John A. Dix to Operations In Md., Pa., Va., And W. Va, July 24, 1861

Fort McHenry, July 24, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Ariny: COLONEL: I annex a list of fhe regiments whose term of service is about to expire and of those who are mustered for three years. Gen760 – [Cuar. eral Banks persuaded the Sixth Massachusetts to remain till August 2. Ihave been to the encampment of the Twenty-second Pennsylvania, whose term expired yesterday, and the men consent to continue in service a week longer. The Thirteenth New York resolved unanimously this morning to go home to-morrow. I have just returned from their camp, and by the most urgent remonstrances and by strong appeals have induced them to stay another week.

By August 2 there will not be one of the eight first-named regiments in the annexed list left. I shall have only the last three regiments on the list remaining. I must urge the immediate re-enforcement of the troops under my command. There ought to be ten thousand men here and at Annapolis. I would not venture to respond for the quietude. of the department with a smaller number.

The late reverse at Manassas has brought out manifestations of a most hostile and vindictive feeling in Annapolis, as well as in Baltimore. Major-General Banks, on the evening of my arrival here, asked, at my suggestion, for four hundred cavalry. They would, for the special seryice required, be equal to a full regiment of infantry. I hope they may be furnished without delay. It is understood that a regiment of cavalry leaves New York to-morrow. Can I have a detachment of three or four companies from this regiment, with a field officer ?

I will see to the immediate protection of the bridges in all directions.

The Sixth New York, at Annapolis and the Junction, has been in Service more than three months. It was put on daty in detachments on its arrival at Annapolis, and was not mustered for a month afterwards.

The men are dissatisfied, and to some extent demoralized. They might be willing to remain if they could be sent to Washington and another regiment substituted for them. They contend that their term of service is ended now.

I understand there is a Home Guard in Philadelphia. Could it not be put on the bridges between that city and Baltimore? It would, no doubt, be sent on at the request of the Secretary of War.

I am, very respectfully, yours

Major-General, Commanding.

{Inclosure.]

Colonel.

William D. Lewis..-……-.

POIOE LIC osu esecoees can

T. G. Morehead …………