[Received 12 m.] ROCKVILLE, Md., September 11-10.45 a. m. General Reynolds is now engaged on important service, supporting with his divisions au attack on New Market. He has one of the best divisions, and is well acquainted with it. I cannot see how his services can be spared at the present time. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General. Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. [Sent 1. 55 p. m.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., September 11, 1862. General Reynolds's division can be commanded by some one else. He has been designed for other duty, and must report here immediately. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC, Middleburg, 11th. I have ordered General Reynolds to report to Governor Curtin at the earliest practicable moment. He is now about twenty-five miles from here. He will probably not be able to start before morning. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General Commanding Major General HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS, Camp near Rockville, September 11, 1862. GENERAL: At the time this army moved from Washington it was not known what the intentions of the rebels were in placing their forces on this side of the Potomac. It might have been a feint to draw away our troops from Washington for the purpose of throwing their main army into the city as soon as we were out of the way, or it might have been supposed to be precisely what they are now doing. In view of this uncertain condition of things, I left what I conceived to be a sufficient force to defend the city against any army they could bring against it from the Virginia side of the Potomac. This uncertainty, in my judgment, exists no longer. All the evidence that has been accumulated from various sources since we left Washington goes to prove most conclusively that almost the entire rebel army in Virginia, amounting to not less than 120,000 men, is in the vicinity of Frederick city. These troops, for the most part, consist of their oldest regiments, and are commanded by their best generals. Several brigades joined them yesterday direct from Richmond; two deserters from which say that they saw no other troops between Richmond and Leesburg. Everything seems to indicate that they intend to hazard all upon the issue of the coming battle. They are probably aware that their forces are numerically superior to ours by at least twenty-five per cent. This, with the prestige of their recent success, will, without doubt, inspire them with a confidence which will cause them to fight well. The momentous consequences involved in the struggle of the next few days impel me, at the risk of being considered slow and overcautious, to most earnestly recommend that every available man at once be added to this army. I believe this army fully appreciates the importance of a victory at this time, and will fight well; but the result of a general battle, with such odds as the enemy now appears to have against us, might, to say the least, be doubtful; and if we should be defeated the consequences to the country would be disastrous in the extreme. Under these circumstances, I would recommend that one or two of the three army corps now on the Potomac opposite Washington be at once withdrawn and sent to re-enforce this army. I would also advise that the force of Colonel Miles at Harper's Ferry, where it can be of little use, and is continually exposed to be cut off by the enemy, be immediately ordered here. This would add about 25,000 old troops to our present force, and would greatly strengthen us. If there are any rebel forces remaining on the other side of the Potomac they must be so few that the troops left in the forts, after the two corps shall have been withdrawn, will be sufficient to check them; and with the large cavalry force now on that side kept well out in front to give warning of the distant approach of any very large army, a part of this army might be sent back within the intrenchments to assist in repelling an attack. But even if Washington should be taken while these armies are confronting each other, this would not, in my judgment, bear comparison with the ruin and disasters which would follow a single defeat of this army. If we should be successful in conquering the gigantic rebel army before us, we would have no difficulty in recovering it. On the other hand, should their force prove sufficiently powerful to defeat us, could all the forces now around Washington be sufficient to prevent such a victorious army from carrying the works on this side of the Potomac after they are uncovered by our army? I think not. From the moment the rebels commenced the policy of concentrating their force, and with their large masses of troops operating against our scattered forces, they have been successful. They are undoubtedly pursuing the same policy now, and are prepared to take advantage of any division of our troops in future. I therefore most respectfully, but strenuously, urge upon you the absolute necessity, at this critical juncture, of uniting all our disposable forces. Every other consideration should yield to this; and if we defeat the army now arrayed against us, the rebellion is crushed, for I do not believe they can organize another army. But if we should be so unfortunate as to meet with defeat, our country is at their mercy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major General. Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. [Received 12 20 p. m.], ROCKVILLE, September 11, 1862—12 m. Please order Peck's division, upon its arrival, to proceed at once to Rockville, where it will find orders for its further movement. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Major General. [Sent 1 p. m.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., September 11, 1862. Peck's division will not be here for some days. Webber's troops will be sent forward as soon as they can get their transportation. Why not order forward Porter's corps or Sigel's,? If the main force of the enemy is in your front, more troops can be spared from here. Major General MCCLELLAN, Rockville. [Receved 4.25 p. m.] H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Rockville, September 11-3.45 p. m. Please send forward all the troops you can spare from Washington, particularly Porter, Heintzelman, Sigel, and all the other old troops. Please send them to Brookville, via Leesboro, as soon as possible. General Banks reports 72,500 troops in and about Washington. If the enemy has left for Pennsylvania, I will follow him rapidiy. I move my headquarters to Middlebrook immediately. Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General. [Sent 6.10 p. m.] EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, September 11, 1862—6 p. m. This is explanatory. If Porter, Heintzelman, and Sigel were sent you, it would sweep everything from the other side of the river, because the new troops have been distributed among them; as I understand Porter reports himself twenty-one thousand strong, which can only be by the addition of new troops. He is ordered to-night to join you as quickly as possible. I am for sending you all that can be spared, and I hope others can follow Porter very soon. Major General MCCLELLAN. A. LINCOLN. [Sent 9 p. m.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., September 11, 1862. General Fitz-John Porter's corps has been ordered to move to-morrow to Burkville, via Leesboro, to report to you for duty in the field. Major General MCCLELLAN, Rockville. [3.40 a. m., September 12.] H. W. HALLECK, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 11-11.30 p. m. GENERAL: My signals have to-day been established on Sugar Loaf mountain. At last advices Burnside's troops were within two miles of New Rep. Com. 108-31 Market. I have ordered him to-morrow to advance, if possible, to Frederick and occupy it. Sumner and Halleck to advance early in the morning to Urbana; Couch following the movement after leaving a force to guard the fords below the Monocacy. I am much obliged to you for sending me Porter's corps, and should like the remainder of Keyes's corps as soon as possible. I shall follow up the rebels as rapidly as possible. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Major General HALLECK, General-in-Chief. [3.45 a. m., September 12.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, I was informed by Mr. Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, previous to leaving Washington, that he could transport twenty-eight thousand infantry in one day in the cars under his control. In view of this, and the importance of having General Porter's command join me soon, I would suggest that it be sent by rail to Frederick. By this means it would reach me two days earlier than by making the overland march, and would be fresh on its arrival. Porter's trains might come by land. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General HALLECK. [Received 1.15 p. m.] Major General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Parksburg, September 12, 1862-10 a. m. My columns are pushing on rapidly to Frederick. I feel perfectly confident that the enemy has abandoned Frederick, moving in two directions, viz: On the Hagerstown and Harper's Ferry roads. Fitz Lee, with four regiments of cavalry and six pieces of artillery, left New Market yesterday for Liberty. They are being followed by Burnside's cavalry. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General Commanding. General H. W. HALLECK. [4.20 a. m., 13.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, I have just learned by signal from Sugar Loaf that our troops are entering Frederick. The remainder of Burnside's troops are between Frederick and New Market. Sumner is near Urbana, with our advanced guard thrown out to the Monocacy; Williams, on his right; Franklin, on his left; Couch, at Barnesville. Cavalry has been sent towards Point of Rocks to ascertain whether there is any force of the enemy in that direction. Burnside has cavalry in pursuit of Fitzhugh Lee towards Westminster. Should the enemy go towards Pennsylvania, I shall follow him. Should he attempt to recross the Potomac, I shall endeavor to cut off his retreat. My movements to-morrow will be dependent upon information to be received during the night. The troops have reached to-day, as far as it was possible and proper for them to move.. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General Commanding. P. S.-I have ordered Banks to send eight new regiments to relieve parts of Couch's command, left at Offert's Cross Roads, Seneca, and Conrad's and Edwards's Ferries. How soon may I expect these troops. Their presence at the points indicated are very necessary. Major General HALLECK. [Sent 1.45 p. m.] G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., September 12, 1862. General Porter's corps took up its march this morning. On full consultation with him it was deemed best to keep his corps together, and to march it by the Leesboro road. In this we were all agreed. Have you any reliable information of the enemy's force south of the Potomac. Is it not possible to open communication with Harper's Ferry so that Colonel Miles's forces can co-operate with yours. Major General MCCLELLAN, H. W. HALLECK, Middleburg. [4.08 a. m., 13.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, I have nothing reliable as to the enemy south of the Potomac. I, this morning, ordered cavalry to endeavor to open communication with Harper's Ferry, and in my orders of movement for to-morrow, have arranged so that I can go or send to his relief if necessary. I have heard no firing in that direction, and if he resists at all, I think cannot only relieve him, but place the rebels who attack him in great danger of being cut off. Everything moves at daylight to-morrow. Your message to him this moment received. Will forward by first opportunity. G. B. McCLELLAN, Major General Commanding. Major General HALLECK. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., September 12, 1862. You will obey such orders as General McClellan may give you. You will endeavor to open communication with him, and unite your forces to his at the earliest possible moment. His army is now near the line of the Monocacy. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Colonel D. S. MILES, Harper's Ferry. |