You will get of these as many as you can house and protect, to such point in the interior as you may be able to occupy.
I believe General Innis N.Palmer has received some instructions directly from General Sherman, on the subject of securing supplies for his army.

You can learn what steps he has taken, and be governed in your requisitions accordingly.

A supply of ordnance-stores will also be necessary.
Make all your requisitions upon the chiefs of their respective departments, in the field, with me at City Point.

Communicate with me by every opportunity, and, should you deem it necessary at any time, send a special boat to Fortress Monroe, from which point you can communicate by telegraph.
The supplies referred to in these instructions are exclusive of those required by your own command.
The movements of the enemy may justify you, or even make it your imperative duty, to cut loose from your base and strike for the interior, to aid Sherman.

In such case you will act on your own judgment, without waiting for instructions.