me to march to repulse the enemy."

Very respectfully, General, } r our obedient ser
vant. (Signed) IRWIN MCDOWELL,

Major-General, commanding Third A.C.A.V.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, SECOND CORPS, )
Two hours, 25 min., 9th August, 1802. j

Major-Gen. POPE : Gen. Williams s division has
taken position on the right of the pike, the right
on a heavy body of woods. Gen. Augur on the
left, his left resting on a mountain, occupied by
his skirmishers. He will soon be in position.
The enemy shows his cavalry (which is strong)
ostentatiously. No infantry seen, and not much
artillery. Woods on left said to be full of troops.
A visit to the front does not impress that the en
emy intends immediate attack. He seems, how
ever, to be taking positions.

(Signed) N. P. BA^KS.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.



364



REBELLION RECORD, 1862.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, )
4 hours, 50 min., August 9, 1S62. j

Colonel RUGGLES, Chief of Staff: About four
o clock shots were exchanged by the skirmishers.
Artillery opened fire on both sides in a few min
utes. One regiment of rebel infantry advancing,
now deploying in front as skirmishers. I have
ordered a regiment on the right, Williams s divi
sion, to meet them, and one from the left ; Augur
to advance on the left and in front.

(Signed) N. P. BANKS.

5 P.M. They are now approaching each other.

A. true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut. -Col. and A.D.C.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH FROM )
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 18, 1SG2. J

To Gen. POPE: I fully approve your move
ment. I hope to push a part of Burnside s forces
to near Barnett s Ford by to-morrow night, to as
sist you in holding that pass. Stand firm on the
line of the Rappahannock till I can help you.
Fight hard and aid will soon come.

II. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

A true copy : T. C. II. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, August 20, 1S62. f

Major-Gen. HALLECK : Your despatch of yes
terday received last night. I shall mass my
whole force along what is known as Marsh Run,
about two and a half or three miles north-east of
Rappahannock Ford, occupying Kelly s Ford with
an advanced guard from the centre, and picket
ing strongly with cavalry the fords above me as
far as the road from Sperryville to Warrenton.
If the enemy attempt to turn my right by the
way of Sulphur Springs, they will probably march
direct on Witrrenton, from which place a good
turnpike conducts to Washington. Such a move
ment, however, will expose their flank and rear,
and you may be sure I shall not lose the oppor
tunity. My right will be considerably diffused
along the railroad as far at least as Bealton sta
tion. What relations with me will the corps of
Fitz-John Porter have ? I should like to know
exactly. I am going out to post my command.
I have heard from Reno. He crossed safely yes
terday at Kelly s Ford and Barnett s Ford. The
enemy so far has made no movement in advance.
I think they are not yet ready, for want of trans
portation for supplies, to cross the Rapidan.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.



DESPATCHES AND ORDERS SENT AND RECEIVED
FROM AUG. 21 TO AUG. 24 INCLUSIVE.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
Received Aug. 21, 1802, from War Department, Washington.

To Gen. POPE : I have telegraphed Gen. Burn-
side to know at what hour he can reenforce Reno.
Am waiting his answer. Every effort must be



made to hold the Rappahannock. Large forces
will be in to-morrow.

(Signed) H. W. HALLECK,

Genera. -in-Chief,

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, \_
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 21, 1SC2. j

Major-General HALLECK : The enemy has made
no further advance since yesterday afternoon, but
his cavalry-pickets are in plain view of our front.
After full examination of the ground I have de
termined to maintain the line of the Rappahan
nock instead of Marsh Creek. I have accord
ingly occupied advanced and commanding posi
tions on the south side of the river, and have
three bridges beside the fords to connect with
them. The main body of my command is posted
along the north side of the river, having easy ac
cess to the front. I have masked the fords above
and below me with infantry, cavalry, and artille
ry, and have no concern about any attack in the
front, though, as previously suggested, my right
can be turned at considerable distance above me.
This, however, will require time, and will be, be
sides, a hazardous operation. We drew back be
hind the Rappahannock in perfect order, without
leaving any article whatever.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH
From Department, "Washington, Aug. 21, 1862.

To Gen. POPE : I have just sent General Burn-
side s reply. Gen. Cox s forces are coining in
from Parkersburgh, and will be here to-morrow
and the next day. Dispute every inch of ground,
and fight like the devil, till we can reenforce you.
Forty-eight hours more and we can make you
strong enough. Don t yield an inch if you can
help it. H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 22, 180212 o clock M. j

COMMANDING OFFICER Warrcnton Junction :

Keep your cavalry scouring the roads and pick

up stragglers. You will keep them under guard

at Catlett s station, or use them for fatigue-duty.

By order of Major-Gen. POPE.

(Signed) GEO. D. RUGGLES,

Col. and Chief of Sta
A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 22, 1882 12 o clock si. f

Major-General HALLECK : The number of strag
glers leaving this army just now, and the ease
with which they escape, are becoming serious.
Can they not be arrested and confined in prison
at Washington, as I have not at present the



DOCUMENTS.



365



means to bring them here, or to keep them when
I get them ? (Signed) JOHN POPE, M.G.
A true copy : T. C. II. SMITH,

Lieut. -Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
Aug. 22, 186210.30 A.M. \

Major-Gen. HALLECK : It is very apparent that
the enemy is moving, with a view of turning our
right. He has no forces further east than Ste-
vensburgh, and every thing is tending up the
river. I presume he will cross, if possible, at
Sulphur Springs, on the pike to Washington. I
would suggest that all the forces being sent from
Fredericksburgh be pushed forward immediately
as far as this place, as I think there is no danger
whatever on the lower fords of the Rappahan-
nock, A captured letter from Gen. Robert Lee
to Gen. Stuart, dated at Gordonsville, August
fifteenth, clearly indicates their movement. AVe
had several handsome skirmishes yesterday, in
one of which one of our cavalry regiments, on the
south side of the river, charged over a regiment
of rebel infantry, dispersing them and driving
them into the woods. Seventy head of the ene
my s beef-cattle and seven horses were captured.
There has been heavy artillery firing all this
morning, the enemy not yet having finished his
preparation for attack. My whole force is massed
and well in hand. We have had a great many
casualties within the last two days of skirmishing
and cannonading. I cannot tell how many.
(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. II. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 22, 5 o clock P.M., 1862. )

Major-Gen. HALLECK : I think that the troops
of Heintzclman and Cox had best be landed from
the train at Bealton station, Kearny on or near
Licking River, say two miles south-west of War-
renton Junction. The enemy has made no at
tempt to-day to cross the river. His movement
up toward our right seems to have been continu
ous all da} T . I have little doubt if he crosses at
all it will be at Sulphur Springs. Under present
circumstances I shall not attempt to prevent his
crossing at Sulphur Springs, but will mass my
whole force on his flank in the neighborhood of
Fayetteville. By undertaking to defend the
crossing at Sulphur Springs I would much ex
tend my lines and remove myself too far from
the reinforcements that are arriving by railroad.
Before the enemy can be fairly across the river
with any considerable force I shall be strong
enough to advance from Fayetteville upon his
flank. (Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )

RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 22, G.30 o clock P.M. j

Major-General HALLECK : Every thing indicates
dearly to me that the enemy s movement will be
upon Warrenton by way of Sulphur Sp "Ings. If



I could know with any thing like certainty by
what time to expect troops that are starting from
Alexandria, I could act more understandingly.
I have not heard of the arrival of any of the
forces from Fredericksburgh at the fords below,
though I have withdrawn nearly the whole of
Reno s forces from Kelly s Ford. I cannot move
against Sulphur Springs just now without expos
ing my rear to the heavy force in front of me,
and having my communication with the forces
coming up the Rappahannock intercepted, and
most likely the railroad destroyed. I think it
altogether well to bring Franklin s force to Alex
andria. Lee made his headquarters at Culpeper
last night. He has the whole of his army in
front of me. Its numbers you can estimate as
well as myself. As soon as his plans are fully
developed I shall be ready to act.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. 0. H. SMITH,

Lieut. -Col. and A.D.C.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, t
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Aug. 22, 1S62 9 P.M. f

Major-Gen. HALLECK : Scouts report a heavy
force moving up across Hedgeman River, on the
Sperryville and Little Washington pike, toward
Warrenton ; also crossing at Sulphur Springs. I
think a brigade should be sent to guard the rail
road-bridge at Cedar Run, and that Heintzelman s
corps should be hurried forward with all possible
despatch. (Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
Aug. 22 9.15P.M. f

Gen. HALLECK : Reports from our forces near
Sulphur Springs just in. Enemy was crossing
river to-day at Sulphur, and on the road from
Warrenton to Sperryville ; he is still in heavy
force at Rappahannock Ford, and above, and my
rear is entirely exposed if I move toward Sulphur
Springs or Warrenton. I must do one of two
things : either fall back and meet Heintzelman
behind Cedar Run, or cross the Rappahannock
with my whole force and assail the enen^ s flank
and rear. I must do one or the other at daylight.
Which shall it be ? I incline to the latter, but
don t wish to interfere with your plans.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-GeneraL

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.

Received Aug. 22, 1S62. From War Department, Washington,
22d, 186211 P.M.

To Major-General POPE : I think the latter of
your two propositions the best. I also think you
had better stop Heintzelman s corps, and the
troops of Sturgis and Cox, as they arrive to-mor
row at Warrenton Junction, instead of taking
them to Bealton.

(Signed) H. W. HALLECK,

General-iu-CMet



56G



REBELLION RECORD, 1S62.



UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
Received Aug. 22, 1862. From Manassas 10.04 P.M.

To Gen. POPE : We will continue to forward
troops to Manassas unless you order otherwise ;
but beyond this point trains will be held to wait
your orders, or until further information is re
ceived. (Signed) HAUPT.

A true copy : T. 0. H. SMITH,

Lieut. -Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMT OP VrRGmu, )
RAPPAHAXNOCK STATION, Aug. 23, 18622.20 o clock A.M. f

M. G. HALLECK : As nearly as I can learn the
facts, the enemy s cavalry made a raid from the
direction of Warrenton upon our wagon-trains
at Catlett s, and seems to have done some con
siderable damage to them through the gross care
lessness of the guard, which was amply suffi
cient to protect them. Please hurry forward
Heintzelman, as the enemy may reach Warren-
ton Junction before he does. Please push for
ward also all the troops moving up from Frede-
ricksburgh, with orders to cross the Rappahan-
nock at the various fords, and march rapidly on
Stevensburgh. My movement will be made to
morrow, as soon as I find the enemy has passed
a sufficient number of his troops over the river.
The troops coming up from Fredericksburgh
should be hastened forward with all despatch to
Stevensburgh and Brandy station. It will be
well, also, to send with them immediately a train,
bread, sugar, coffee, and salt, as our railroad
communications may be unsafe for a few days.
(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieut.-Col. and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
August 23, 1862. f

Major-General POPE, Commanding Army of
Virginia : There is no doubt that the enemy has
outflanked us, and that his army crosses near
Sulphur Springs and Fox s or Lawson s Ford. I
therefore must instantly beg you to send General
Reno s division to Fayetteville, which will be
good and necessary for all emergencies but it
should be done to-night, and immediately. Gen.
Banks, instead of marching to Lawson s Ford, as
directed by me, has not done it, and the enemy
is therefore crossing at Fox s Ford, from which
ford General Bayard retired an hour or two ago.
From Fayetteville General Reno can advance to
Lawson s Ford, or maintain his position until
3^ou have made your proper arrangements. It.
would be, according to my opinion, the best to
withdraw the First corps toward Bealton, or my
original position near Beverly Ford, to enable us
to concentrate all our forces in a central position.
General Reno would cover this movement, and
we would gain one day.

I am General, respectfully yours,
(Signed) F. SIGEL.

Major-General Comanding First Corps.

A true copy : T. 0. H. Smith,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
August 23, 18(52. $

Major-General SIGEL: Your dispatch just re-
ceived. General Buford is at Fayetteville, and
will watch any movement of the enemy toward
that place, or toward your right. Stand firm
and let the enemy develop toward Warren ton.
Reinforcements are constantly arriving in our
rear. I do not wish any further extension of our
lines to the right, but I desire the enemy to cross
as large a force as he pleases in the direction of
Warrenton. When I wish to concentrate on the
railroad I will cover your movement back. Be
under no concern, but keep your whole com
mand ready to march at a moment s notice.
Send word to Bayard to keep his position as far
up the river as possible, and check, if you find
it necessary, any attempt of the enemy to cross
at Lawson s Ford.

By order of General POPE.
"(Signed) T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, |
August 23, 18627.15 o clock A.M. f

Major-General SIGEL : The river has risen here
six feet, and is entirely impassable at any ford.
I have no doubt it is the same all the way up the
ford, as the main portion of the storm was above.
The enemy, therefore, on this side is cut off from
those on the other, and there is no fear of this
position. You will accordingly march at once
upon Sulphur Springs, and thence toward Water
loo Bridge, attacking and beating the enemy
wherever you find them. Banks s corps and the
force under General Reno will accompany and
support you. McDowell, with his whole corps,
marches direct on Warrenton, and you will be
brought together in that neighborhood to-night.
Move promptly up the river. The other troops
will be close behind you. You ought to be ir
the neighborhood of Waterloo Bridge before sun
set. I will accompany McDowell s corps, ani
communicate further with you in the course of
the day. You will have an effective force of
twenty-five thousand men. Leave nothing be
hind you.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

. A true copy : T. C. IT. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
August 23, 1862 T.35 o clock A.st f

Major-General BANKS : You will accompany
and support General Sigel in his forward move
ments toward Sulphur Springs and Waterloo
Bridge. General Reno will follow you closely
for the same purpose. McDowell s corps marches
immediately upon Warrenton. The river has
risen six feet, and is no longer passable by the
enemy. His forces on this side are cut off from
those on the other, and we will march against
those on this side, and the whole force will unite
between Warrenton and Waterloo Bridge. Call



DOCUMENTS.



m Crawford at once, and leave nothing behind
you. Follow Sigel very closely, and keep con
stant communication with him, as also with Gen.
Reno in your rear. Be quick, for time is every
thing.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
RAPPAHANNOCK: STATION, August 23, 1S62 9 A.M. f

Major-General HALLECK: The heavy storm of
yesterday and last night has caused the river to
rise six feet. There are no longer any fords, and
the bridges are carried away. I succeeded in
time in withdrawing my advanced forces from
the south side of the river. The movement
across the river on the enemy s flank and rear is
therefore impossible. The enemy s forces on this
side, which have crossed at Sulphur Springs and
Hedgeman s River, are cut off from those on the
south side. I march at once with my whole
force on Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge and
Warrenton, in the hope to destroy these forces
before the river runs down. The rain still con
tinues, and I think we are good for thirty-six
hours. As soon as I have effected this purpose,
which I expect to do by an early hour to-morrow,
I shall move back, detaching a large force to re
open my communications at Catlett s and send
forward supplies. If Heintzelman and Cox move
quickly, it will be easy to hold the Rappahan-
nock, leaving the enemy much damaged by his
attempt to turn our right. You may not hear
from me before to-morrow night.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
August 23, 1862 11 o clock A.M. f

General REYNOLDS : You will please on arriv
ing at Rappahannock Station, follow the route
taken by the army corps of General McDowell,
passing Brig. -General Tower, who is in command
of the rear guard, and whom you will find near
the railroad station. Please keep well closed and
close up to the rear of McDowell s corps. Our
march is to Warrenton, about ten miles distant,
which you must make to-night.

By order of Major-General POPE,

Commanding Army in Virginia.

(Signed) T. C. II. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, )
NEAR WARRENTON, August 23, 180210 o clock P.M. )

Major-General HALLECK : My advance entered
the town about an hour ago, the enemy evacuat
ed it on our approach. They fell back toward
Hedgeman s River and Sulphur Springs. At the
latter place my left was engaged about sunset,
and now awaits daylight. I shall move rapidly
at daylight upon Sulphur Springs and Waterloo
Bridge. If the enemy is really in large force on
this side of the Rappahannock, he will be trapped,



as the river is very high behind him. I will
communicate to-morrow.

(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, >
Aug. 24, 18625 o clock A.M. f

Major-General SIGEL, Commanding, etc. : The
advance division of McDowell s corps occupied
Warrenton last night without opposition. The
head of his column was pushed just outside
of town, on the road to Sulphur Springs, ready
to move forward to that point should it be
necessary. I am pushing a reconnoissance to
ward Waterloo Bridge, to see what is there.
Communicate fully to me through Captain Mer
rill, who will hand you this note, the condition
of things in front of you. Our work must be
finished here to-day. We have no time to spare.
Provisions will be in Warrenton this morning.
(Signed) JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
Received August 24, 1862.

To Major-General POPE :

[Extract.]

. . . Thirty thousand (30,000) troops 01
more demand transportation. It is clear that
the sudden demands exceed the capacity of the
road. We can manage twelve thousand (12,000)
troops per day, with supplies, if no accident oc
curs. The new troops might march ; the veterans
go in cars ; horses driven. Baggage, tents, etc.,
wait until they can be forwarded ; supplies take
precedence.

(Signed) HAUPT.

UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, )
ALEXANDRIA, August 24, 1SG2. f

Major-General POPE:

[Extract.]

. . . . We expect to clean out all the
troops now here, and all that are expected to
day

(Signed) H. HAUPT.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, NEAR WATERLOO BRIDGE, )
August 25, 18621.40 P.M. )

Colonel GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Chief of Staff:
Colonel Beardsley reports the enemy s cavalry
at Sulphur Springs, and the village occupied by
th Cj enemy s infantry. Colonel Beardsley has
been sent by me to Sulphur Springs, with some
cavalry and mountain howitzers. The main force
of the enemy is advancing on this place, (Water
loo Bridge.) General Reno should send me the
twenty -pound Parrotts. I could use them here
excellently.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully,
(Signed) F. SIGEL,

Major-General Commanding J?irst Corpt

A true copy : T. C. H. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C.



868



REBELLION RECORD, 1862.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, }
WARRENTON, August 24, 1862 3.45 P.M. f

Major-Gen. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Yfash-
ington : I arrived in Warrenton last night ; the
enemy had left two hours previously. Milroy s
brigade, the advance of Sigel s corps, came upon
the enemy late yesterday afternoon, near Great
Run, about four miles from Warrenton Sulphur
Springs, and near the mouth of it. A sharp
action took place, which lasted till after dark, the
enemy being driven across Great River, but de
stroying the bridge behind them. Early this
morning General Buford reached Waterloo Bridge,
which was defended by a considerable force of
the enemy and one piece of artillery. He took
possession of the bridge and destroyed it.

Sigel s force advanced again on the left this
morning, and when last heard from was pursuing
the enemy in the direction of Waterloo Bridge.
His column was being shelled from the opposite
bank of the river, which is still too deep to be
forded. The enemy has made no advance against
Rappahanock station since we left, though yes
terday morning while we were withdrawing our
forces from the opposite side of the river, he
brought forward his columns of infantry and at
tempted to carry the heights we were leaving by
storm. He was, however, repulsed, with con
siderable loss. We have had a continuous en
gagement, principally with artillery, along the
whole line of the river for eight or ten miles,
during the last three days.

No force of the enemy has yet been able to
cross except that now inclosed by our forces be
tween Sulphur Springs and Waterloo Bridge,
which will no doubt be captured, unless they
find some means, of which I know nothing, of
escaping across the fiver between those places.

Early to-morrow, after clearing this side of the
river, I shall move back a considerable part of
this force to the neighborhood of Rappahannock
station. By that time the river will doubtless
be fordable again. I shall leave a corps of obser
vation here to watch the crossings at Waterloo
and Sulphur Springs. The forces arriving from
Washington and Alexandria will be assembled, I
think, on Licking River, between Germantown
and the railroad, with a reserve for the force
at Warrenton somewhere between Warrenton
Junction and this place until you are ready to
begin a forward movement.

I cannot form an estimate of the forces of the
enemy. He has been developed in heavy _force,
by simultaneous reconnoissances, along a line of
nine miles from the railroad-crossing of the Rap