Unknown to Brigadier-General VAN RENSSELAER, May 16, 1862

Brigadier-General VAN RENSSELAER, Inspector-General, §0. :

GENERAL: It is the direction of the major-general commanding that you proceed with a suitable escort to the cavalry camps of Bayard and Wyndham and thoroughly inspect the same.

You are desired to give special attention to the subject of supplies for the men and horses of their commands, with a view to ascertain what, if any of these, have been improperly acquired from the inhabitants living in the vicinity; such as taking the same without giving the ified receipt to the owner, omitting to take up the same on a quartermaster’s and subsistence returns, and issuing them regularly as other supplies,

You will also inquire whether in any case persons have been left without a reasonable quantity sufficient for the uses of their households.

An examination of copies of requisitions for the various rations for the last twenty days or more will show whether these regiments have relied chiefly on the regular sources of supply or have resorted to seizures. If the latter, then the necessary receipts, &c., will have to be produced.

Mrs. Seddon, Mrs. Gray, and Mrs. Morson (the latter’s letter of complaint is inclosed) have preferred complaints to the general.

He desires you to visit these persons, and, by inquiring of others as well as from them, to learn the justice of their allegations, which are serious.

The general does not wish you to confine your visits to the houses of the persons above named, but e. ts you to go to others in the neighborhood of the camps, with

‘a view to learning what you can to enable you to make a full report on the subject of these repeated depen as mliogert nate) I eneral, very res y,

your obedient servant