HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp Winfield Scott, April 17, 1862-2.10 p. M.

Brigadier General E. D. KEYES,
Commanding Fourth Corps:

I do not think the enemy will be so accommodating as to leave their intrenchments and attack us. I would be gald were they to do so. I the think the new works you allude to are purely defensive and based on the supposition that the facilities you allude to may be used by us to attack them. I understand the cross-roads to, which Casey's two brigades have been sent to be that near Smith's last camp and close behind his present position; if so, I am content, although I think that if there is any danger it is near Smith's position.

G. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

[11.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, Catlett's, April 17, 1862.

Brigadier-General McCall,
Manassas:

The major-general commanding directs that you whose division move to this place to-morrow, leaving only guards at Manassas and Bristoe, sufficient to protect public property.

E. SCHRIVER,

Chief of Staff.

[12.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANOCK, Cattlet's Station, Va., April 17, 1862.

Brigadier General R. KING:

GENERAL: Major-General McDowell directs that you move another brigade and two batteries of artillery of your division to Fredericksburg to-morrow, following up Augur's command. As far as they are applicable, let the instructions to General Auguer, of which a copy was furnished you, apply to this movement.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. SCHRIVER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

[12.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT, No. 14.
Wheeling, Va., April 17, 1862.

I. Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Hayward, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery, is relieved from his duties as chief of artillery in the department.

II. Lieutenant Colonel John Pilsen, aide-de-camp, is hereby appointed chief of artillery in this department.

By command of Major-General Fremont:

HENRY THRALL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[12.]

37 R R-VOL LI, PT I