General:--Allow me to ask your attention to the condition of the troops in this garrison.
Of seven companies of artillery we have but six officers.
It is reported to me that seven of the artillery officers have been appointed in the quartermaster's and commissary departments.
I have been compelled to take
Captain Churchill for assistant adjutant-general.
This leaves but five artillery officers.
Notwithstanding, however,
Captain Churchill, although his duties are exceedingly onerous, attends to the duties of his company.
From this circumstance, not finding a volunteer officer fit for the duty, I have been compelled to take
Captain Reynolds, of the
Topographical Engineers, for aide-de-camp, which I request may be approved.
I require two more, as the assistance of
Captain Reynolds is indispensable in the office of the
acting assistant adjutant-general.
The Tenth New York Regiment is attached to the garrison of
Fortress Monroe, but is wholly unfit for the position.
As soon as I can make the arrangements, I intend to exchange this regiment for another and a better one.
To operate on this coast with success (I mean between this and
Florida) we want more troops.
At any rate, I think we ought to have a much
