Series 1, Vol. 19, Part II, pp. 666-67
Richmond, Va., October 15, 1862.
Major-General Loring,
Dublin Depot, W. Va.:
You will turn over your command, together with the orders and instructions heretofore communicated to you, to General Echols, after which you will, with the least delay practicable, report in person to this office.
S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
War Department,
Richmond, Va., October 15, 1862.
Brig. Gen. John Echols,
Via Dublin Depot, W. Va.:
You will assume the command of the forces lately commanded by General Loring, who has been directed to turn over to you his command and his orders and instructions. You will march the forces back into the Kanawha Valley, and make its defense your first object. Should circumstances allow you to carry out the instructions sent from the Department to General Loring, and the season be not too far advanced for the operations therein indicated, you will execute those instructions. I regret to hear of your feeble health, and will endeavor to relieve you from the burdens imposed upon you as soon as possible. In the mean while, if you should find yourself physically unable to exercise the command, you will turn it over to General Williams. Acknowledge by telegraph the receipt of your order.
G. W. Randolph,
Secretary of War.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1862