S. H. Starr, March 9, 1862

I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding the division to request that you will detach 500 men, with instructions for them to proceed to the opposite side of the Potomac River to examine and bring

PA R T m IRL A ME UMSO y ums PS A

PES e off all ammunition and stores of any value left by the enemy in their sudden evacuation of the camps and batteries at Cockpit Point and Evansport. A portion of the detachment should be provided with axes, spades, and picks, to cut away the parapet if necessary, in order tha’ hawsers may be attached to the guns, for the purpose of hauling them off the banks on which they stand, that they may be secured by vessels of the flotilla. Some of these pieces are represented to be of great value. The detachment should be commanded by a discreet officer, with instructions to keep his men well together, with pickets well thrown out to.

. prevent surprise, should rebel parties be found lurking in that vicinity.

The detachment will be directed to be on board one of the barges now

lying at Rum Point as early as sunrise to-morrow morning, as one of

the vessels of the flotilla will be in readiness to tow them across the river at that hour. As soon as the work assigned them is completed. the command will return to camp. The officer in command will be directed to collect all possible information of the movements of the rebels and report it as early as practicable.

Very respectfully, &o., z Assistant Adjutant-General.