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last evening, in reply to orders by telegraph from the department, revoking the orders for putting the Powhatan out of commission.
These orders were received at seven P. M., while the previous order to lay up the ship and discharge her crew, had been executed at two P. M., so far as to transfer the crew to the North-Carolina, and to give Captain Mercer the leaves of absence for the officers. . . . .
Telegram.
The Powhatan, after landing her stores, went out of commission at two o'clock. Crew on board of the North Carolina; officers mostly left with their leave of absence.
I shall, agreeably to the last orders, refit the Powhatan for sea with quickest despatch.
As there will be but few men left not wanted for the Powhatan, I shall not send the men to Norfolk in the chartered steamer, but remain ready to send them in the Harriet Lane, if so ordered.
A. H. Foote, For Commandant.
