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from starvation. - These raids under the peculiar circumstances are in violation of every dictate of humanity. Having no [?] and apparently no object for annoyance & a useless sacrifice of life, they are also in violation of every principle of honorable warface. I have di- rected May. Genl Keyes to re-occupy the town; and that the aggressions referred to may cease. I give you notice that in ease of any reproduction of them 1th That the inmates of the Asylum will be sent to Richmond, and the United States relieved of the [?]- den of their support:- 2nd That any house which may be taken possession

of for the purpose of firing upon the troops stationed

there will be razed to the ground; and 3rd That any citizen of Williamsburgh not belonging to a regularly organized corps, who shall be forced co-opurating in these attacks and rising in arms against the occupying troops, will be put to death as a notation of the law of civilized warefare. - I am very respectfully Your obdt servt. John A. Dix Maj. Genl