Franz Sigel to Rufus Barringer, May 5, 1864

Captain BARRINGER, Cumberland: CapTain: Your letter is received, and I am sorry you are sick. Affairs here make it very necessary that the chief quartermaster is

within my reach, and I therefore direct that you go to Martinsburg, to be stationed there, at least temporarily, so that you may beable to receive and execute my orders, which I cannot always send by telegraph. You may have your office at Cumberland, or make a branch office there, or vice versa, just as I have my department office at Martinsburg while I am here. If you wish to order another quartermaster to the post at Martinsburg, you may do so and relieve Captain Patton, but I must have a quartermaster with me in the field to transmit my orders and dispatches to you.

I wish that you do not stay a moment longer at Cumberland than you are obliged to on account of your health. I also wish that you send to me a report in regard to the purchase of horses, to whom you assign them, how many you expect to get, &c., and about all such matters as are proper for me to know. I would like to have a correct statement of all the transportation now with General Crook, and in other parts of the department, and what arrangements you are making in regard to that we may want. It is my desire that no horses shall remain in any part of this department with officers and clerks which are not absolutely needed, and for this purpose I wish to have a report of all the animals, and where they are. There will be a strong garrison at Martinsburg within a few days, so that things will be more safe then. Telegraph to me by Martinsburg when you will be there.

Respectfully, yours,