Darius N. Couch to Edwin M. Stanton, June 20, 1863

(Received 11.25 a. m.) Hon. E. M. Stanton:

If you mean consistent with the law of Pennsylvania, it will do. The New York troops having been received in accordance with State laws, renders it garth to do likewise here, or lose a large portion of the troops now assembled. If forces are needed for an emergency, of which you are the judge, then, in our opinion, prompt action is necessary, as indicated in former message.

WaAR DEPARTMENT, June 20, 1863—12.25 p, m. Major-General Coucu, Harrisburg:

Your instructions have been designed to give you full, ample, and discretionary power in respect to everything relating to the troops that may be offered. You willsoregard them. All mustering and other officers of the Government in your department are subject to your direction. You will so instruct them, and, if they disobey, suspend them, and assign the duty to some one else. The instructions given by Major [Thomas M.] Vincent to Captain [Richard I.] Dodge

esterday were without my knowledge or authority, and are revoked. ou will so direct him. Acknowledge this, and say if it is sufficient for your purpose. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

WaR DEPARTMENT, June 20, 1863—12.30 p. m.

J. A. Wricut and Tuomas A. Scort, Harrisburg:

I cannot conceive wherein General Couch requires more ample authority than has been conferred upon him. If he or the Governor of Pennsylvania requires anything further, there is nothing to prevent their asking for it, and explaining what they want.

You profess to be acting without their knowledge. How can the Department know that what you ask is wanted by them? Until some request is made by them or by their authority, it is pues for this Department to make any change of regulation beyond what has already been done at their request.

240 N. ©, V. A. W. VA, M. D., P. A., ETO. [Cmar. XXXEX,

WaR DEPARTMENT, Jume 20, 1863—3 p. m. Major-General Covcu, Harrisburg: I am waiting for an answer from you as to whether the powers granted are as large and discretionary as you desire in the present emergency, or whether other and what power is needed? Please

answer immediately. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARRISBURG, June 20, 1863. (Received 4.05 p. m.)

My powers are ample. I require nothing more. al D. N. COUCH, Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,) Hpaors. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, No. 10. Harrisburg, June 20, 1863. * V. Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, U. 8. Volunteers, having reported to these headquarters for duty, will proceed to inspect the defenses of the Susquehanna, and will make such dispositions as are necessary for the defense of the river.

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