Jas. A. Hardie to Henry W. Halleck, October 13, 1863

(Received 8 p. m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, General-in-Chief :

I have had a strong force in the vicinity of Hog Island for the past four days, and have left a small guard at the light-house. I will send over again at once. I wish the counties of Accomac and Northampton were in my department, so that I could arrange a sure protection by means of a few companies of loyal Virginians, with fixed

d d patrols. guards and patrols J. G. FOSTER, Major-General.

Wark DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 13. 1863—4.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. J. G. FosTErR, Fort Monroe, Va.:

It is possible that we may have to call on you for re-enforcements. If so, have you transportation, and how many men can you spare for an emergency ?

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.

Fort Monrog, V. A., October 18, 1863. (Received 7.35 p. m.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

The utmost of infantry that I can send, even in an extreme emergency, is two weak brigades; but I will send to-night to North Carolina for another good brigade, which ought to be here in three days. I will do whatever you desire, and if artillery is wanted will send it also, in case of eos I think we can muster transportation enough by taking up what vessels are here. If we need more I will telegraph at once. I trust you will remember that any depletion of my force will make some positions hardly defensible in case of a strong attack, and that I shall need the troops back again as soon as the emergency is over.

J. G. FOSTER, Major-General.

Wak DEPARTMENT, October 13, 1863—11.40 a. m.

The attention of the Secretary of War has this evening, for the first time, been directed to your order of the 9th instant, and he is much surprised and orioven that you should have issued such an order without the authority of this Department. You are directed at once to revoke it, and not to send a flag-of-truce boat, and not to suffer any one to pass or come through your lines without the express permission of this Department. The Secretary directs me to say that he is pained that such an excess of authority should have taken place so early in your administration. You will acknowledge the receipt of this dispatch, and transmit here a copy of your order, revoking your order of the 9th.

By order of the Secretary of War: