A. V. Colburn, September 4, 1861

SIR:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant. The Commanding General directs me to invite your particular attention to the importance of keeping a careful

watch upon the Potomac in front of your position. * It is believed, from recent information derived from sources deemed reliable, that the enemy

still entertains the design of crossing the river in force at some point.

above Washington. There being now no separate military department within the district of country occupied by the Army of the Potomac, the Commanding General is the only person who, under the sixty-fifth article of war, is competent to appoint general courts-martial for this army. Should you find it necessary to make application for a general court-martial, you are requested to furnish at the same time a suitable detail for the court, including the judge-advocate. ” The commanding general will at an early day request the War Department to appoint a board to examine into the qualifications of officers. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant, .