THE MAP ROOM (Corinth 10/03/62)
THE MAP ROOM (Corinth 10/04/62)

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Nov 02 1862 (Sunday)
With new recruits earmarked for General McClernand's Vicksburg expedition trickling into his department, Ulysses Grant decides to launch his own foray against the Southern fortress. Using the Mississippi Central Railroad as a supply line to feed his army, Grant takes aim at Grand Junction.

JACKSON, TENN., November 2, 1862. - General HAMILTON, Corinth, Miss.: Have just heard from Grand Junction. There is a camp of say 2,000 cavalry at La Grange, Tenn., 3 miles from the Junction, and probably a small force at Davis' Mill, 7 miles south. I think the enemy are evacuating Holly Springs; we will ascertain at all events....U.S. Grant, Major-General.

George McClellan reports to President Lincoln: "The last division of this army is now crossing the river." It has taken "Little Mac" a full week to usher his men across the Potomac River. His next objective is to link up with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad which he plans to use as a supply line to Washington.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, [VA.,] - November 2, 1862--9 a.m. - Col. CHAUNCEY MCKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have the honor to report that my division has passed Fairfax CourtHouse. The head of my column is half-way between Fairfax and Centreville....I have communicated with General Sigel, at Fairfax, and will relieve his post at Fairfax Station, Burke's Station, and Fairfax Court-House. I shall be in position with my whole command, pursuant to orders. Very respectfully, yours, D.E. SICKLES, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Advancing up the Blue Ridge Mountains, "Little Mac's" army threatens to cut off "Stonewall" Jackson's corps. D.H. Hill reports: "If Snicker's Gap is lost...the enemy can come up the Shenandoah and cut off my line of retreat....The Yankees are now within 3 miles of me, advancing in heavy force."

NOVEMBER 2, 1862--6:15 p.m. - General D.H. HILL: Snicker's Gap is in possession of the enemy. I do not suppose that the enemy has yet moved from Snicker's Gap, so as to reach the road between you and Berry's Ford; but if he has done so, and you cannot safely move off to-night in the direction of Front Royal or cross the Shenandoah, please let me know at once, in order that I may move up more troops to-night, with a view to giving battle in the morning. The other three divisions have been directed to cook a day's rations at once, and Ewell moves toward [Millwood] at dawn, unless he receives further instructions. I send a battery at once to Berry's Ferry, with a cavalry escort. T.J. JACKSON, Major-General.

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Nov 03 1862 (Monday)

With his army in Arkansas threatening to crumble apart, Theophilus Holmes sends General Thomas Hindman to resume command in the field. In Hindman's absence, both Generals Raines and Cooper have failed to slow the advance of General Schofield's Army of the Frontier.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, Ark., November 3, 1862. - General S. COOPER, C.S.A., Adjutant and Inspector-General: - GENERAL: The enemy have assembled in large force in Northwest Arkansas, where Generals Rains and Cooper were in command. From all I can learn both were drunk and fell back without resistance. General Hindman, whom I sent there, has arrested Rains, and will Cooper when he can find him. It is terrible to be obliged to trust such men, and yet I had no alternative....My list of unarmed men is much greater that I had supposed. Ten thousand muskets...would not put a weapon in the hand of every man....A secret organization to resist the conscript act in Northern Texas has resulted in the citizens organizing a jury of investigation, and I am informed they have tried and executed 40 of those convicted, and thus this summary procedure has probably crushed the incipient rebellion. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. H. HOLMES, Major-General, Commanding.

With the draft finally having concluded in Pennsylvania, Governor Andrew Curtain is having great difficulties in mustering and organizing the new men.

HARRISBURG, PA., November 3, 1862. - Hon. EDWIN STANTON, Secretary of War: Of the draft in this state about one-fourth have not been delivered, and the State is powerless to deliver them. An energetic provost-martial will be necessary to seize them. Of those delivered a very large number were not examined by a medical officer for the want, as it is alleged, of time before the date set for the delivery; consequently very many are totally unfit for the service. To prevent such men being sent to join regiments, I request that three medical officers of the Army be directed to report to me to inspect the men at Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh....L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

In a move which pleases all of South Carolina, P.G.T. Beauregard orders that Forts Sumter and Moultrie be "provided and kept supplied with 200 rounds of ammunition for each gun." This is in stark contrast to "Old Bory's" predecessor, John Pemberton, who had wanted to decommission the two old forts. Beauregard continues his energetic efforts to bolster the Confederate seaboard defenses by suggesting an old trick used successfully by Joe Johnston earlier in the war.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Charleston, S.C., November 3, 1862. - Capt. D. N. INGRAHAM, C. S. Navy, Comdg. C. S. Naval Forces, Charleston, S.C.: - CAPTAIN: Let me suggest that the three ships in this harbor might be arranged with port-holes and Quaker guns, or dummies, and anchored near the line of boom, apparently for its defense. These dummies were found quite effective in retarding the enemy's movements at Centreville and the Potomac border. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General Weitzel's force, commanding the land approaches to Berwick Bay, link up with Lieutenant Thomas Buchanan's naval force. "The whole country is now open....The enemy has evacuated Brashear City, having by means of the railroad got away before our gunboats could cut off their retreat." The Federal flotilla, including the U.S.S Calhoun, Kinsman, Estella, and Diane, follow the lone Confederate gunboat in the Bay fourteen miles up Bayou Teche in an effort to sink the troublesome C.S.S. Cotton.

GUNBOAT COTTON. - General ALFRED MOUTON, Commanding Forces South of Red River. - SIR: The enemy came into Berwick Bay on Saturday evening just at dark....They immediately opened fire upon us and gave chase. The Cotton came up to the Teche, turned bow down and backed into it, keeping our teeth to the enemy....On Monday...the four Federal boats, mounting twenty-seven guns, came up and opened fire upon us. They came up in full confidence of overpowering numbers, giving us broadside after broadside....We returned their fire, my brave boys cheering frequently when a well-directed shot struck the Federal boats....When but one of the enemy's boats fired with any vigor, when victory seemed to be within our reach, it was announced that we had no more cartridges, having fired the last one. Retreat was all that remained for us; but as we slowly backed up we had some sacks made by cutting off the legs from the pantaloons of some of our men, which we filled and returned fire with as often as we could in that manner obtain a cartridge....Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. FULLER, Captain, Commanding Gunboat Cotton.

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Nov 04 1862 (Tuesday)

With orders to hold Middle Tennessee and, if possible threaten Nashville, John Breckinridge sends out John Morgan's raiders and Nathan Bedford Forrest's newly recruited "critter companies" to disrupt the Federal supply lines.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, Murfreesborough, November 4, 1862. - Brigadier-General FORREST, Commanding, &c.: Morgan will co-operate, and rush into Edgefield when our guns open simultaneously. Open at daybreak. Remember that [the] primary object is for Morgan to destroy the cars and locomotives. Do not expose your troops to a reverse. Operate chiefly with artillery and cavalry, and do not allow them to be raked by the enemy's heavy guns. I will leave here for you at 7 o'clock to-night. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Major-General.

With the lack of iron continuing to plague his efforts to assemble a naval force capable of piercing the Union naval blockade, Secretary of the Navy Steven Mallory requests the assistance of North Carolina Governor Zebulon Vance.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, November 4, 1862. - His Excellency ZEBULON B. VANCE, Governor of North Carolina: - SIR: Commander Cooke, sent by be to North Carolina to obtain iron plating [for] the gunboats being built in and for the defense of the State, has returned without having accomplished this object. He reports that you have the control of a quantity of railroad iron, and I therefore address myself to you upon the subject. To enable the boats to resist the guns of the enemy their armor must be at least 4 inches thick....This armor, from the limited power of our mills, we are compelled to roll into plates 2 by 7 inches and 10 feet long, and to put them on the vessels in two courses. If you will let the Department have the rails, and facilitate its transportation to Richmond, they will be immediately rolled into plates for the vessels in question and for such other defenses as we may build in the waters of your State....I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy.

Adding insult to injury, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton orders the organization of a Military Commission to investigate the failures of Don Carlos Buell during the Perryville campaign.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, November 4, 1862. - General HALLECK: - GENERAL: You will please organize a Military Commission to inquire into and report upon the operations of the forces under command of Major-General Buell in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky, and particularly in reference to General Buell suffering the State of Kentucky to be invaded by the rebel forces under General Bragg, and in his failing to relieve Munfordville and suffering it to be captured; also in reference to the battle of Perryville and General Buell's conduct during that battle, and afterward suffering the rebel forces to escape from Kentucky without loss or capture...Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

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Nov 05 1862 (Wednesday)

Proclaiming to one of General McClellan's few remaining supporters, political advisor Francis Blair, "I said I would relieve him if he let Lee's army get away...and I must do so. He has got the slows," President Lincoln issues orders for the dismissal of the "Young Napoleon." Leaving nothing to chance, Lincoln calls upon Brigadier-General C. P. Buckingham, "the confidential assistant adjutant-general to the Secretary of War," to deliver the orders personally. Lincoln and Stanton want "Little Mac" to understand that the order carries the "full weight of the President's authority." Buckingham is given further instructions to go to Ambrose Burnside, McClellan's designated successor, first and have him on the scene and prepared to assume command immediately. George McClellan is to be given "no time for any second thoughts."

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, November 5, 1862. - By direction of the President, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take the command of that army....That Major-General Fitz John Porter be relieved from the command of the corps he now commands in said army, and that Major-General Hooker take command of said corps....A. LINCOLN.

The cavalry forces of John H. Morgan and Nathan Bedford Forrest combine to assault the Union forces defending Nashville. Realizing that the 12,000 man Union garrison greatly outnumbers his own small force, Forrest orders his men to withdraw despite forcing the Federals to take refuge within the city fortifications.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Nashville, Tenn., November 5, 1862. - Lieutenant-Colonel DUCAT, Chief of Staff. - SIR: This morning...Forrest's cavalry...opened a sharp fire on our picket line....The picket line on the Murfreesborough road gradually withdrew for the purpose of bringing the enemy under the guns of Fort Negley, two of which opened fire upon the enemy and drove him speedily beyond range. Almost simultaneously...John Morgan's forces made a dash on Colonel Smith's command...with the evident intention of destroying the railroad and pontoon bridges. After a sharp contest..., Morgan was repulsed, leaving a stand of regimental colors in our hands....Our forces then retired in good order toward the city, the enemy making one more attempt to get in our rear, nearer the city, but were immediately driven off....I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. NEGLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Receiving reports of Grant's advance towards his position, Earl Van Dorn prepares to withdraw his men to Holly Springs. Seeking instruction, Van Dorn sends a wire to his commander John Pemberton: "Troops will not move unless enemy's advance. Not being in command and having to refer to Jackson you should be here to assume control. Don't you think so?"

NOVEMBER 5, 1862. - Major-General VAN DORN: With your infantry and artillery take position behind the Tallahatachie if the enemy advance in force against you. Feel the enemy with your cavalry; take measures at once to strengthen the position we may be compelled to occupy at the ford by intrenchments. I shall have a train ready to move up if necessary. Make every effort to learn whether the enemy is moving his whole force....J. C. PEMBERTON.

To clear up some of the confusion in the Trans-Mississippi, Albert Pike's resignation is finally accepted putting an end to his flamboyant career in the Confederate army. General Holmes also sends money and clothing to the hard pressed men in General Hindman's army in Arkansas.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, Ark., November 5, 1862. - [General T. C. HINDMAN]: - MY DEAR GENERAL: Pikes resignation is accepted, and General Cooper is appointed to succeed him as Indian Commissioner, &c., but there are matters connected with him which render it necessary that he should not take immediate charge....I have sent you $750,000. It is believed this will pay all arrearages of pay up to June 30, which is the date to which the troops near here are being paid....I shall write to Stand Watie and Folsom and McIntosh that their commands will be paid at least a part of what is due them, and also that clothing will be issued to them....I am general, yours, very truly, TH. H. HOLMES, Major-General.


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Nov 06 1862 (Thursday)

Army headquarters releases the list of promotions in the Army of Northern Virginia. The new major-generals are George Pickett and John Bell Hood. New brigadiers include: M.D. Corse, T.R.R. Cobb, J.B. Richardson, G.T. Anderson, J.R. Cooke, George Doles, S. D. Ramseur, Alfred Iverson, J.H. Lane, E.L. Thomas, and E.F. Paxton. There is little time to celebrate as, "The progress of the enemy seems steadily forward." Robert E. Lee sends out Jeb Stuart telling him to, "Keep me advised of everything which takes place on the Rappahannock." He advises "Stonewall" Jackson, "It will be necessary for you to make every arrangement, so that you may move promptly up the valley, that the two corps can be kept in communication with each other and unite when necessary."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, November 6, 1862. - His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: - Mr. PRESIDENT: The enemy are advancing steadily from the Potomac, their right moving along the base of the Blue Ridge, and their left resting on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. They occupy the gaps in the mountains as they progress and have already reached Manassas Gap....Should they...continue their forward movement, General Jackson is directed to ascend the valley, and, should they cross the Rappahannock, General Longstreet's corps will retire through Madison, where forage can be obtained, and the two corps unite through Swift Run Gap. No opposition has yet been offered to their advance, except the resistance of our cavalry and pickets. I have not yet been able to ascertain the strength of the enemy, but presume it is the whole of McClellan's army, as I learn that his whole force from Harper's Ferry to Hagerstown has been withdrawn from Maryland, leaving only pickets at the fords, and but few troops at Harper's Ferry. He is also moving more rapidly than usual, and it looks like a real advance....I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

For William Quantrill it has been a long and eventful summer, but with the leaves fast disappearing from the trees, he knows it is time to lead his men to the friendly confines of Arkansas for the winter. After taking the time to burn a small Union wagon train and unsuccessfully attack the small garrison at Lamar, Missouri, Quantrill's men continue on their southward trek.

HEADQUARTERS, Harrisonville, Mo., November 6, 1862. - Colonel PENICK, Independence, Mo.: - COLONEL: Colonel Catherwood has returned without accomplishing anything....He came on Quantrill encamped for the night in a little grove of about 5 acres of timber, with prairie in all directions for I0 miles around, but he so managed as to let them all get away without killing a single man. Twelve of the men murdered by Quantrill when the train was captured were buried today with the honors of war, the most of them were teamsters, who were unarmed at the time they were killed; all of them but one were shot through the head, showing conclusively that they were murdered after they were taken prisoners. It was a shocking affair, sending so large a train with an escort of but 20 men....Quantrill was re-enforced last Sunday with 33 Enrolled Militia, with new guns and fixtures complete.....All the small bands that have infested Jackson and La Fayette Counties have joined Quantrill....Your obedient servant, PHILIP A. THOMPSON.

Recently paroled prisoners are being rushed to Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland. The camp surgeon protests that many of these men belong in a hospital and his petition is approved by the camp commander, Lieutenant-Colonel George Sangster. "The condition in which these men come into this camp is deplorable....All such men should be put in hospitals where there is every comfort and care that their cases need."

CAMP PAROLE, Annapolis, Md., November 6, 1862. - Colonel SANGSTER, Commanding Paroled Prisoners.- SIR: Permit me to call your attention to the inhuman practice of sending paroled prisoners to this camp while in a state of extreme debility, wounded, weakened by hard work, confinement in Southern prisons and diseases incidental to the parts they have come from. Some of them arrive in a moribund condition and are as it were carted here to be buried. These men...are hurried out of the various hospitals in large numbers (and as the men say themselves "just to get quit of us") to report to this camp. I wish you to have this matter represented to the parties having authority and have it stopped. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, JAS. NORVAL. Surgeon Seventy-ninth New York State Militia, in Charge.

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Nov 07 1862 (Friday)

As George McClellan's cavalry advances to the Rappahannock River, Robert E. Lee prepares to unite the two wings of the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee also worries that an unseasonably early snow storm will hamper the effectiveness of his poorly clad army.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, November 7, 1862. - Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: - SIR: The enemy to-day occupied Warrenton, and his cavalry have reached the Rappahannock....If they advance to-morrow with the same speed, they will reach Hazel River, about 10 miles from this point. I...shall be prepared to move toward Madison Court-House to-morrow, if circumstances require it. I yesterday directed General Jackson to ascend the Shenandoah Valley, in order to make a junction with General Longstreet. He will probably cross the Blue Ridge at Swift Run Gap should the enemy press forward...It has been snowing all day, and I fear that our men, with insufficient clothing, blankets, and shoes, will suffer much, and our ranks be proportionally diminished. The enemy's strength will, however, decrease the farther he removes from his base, and I hope all opportunity will offer for us to strike a successful blow....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

Ambrose Burnside is awakened from his sleep by an "unheralded intruder" in the person of Brigadier-General Catharinus Putnam Buckingham. For "Old Burn," Buckingham carries a most unwanted document. Orders which remove George McClellan from command of the Army of the Potomac and appoint Burnside in his stead. Burnside quickly disavows any interest in accepting the appointment and it is only after being informed that if he does not accept the job it will be given to the hated Joe Hooker, that he acquiesces and accepts the position. Although it is very late and the storm is still raging, Burnside and Buckingham ride to McClellan's headquarters, finding "Little Mac" still awake writing a letter to his wife. After some small talk, McClellan reads the orders and, remaining expressionless, responds: "Well Burnside, I turn over command to you." With that George Brinton McClellan's tenure as commander of the Army of the Potomac is over.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Rectortown, Va., November 7, 1862. - OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: An order of the President devolves upon Major-General Burnside the command of this army. In parting from you, I cannot express the love and gratitude I bear to you. As an army, you have grown up under my care. In you I have never found doubt or coldness. The battles you have fought under my command will proudly live in our nation's history. The glory you have achieved, our mutual perils and fatigues, the graves of our comrades fallen in battle and by disease, the broken forms of those whom wounds and sickness have disabled--the strongest associations which can exist among men--unite us still by an indissoluble tie. We shall ever be comrades in supporting the Constitution of our country and the nationality of its people. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, U.S. Army.

With the cannons on the state house lawn in his home state of Rhode Island booming a one-hundred gun salute in recognition of his promotion, Ambrose Burnside makes his first decision as commander of the Army of the Potomac. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad is, upon examination, inadequate to supply the army during a bad weather campaign and the army must abandon McClellan's line of approach in favor of a quick march to Fredericksburg.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Warrenton, Va., November 7, 1862. - General G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: - GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements proposed for this army: To concentrate all the forces near this place, and impress upon the enemy a belief that we are to attack Culpeper or Gordonsville, and at the same time accumulate a four or five days' supply for the men and animals; then make a rapid move of the whole force to Fredericksburg, with a view to a movement upon Richmond from that point....In moving by way of Fredericksburg there is no point up to the time when we should reach that place at which we will not be nearer to Washington than the enemy, and we will all the time be on the shortest route to Richmond...which, I think, should be the great object of the campaign....In connection with this movement in the direction of Fredericksburg, I would suggest that at least thirty canal-boats and barges be at once loaded with commissary stores and forage, and be towed to the neighborhood of Aquia Creek, from which place they can be brought into Belle Plain after the arrival of our force in that vicinity....After reaching Fredericksburg...a rapid movement can be made direct upon Richmond, by way of such roads as are open to us, and as soon as the army arrives in front of the place an attack should be made at once....The General-in-Chief will readily comprehend the embarrassments which surround me in taking command of this army, at this place, and at this season of the year. Had I been asked to take it, I should have declined; but being ordered, I cheerfully obey....I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac.

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Nov 08 1862 (Saturday)

The Military Commission's investigation of the evacuation of Winchester and the surrender of Harper's Ferry during the Antietam campaign publish their findings. General Julius White is released from arrest and exonerated for his decision to leave Winchester with the Commission remarking that he "acted with decided capability and courage." The officers who surrendered Harper's Ferry do not fare so well. "The evidence...confirms the Commission in the opinion that Harper's Ferry, as well as Maryland Heights, was prematurely surrendered. How important was their defense we can now appreciate....Had the garrison been slower to surrender or the Army of the Potomac swifter to march, the enemy would have been forced to raise the siege or have been taken in detail, with the Potomac dividing his forces."

GENERAL ORDERS No. 183. - WAR DEPT., ADJT. GEN.'S OFFICE, Washington, November 8, 1862. The military commission, of which Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Volunteers, is president, appointed...to investigate the circumstances of the abandonment of Maryland Heights and the surrender of Harper's Ferry, having reported that Col. Thomas H. Ford, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteers, conducted the defense of Maryland Heights "without ability, abandoned his position without sufficient cause, and has shown throughout such a lack of military capacity as to disqualify him, in the estimation of the Commission, for a command in the service," the said Col. Thomas H. Ford is, by direction of the President, dismissed from the service of the United States. The Commission having reported that the behavior of the One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Infantry was disgraceful, and that Maj. William H. Baird, for his bad conduct, ought to be dismissed, the said Major Baird, of the One hundred and twenty sixth New York Volunteers, is, by direction of the President, dismissed from the service of the United States. The military commission, of which Major-General Hunter is president, is dissolved. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Captain Francis D. Lee is placed in charge of constructing a marine torpedo ram in Charleston, South Carolina. In this endeavor Lee submits an estimate for the material he will need: "18,500 feet oak, sawed, 4 inches thick, 6,000 pounds oakum, 5,000 pounds 8-inch spikes...; 5,100 pounds 10-inch spikes...; 10,500 pounds three-quarter inch iron; [and] 4 tons of coal." Lee also submits a requisition for: "60 tons cast iron; 50 tons smith's coal; 20 tons Tennessee coke; 150 tons 2 by 7 wrought-iron bars; 10 tons 1� round iron for bolts; 2 tons 1� square iron for nuts; 1 ton No. 14 sheet-iron; 1 ton No. 16 sheet-iron; one-half ton No. 12 sheet-iron; one-half ton No. 14 sheet copper; one-quarter ton No. 12 sheet-copper."

COMMANDANT'S OFFICE, NAVAL STATION, Charleston, November 8, 1862. - SIR: Your requisitions...have been received, with a list of articles I have never had on hand, and certainly no means of obtaining them. The only articles in the list which I can assist you with are some 8-inch spikes and �-inch iron, and that to a limited extent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. INGRAHAM, Flag-Officer, Commanding Station.

Henry Halleck is pleased with the progress Nathaniel Banks is having recruiting in New York City. "I am happy to learn that your prospects are so good for filling up your expedition....Our prospect for an early movement down the Mississippi is improving....If fact, while things remain almost in status quo here [in the East]: where Archimedes with his longest lever could not move the army, at the West everything begins to look well again." Banks' success paves the way for the official end of Benjamin "Beast" Butler's reign in New Orleans.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 184. - WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN'S. OFFICE, Washington, November 8, 1862. By direction of the President of the United States Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks is assigned to the command of the Department of the Gulf, including the State of Texas. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.