Joseph Hooker to J. C. Kelton, February 6, 1863
Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:
COLONEL: In compliance with orders received from the Generalin-Chief, directions have been given for the embarkation of the Ninth Corps for Fort Monroe and the Pennsylvania Reserves for Alexandria.
I inclose extract from the report of the Reserves, and trust the commanding general will bear in mind that these men are enlisted for three years or the war, and that in replacing them the same number of men of like terms of enlistment may be ordered here. I should be pleased to have the regiment commanded by Col. George D. Wells, I think the Thirty fourth Massachusetts, sent me, he having served in my old division for a long time.
The limited facilities afforded for the embarkation of troops and the severe storm may cause some delay in executing these orders, but they will be hurried off with all possible dispatch.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General, Commanding.
FEBRUARY 6, 1863.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE,
In view of the present storm, the general intrusts to you the recall
of the force ordered for the reconnaissance, if there is probability of
their being unable successfully to accomplish it. Discretionary orders