Henry W. Halleck to A. V. Barringer, March 31, 1863

Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore :

GENERAL: You are mistaken in telegram in supposing that I disapprove your mounting a portion of General Scammon’s men. On the contrary, I approved your making requisitions for horses, &c., for that purpose. But 1 think such mongrel force is very poor, and should be organized so far only as is absolutely necessary. They should, as soon as possible, be changed into cavalry or replaced by cavalry. The horses so procured can be used for that purpose. The difficulty is in procuring horse equipments and cavalry arms. Everything of this kind which we can get now must besent west. If each army should purchase for itself, Government agents would be bidding against each other in the market.

The attention of Assistant Secretary Watson was called to the importance of giving more cavalry equipments and arms to Western Virginia several weeks ago, and he will be able to supply you as soon ag other and more pressing wants are attended to.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ;