Darius N. Couch to Edwin M. Stanton, June 19, 1863

Hon. E. M. Stanton: The One hundred and seventy-second Pennsylvania, drafted men, have unanimously signified their willingness to re-enlist for six months for service in this military department. Will you please order ‘their re-enlistment at Yorktown and transportation to this place immediately, to report to General Couch ?

MapIson, WIs., June 19, 1863.

(Received 8.45 p. m.) Hon. E. M. Stanton,

Secretary of War:

Upon my return to the State from the South, I find your dispatch of the 15th. We have no military force organized, and could not raise and forward any troops in time to be of service under your call. If you desire, I will proceed to organize a force of six-months’ volunteers. The force now here being absolute [sic] 300 men is not sufficient to sustain the officer in the enrollment. One enrolling officer has been killed already. The six-months’ men ought to be used to advantage here.

GENERAL ORDERS, t Hpgrs. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, No. 3. June 19, 1863.

The fortification erected by the citizens of this department, on the south side of the Susquehanna River, directly opposite Harrisburg, will be known as Fort Washington.

The commanding general tenders his thanks to the gentlemen who superintended, and to the men who labored so faithfully on this work, for the energy they have displayed in fortifying the capital of their State.

By command of Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch: