proper protection of the telegraph line, will be withdrawn for duty with this brigade. General Dix will report by letter on the organization of the brigade.

* * * * * *

6. Brigadier General Abram Dureya is relieved from duty under Major-General Dix and will immediately report in person to Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth, Military Governor of the District of Columbia.

* * * * * *

By command of Major-General McClellan:

RICHD. B. IRWIN,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant.

[5.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 83.
Near Alexandria Seminary, Va., March 17, 1862.

* * * * * *

5. Brigadier General W. R. Montgomery, upon being relieved as hereinafter directed, will immediately report to Major General John A. Dix for assignment by him to duty at Annapolis.

* * * * * *

11. Brigadier General J. S. Wadsworth, having been assigned to duty by the direction of the President as Military Governor of the District of Columbia, will, besides the military command of the city of Washington, assume the charge of the defenses north and south of the Potomac in the vicinity of Washington.

The limits of his command will embrace the District of Columbia, the city of Alexandria, the grounds in front of and in the vicinity of the defensive works south of the Potomac from the Occoquan to Difficult Creek, and the post of Fort Washington. He will have charge of the provisional brigades comprised of new troops arriving in Washington and will exercise supervision over troops temporarily in the city.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. GENERAL FOSTER'S BRIGADE,
DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 11.
New Berne, March 17, 1862.

General Foster again congratulates his brigade on the brilliant victory in which they participated and by their steadiness and valor contributed so much to win, and renews most sincerely his thanks for the endurance of hardship, steadiness, coolness under fire, and willing, prompt obedience shown by all from the moment of landing. The test was more severe than at Roanoke Island, and as General Foster judged by their conduct of the brigade equaled or surpassed his expectations. He believes and hopes that each successive action will but add to the laurels won already by the brigade he is proud to command.

By order of Brigadier General J. G. Foster:

SOUTHARD HOFFMAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[9.]