. Hatch, volunteer service, is assigned to the command of the post of Annapolis, Md.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Washington, D. C., February 7, 1862.

General N. P. BANKS,

Frederick, Md.:

General Lander reports that our troops are again in possession of Romney.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]