steamer Mount is now here, loaded with such stores as this garrison is already abundantly supplied with, and I have determined to send her also to the fortress. I am well aware that I am assuming considerable responsibility by sending those vessels back, but although I am confident that these stores were sent here for a wise purpose, still I am of the opinion that things have taken a different course from what was then intended, and the statement of Colonel Small to Captain Goldthwait has strengthened this belief and I have now determined to make these dispositions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. PALMER,

Brigadier-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Numbers 8.
New Berne, N. C., May 3, 1864.

* * * * * * *

IV. Colonel Thomas J. C. Amory, Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the command of the Sub-District of New Berne, and will report for orders to Brigadier General Edward Harland, U. S. Volunteers.

V. Brigadier General Edward Harland, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the Sub-District of New Berne, vice Colonel Amory, relieved.

* * * * * * *

By command of Brigadier General I. N. Palmer:

J. A. JUDSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

BATCHELDER'S CREEK, N. C., May 3, 1864 - 7.25 p. m.

Captain J. A. JUDSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, District of North Carolina:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inform you that I have, to me, satisfactory proof that no force of the enemy are now menacing New Berne, either by land or water.

I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,

P. J. CLAASSEN,

Colonel, Commanding at Batchelder's Creek.

WASHINGTON CITY, May 4, 1864 - 8.20 p. m.

Governor BROUGH,

Columbus:

General Grant crossed the Rapidan this morning and is moving on Lee. Sherman moved to-day on Johnston from Chattanooga. Another army will move to-morrow. Your force cannot be ready for the field too soon. Let me know whatever is wanted and it will be supplied.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

(Same to Governor Morton, Indianapolis; Governor Yates, Chicago; Governor Stone, Davenport, Iowa, and Governor Lewis, Madison, Wis.)

24 R R - VOL XXXVI, PT II