the large train and number of troops we have. It is liable to be sheelled at long range. It should be occupied at once until a more extended one can be selected which will keep the enemy at a greatee distance and secure our retreat by the Charles City road, should it be advisable to move closer to the mouth of Chickahominy. I would suggest extending our position a little farther up the river, selecting [original manuscript here torn] by tomorrow morning at latest. My mind cannot rest easy until the troops occupy the position you selected yesterday, and until a more extended one is ready for us, and I beg that you will employ all these energy of the corps in bringing about this satisfactory result.

I am, very truly, yours,

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major - General, Commanding.

[11.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers -.
Camp near Harrison's Landing, July 4, 1862.

* * * * * * *

4. Brigadier General Silas Casey is relieved from duty with this army, and will report in person to the Adjutant - General of the Army.

* * * * * * *

By command of Major - General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant - General.

[11.]

6. Brigadier General P. St. George Cooke, U. S. Army, is relieved from the command of the Cavalry Reserve, and from duty with this army, and will proceed without delay to Washington and report for instructions to the Adjutant - General of the Army.

* * * * * * *

13. Colonel William W. Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, is hereby appointed acting brigadier - general, and is assigned to the command of all the cavalry serving in this army, and will proceed to concentrate it without delay. He will detail to the different corps such mounted force as may be required for orderly duty,[and] will be held responsible for the proper performance of all outpost and other duty appertaining to cavarly. In general engagements he will assign to the different potions of the may such cavalry force as may be necessary. He will report direct to, and receive his orders from, the general commanding this army. The cavalry serving in the different corps will report to General Averell without delay at Westover Landing.

14. Ferry's brigade is assigned to duty with Peck's division, Fourth Corps, which it will join without delay.

15. Brigadier General Steward Van Vliet, chief quartemaster, will proceed to Fort Monroe and attend fro the present to sending forward troops and to the affairs of his department at that point. During his absence the duties of chief quartemaster will be discharged be Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Ingalls, aide - de- camp.

By command of Major - General McClellan:

S. WILIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant - General.