Robert C. Schenck to E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C, April 19, 1863

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

Sir: I send Brigadier-General Lockwood to Washington, to confer with you, and through you with the Secretary of the Navy, with a view to having some immediate orders given that will prevent conflict of authority and possible collision between the military and naval forces guarding the Lower Potomac and the inlets and mouths of the rivers opening into Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers.

I request you to give him an interview for this purpose. It is asubject that requires prompt attention. General Lockwood will explain to you the difficulties that have arisen between his command and some of the Navy officers. He will also exhibit to you a correspondence which he has had upon the subject.

In this connection I beg leave to refer you also to papers and communications which I have heretofore forwarded in relation to the conduct of officers of the flotilla, and to my indorsements thereon.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,