That military commanders within the States of Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas in an orderly manner seize and use any property, real or personal, which may be necessary or convenient for their several commands as supplies or for other military purposes;

I am ready to say now, I think it is proper for our military commanders to employ as laborers as many persons of African descent as can be used to advantage.

I recommend that the thanks of Congress be given to the following officers of the United States Navy

The portion of the said railroad line which reaches from Rolla to Lebanon be repaired, extended, and completed, so as to be made available for the military uses of the Government, as speedily as may be.

Ordered, That Major-General Henry W. Halleck be assigned to command the whole land forces of the United States as General in Chief, and that he repair to this capital as soon as he can with safety to the positions and operations within the department under his charge.

If you desired could you remove the army safely?

Is the army secure in its present position?

I have decided to call into the service an additional force of 300,000 men.

I suggest and recommend that the troops should be chiefly of infantry.

Thus reenforced our gallant Army will be enabled to realize the hopes and expectations of the Government and the people.

Rather than hazard the misapprehension of our military condition and of groundless alarm by a call for troops by proclamation, I have deemed it best to address you in this form.

To accomplish the object stated we require without delay 150,000 men, including those recently called for by the Secretary of War.

The forces under Major-Generals Fremont, Banks, and McDowell, including the troops now under Brigadier-General Sturgis at Washington, shall be consolidated and form one army, to be called the Army of Virginia.

Under the call for three-years' volunteers 50,000 men will be accepted as raised and reported by the respective State governors.

You are also authorized to form a permanent corps of artificers, organized, officered, and equipped in such manner as you may prescribe;

You are also authorized to take possession of and use all railroads, engines, cars, buildings, machinery, and appurtenances within the geographical limits of the Department of the Rappahannock.

You are hereby appointed chief of construction and transportation in the Department of the Rappahannock, with the rank of colonel, and attached to the staff of Major-General McDowell.

You are authorized to do whatever you may deem expedient to open for use in the shortest possible time all military railroads now or hereafter required in said department;