the Brigade, First Division, Sixth Army Corps, and will be reported accordingly on arriving here.

* * * * * * *

By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[33.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
Fort Monroe, April 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General HECKMAN,

Near Portsmouth:

Your dispach received. The commanding general direacts that you send an expedition consisting of all your available force (except what is intended for General Graham) to Suffolk and, if possible, clean out the rebel force. Report condition of matters frequently.

J. W. SHAFFER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

[33.]

APRIL 13, 1864.

Brigadier-General HECKMAN,

Getty's Line:

You will leave at Suffolk (of the force sent there last night) 1,000 infantry tomarch at daylight to-morrow morning on Milnerstown, leaving main body at that point with pickets out, sending scouting parties up and down the Western Branch as far as possible looking for small boats, and to cover a recommaissance of navy in cutters. The scouting party will remain on branch until cutters get through scouring the branch, then return to and with the entire force.

J. W. SHAFFER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

[33.]

GETTY'S STATION, April 14, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

I have the honor to forward the following information just received from cavalry force: They arrived at Andrews' Corners at daylight and sent out scouting parties toward Carrsville, Windsor, and Zuni. They report the road to Blackwater bridge blockaded so as to be impassable. Rebel troops seen across the Blackwater near Zuni. No rebel troops seen this side of the Blackwater. I also received information from Colonel Roberts, commanding District of Currituck, reporting the capture of Colonel Whitson, Eighth North Carolina (rebel) Infantry, last night. He is too badly wounded to be brought in at present.

C. A. HECKMAN,

Brigadier-General.

[33.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MILITARY COMMANDER, Numbers 1.
Cumberland, Md., April 15, 1864.

I. In pursuance to Special Orders, Numbers 74, dated headquarters Department of West Virginia, April 12, 1864, I hereby assume military command of this city and vicinity.

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