Simon CAMERON, Secretary of War, July 30, 1861

GENERAL ORDERS, } HDQRS. DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC,
July 30, 1861.
No. 2 Washington, July 30, 1861.

The general commanding the division has, with much regret, observed that large numbers of officers and men stationed in the vicinity of Washington are in the habit of frequenting the streets and hotels of the city.

This practice is eminently prejudicial to good order and military dis- ° cipline, and must at once be discontinued.

The time and services of all persons connected with this division should be devoted to their appropriate duties with their respective commands. It is therefore directed that hereafter no officer or soldier be allowed to absent himself from his camp and visit Washington, except for the performance of some) public duty, or for the transaction of important private business, for which purposes written permits will be given by the commanders of brigades. The permit will state the object of the visit.

Brigade commanders will be held responsible for the strict execution of this order.

Col. Andrew Porter, Sixteenth U.S. Infantry, is detailed for temporary duty as provost-marshal in Washington, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

Colonel Porter will report in person at these headquarters for instructions.

By command. of Major-General McClellan :

Assistant Adjutant-General. 49 R R—VOL IL

HpQrs. DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, July 31, 1861. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Washington, D. C.:

DEAR Sirk: It becomes necessary, with the increase of our stores at this post and the probabilities of the removal of supplies from Hagerstown, to obtain a secure position for a general depot for the army supplies and for hospital uses. I believe, from careful inquiry and examination, that the city of Frederick offers more advantages than any other point. It is equally central for all points (Baltimore or Harper’s Ferry); is sufficiently removed from the river to be safe from marauding parties, and has the best railroad facilities in every direction. The presence of a regiment there would have a most excellent effect.

At Sandy Hook there are not buildings sufficient, and the strip of land between the heights and river has not capacity, being in part occupied by canal, railroad, and highway, to admit of the erection of proper structures. It is also greatly exposed from the heights on the Virginia side.

At Frederick there are sufficient room, buildings, protection, &c. As it has recently been embraced in the Department of Washington, it becomes necessary that we should obtain consent of the Department for the transfer.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Major-General, Commanding, de.
Fort McHenry, July 31, 1861.

Sir: Mr. John T. Sangston, of Caroline County, is desirous that a
company of Union men in that county, who have been drilling for several months, should be armed. Governor Hicks thinks it important,
and I concur with him. If I had the authority to arm eight or ten companies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I believe they could take care
of themselves and do much to keep the secessionists in order. I think
it proper to add that an active trade with the rebels in Virginia is kept