with him and act according to your judgment, bearing this in mind, that nothing must be initiated which will bring on a general action, and that the utmost care must be taken not to meet with a reverse or check. The commanding general desires you will keep up frequent communication with him. For other instructions you are referred to communications sent to Colonel Tyler, which he will turn over to you.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH KIRKLAND,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

[11.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 24, 1862.

Major-General WOOL,

Fortress Monroe:

You will alow Flag-Officer Goldsborough to take possession of the navy-yard and public property at Gosport.*

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[11.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., May 24, 1862.

Brigadier General JOHN W. GEARY,

Rectortown, Va.:

One regiment of infantry and one of cavalry from Catlett's will be sent to Thoroughfare Gap this morning to report to you.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[12.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Cold Harbor, May 25, 1862-3 p. m.

Brigadier General E. D. KEYES,

Commanding Fourth Corps:

Your telegram to General Maury just received. General Marcy's instructions of last night were for you to select the nearest strong position to Sevent Pines. I infer that you have done this and hope that the picket or advance guard at the Seven Pines itself is strong enough to keep of small parties of the enemy. Your position and arrangements seem to be fully in accordance with my wishes.

G. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

[11.]

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CORPS,
Camp at Cold Harbor, Va., May 25, 1862.

Brigadier-General MORELL,

Commanding Division:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you move your entire division to-morrow morning at 4 o'clock to the left of the New Bridge road. You will camp in the vicinity of General Woodburry's camp, and keep the command as much as possible out of sight of the enemy, now on opposite bank of the river. You will post your command with reference to

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*See Welles to Stanton, VOL. XI, Part III, p. 190.

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