HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 21, 1861.

Bvt. Col. JUSTIN DIMICK,
Lieut. Col., Second Artillery, Commanding Fort Monroe, Va.:

SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that you embark, after arrangements with the commander of the sloop-of-war Brooklyn, one company of the First Artillery with at least three officers, with arms, a good supply of ammunition, and as much subsistence, not exceeding four months' supply, as the Brooklyn may be willing to receive. Fill up the company to the maximum standard by transfer. Some spare arms should go with it. Issue, or if there be time purchase and ship, a good supply of desiccated vegetables. Superscribe the inclosed sealed orders with the name of the captain designated by you. They are not to be opened until he is at sea.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 L. THOMAS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.--Put on board, if possible, six field howitzers with their carriages and equipments and one hundred rounds of ammunition.

 L. T.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 21, 1861.

[Capt. ISRAEL VOGDES,].
First Artillery, Fort Monroe, Va.:

SIR: You are designated to embark with your company on board the sloop-of-war Brooklyn to re-enforce Fort Pickens, of which you will become the commander as well as of other forts and barracks which it may be in your power to occupy and defend with the co-operation of any naval commander or commanders at hand, although it is understood that Fort Barrancas and probably Fort McRee are already in the hands of the seceders. It is probable that the Brooklyn may be obliged to land you outside the harbor, but it is hoped not so far from Fort Pickens as to be beyond the protection of its guns if the debarkation should be opposed. Of course, the company will be first landed to cover the supplies which are intended for the fort,. The Brooklyn will touch at Key West. Deliver the accompanying letter to Captain Brannan, and desire him to communicate freely with Major Arnold, who sailed eight days ago from Boston to occupy Fort Jefferson, giving him intelligence of your movement, and the intention to re-enforce both Forts Taylor and Jefferson with a company each, hoping and believing that the latter is in the possession of the major.

The General-in-Chief, by whose direction I write, has every confidence in the zeal and ability of the officers of the First Artillery.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

                             L. THOMAS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.--You are to understand that you are not to attempt any reoccupation or recapture involving hostile collision, but that you are to confine yourself strictly to the defensive.

                             L.T.

P. S.--The guns, &c., if it has been found possible to get any on board, are intended for Fort Jefferson.

 L. THOMAS.

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HEADQUARTERS FORT MONROE, VA.,
January 25, 1861.

Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS,  Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters of the Army, New York City:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in compliance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, Captain Vogdes’ company (A, First Artillery) left this post yesterday between 4 and 5 o'clock p.m. to embark on board the U. S. sloop-of-war Brooklyn. A return of Captain Vogdes’ command is herewith transmitted. I also inclose copies of orders issued by me relative to Captain Vogdes' movement.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. DIMICK,

Lieut. Col., Second Artillery, and Bvt. Col, Comdg. Post.

[Inclosure]

ORDERS NO. 13, Extract.

HEADQUARTERS FORT MONROE,
January 23, 1861.

In compliance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, Capt. L Vogdes, First Artillery, will embark with his company (A, First Artillery), filled to the maximum by attached men from the other companies of this post, on board the sloop-of-war Brooklyn, as soon as the commanding officer of that ship reports himself in readiness to receive him. The following number of privates will be detailed from the companies at the post, to be attached to Captain Vogdes' company, viz: From Company C, First Artillery, 5; from Company B, Second Artillery, from Company L, Second Artillery, 6; from Company F, Third Artillery, 6; from Company K, Third Artillery, 5; from Company D, Fourth artillery, 6; from Company L, Fourth Artillery, 6.

The assistant commissary will furnish this command With three months' provisions, it being all that can be transported on the Brooklyn. Fifteen thousand rounds of musket-ball cartridges will be issued. Four mountain howitzers and two 12-pounder field howitzers will be taken, with such a supply of ammunition, not to exceed one hundred rounds for each gun, as can be supplied from this post and arsenal.

Bvt. Second Lieutenant Whittemore, Second Artillery, will proceed with the command.

Sealed orders received from the General-in-Chief have been furnished Captain Vogdes, to be opened when at sea.

By order of Colonel Dimick:

                        T. J. HAINES,

Adjutant.