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To the officers commanding in the late defeat of Maj. Ferguson.
Sir:

I received, this morning early, the very agreeable account of your victory over Maj. Ferguson. It gave me, and every friend to liberty and the United States, infinite satisfaction.

I thank you, gentlemen, and the brave officers and soldiers under your command, for your and their glorious behavior in that action. The records of the war will transmit your names and theirs to posterity, with the highest honor and applause. I desire you will acquaint them with the sense I entertain of the great service they have done their country. I have, this morning, by a special messenger, transmitted the intelligence of it to Congress.

I am now only anxious about the disposal of the prisoners, as they must be ready to use in exchange for our valuable citizens in the enemy's hands. Send them under proper guards to Fincastle Court House, Virginla. I will desire the Colonel of that county

to have a strong palisade, eighteen feet high out of the ground, instantly set up, within which log huts may be built to cover them. The guard must be without, and the loop holes eight feet from the ground. Provisions, etc., shall be ordered to be provided for them.

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