Edwin M. Stanton to Randall L. Gibson, September 25, 1863

Major GIBSON, Buckhannon :

It is possible that this point, or some other in this section, may be attacked by the enemy in considerable force in the course of three or four days. You will send a patrol to Huttonsville daily, and should you become aware of an attack upon Beverly, you will throw your command upon the enemy’s flank and rear, via the Huttonsville road, directing the force at Middle Fork to go to Buckhannon and take care of your transportation and stores. You will also send a party to communicate with me at this place, should the telegraph lines be down. Keep three days’ rations constantly in the haversacks. I believe I am able to hold this valley, if you can take care of that flank. Let your patrols and your command be provided with axes; and reard this telegram as confidential. Answer if you understand me

ully. W. M. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General.

YORKTOWN, September 25, 1863—6.15 p. m. General FosTEr:

A discharged railroad engineer from Richmond a week ago has just arrived. Says Longstreet’s corps, also Wise’s brigade, went to Bragg two weeks since; also a few troops went south. Pickett’s headquarters with two brigades at Chaffin’s Bluff. No other troops in or near Richmond. Rebels are discharging many railroad hands because roads worn out. They are conscripted immediately on discharge. I, J. WISTAR, Brigadier-General.

Washington, September 25, 1863—3.15 p. m. Major-General FostER: Brigadier-General Barnes has been assigned to your command, in the place of General Naglee. It is decided that he be assigned to duty as commander of Norfolk. You know the high reputation he enjoys as a military man, and are perhaps personally acquainted with him. I ae he may be acceptable to you, and that cordial co-operation in the measures of the Government in weakening the enemy and in strengthening ourselves by enlisting colored troops, may exist between you. I have given him a short leave to visit his family before reporting for duty.

Fort Monrog, Va., September 25, 1863—5 p. m. (Received 5.40 p. m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I have received your telegram of this day. I have already relieved General Naglee by Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter, who is a first-class man for a position of this kind, and a determined friend to the Goyernment. I propose to have the several districts of Virginia, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, Getty’s line of defense, and Yorktown report to me directly. Brigadier-General Barnes to command Getty’s fine in place of Brigadier-General Getty, while the latter is absent on sick-leave, and then to command Yorktown. General Potter to command the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and BrigadierCur, XLI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

General Wistar to command at Yorktown at present. I make this explanation in order that you may have an opportunity to express your wishes, which will be fully carried out.

The organization of colored troops is progressing well. They are now hard at work on the fortifications. The white troops being much broken down by sickness, cannot the Baltimore regiment be ordered down at once? I actually need it at Yorktown, where the regiments are very much enfeebled by sickness.

J. G. FOSTER, Major-General.

Washington, September 25, 1863—7.40 p. m. Major-General FosTER:

Your telegram has been received. Iam reluctant to interfere with any arrangement of yours, but for several controlling reasons it is more important to place General Barnes in command at Norfolk and Portsmouth than any other arrangement. I shall therefore desire you to assign him to that command when he reports for duty.

The Baltimore colored regiment is under orders to report to you, and I had supposed it had reached you by this time.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

Wak DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 25, 1863—3 p. m. Major-General ScHENCK, Baltimore:

The President directs that when you take your leave of absence you will turn over your command to Brig. Gen. Erastus B. Tyler, who is assigned to the command of the Middle Department during your temporary absence.*

By order of the President: