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“ALEXANDRIA, August 27, 1862–11.20 a. m. "In view of Burnside's despatch, just received, would it not be advisable to throw the mass of Sunner's corps here, to move out with Franklin to Centreville or vicinity? If a decisive battle is fought at Warrenton, a disaster would leave any troops on lower Rappahannock in a dangerous position. They would do better service in front of Washington.

G. B. MCCLellan,
Major General.

"Major General HALLECK,

Washington, D. C."

Washington in an efficient condition of defence.
have no means of knowing the enemy's force
between Pope and ourselves. Can Franklin,
without his artillery or cavalry, effect any useful
purpose in front? Should not Burnside at once
take steps to evacuate Falmouth and Acquia, at
the same time covering the retreat of any of
Pope's troops who may fall back in that direc
tion? I do not see that we have force ough
in hand to form a connection with Pope, whose
Are we safe in
exact position we do not know.
the direction of the valley?

"G. B. McCLELLAN.
"Major General.

"Maj. Gen. HALLECK,

Washington."

“ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 27, 1862–1.35 p. m.

I learn that Taylor's brigade sent this morning to Bull run bridge, is either cut to pieces or captured. That the force against them had many guns, and about five thousand infantry, receiving reinforcements every moment. Also, that Gamsville is in possession of the enemy. Please send some cavalry out towards Drainesville via Chain bridge, to watch Lewinsville and Drainesville, and go as far as they can. If you will give me even one squadron of good cavalry “ALEXANDRIA, August 27, 1862-12.5 p. m. here, I will ascertain the state of the case. I My aide has just returned from General think our policy now is to make these works Franklin's camp. Reports that Generals Frank-perfectly safe, and mobilize a couple of corps as lin, Smith, and Slocum are all in Washington. soon as possible; but not to advance them until He gave the order to the next m rank to place they can have their artillery and cavalry. I the corps in readiness to move at once. Hearn have sent for Colonel Tyler to place his artillethat heavy firing has been heard this morning rymen in the works. Is Fort Marcy securely at Centreville, and have sent to ascertain the truth. I can find no cavalry to send out on the "MCCLELLAN. roads. Are the works garrisoned and ready for defence?

“G. B. McClellan,
Major General.

"Major General HALLECK,

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Washington." "ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 27, 1862-12.20 p. m. "What bridges exist over Bull Run? Have steps been taken to construct bridges for the advance of troops to reinforce Pope, or to enable him to retreat if in trouble? There should be two gun-boats at Acquia creek at once. Shall I push the rest of Summer's crops here, or is Pope so strong as to be reasonably certain of I have sent to inspect the works near here, and their garrisons. As soon as I can find General Casey, or some other commanding officer, I will see the railway, etc. It would be well to have them report to me, as I do not know where they arI am trying to find them, and will lose no time in carrying out your or ders. Would like to see Burnside. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, "Major General.

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"Gen. HALLECK. ”

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defence of Washington. If you wish me to j rected Woodbury, with the engineer brigade, to order any part of this force to the front, it is in readiness to march at a moment's notice to any point you may indicate.

In view of the existing state of things in our front, I have deemed it best to order General Casey to hold his men for Yorktown in readiness to move; but not to send them off till further orders.

"G. B. MCCLELLAN,
"Major General.

"Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Comďg U. S. Army.”

On the 28th I telegraphed as follows:

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"HEADQUARTERS CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 28, 1862-4.10 p.m. "General Franklin is with me here. I will know in a few minutes the condition of artillery and cavalry. We are not yet in condition to move, may be by to-morrow morning. Pope must cut through to-day, or adopt the plan I suggested. I have ordered troops to garrison the works at Upton's hill. They must be held at any cost. As soon as I can see the way to spare them, I will send a corps of good troops there. It is the key to Washington, which can not be seriously menaced as long as it is held. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General.

44

Maj. Gen. HALLECK,
"Washington, D. C."

I received the following from the general-inchief:

"WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 1862.

"I think you had better place Sumner's corps, as it arrives, near the guns, and particularly at the Chain bridge. The principal thing to be feared now is a cavalry raid into this city, especially in the night time. Use Cox's and Tyler's brigade and the new troops for the same object, if you need them. Porter writes to Burnside from Bristol, 9.30 A. M., yesterday, that Pope's forces were then moving on Manassas, and that Burnside would soon hear of them by way of Alexandria. General Cullum has gone to Harper's Ferry, and I have only a single regular officer for duty in the office. Please send some of your officers to-day to see that every precaution is taken at the forts against a raid; also at the bridge. Please answer.

"H. W. HALLECK,
"General in Chief.

hold Fort Lyon. Sumner detached last night two regiments to vicinity of Forts Ethan Allen' and 'Marcy.' Meagher's brigade is still at Acquia. If he moves in support of Franklin it leaves us without any reliable troops in and near Washington, yet Franklin is too weak alone. What shall be done? No more cavalry arrived; have but three squadrons. Franklin has but forty rounds of ammunition, and no wagons to move more. I do not think Franklin is in condition to accomplish much if he meets with serious resistance.

"I should not have moved him but for your pressing order of last night. What have you from Vienna and Drainesville? "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN

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Aug. 29, 1862—2.45 p. m. "The last news I received from the direction of Manassas was from stragglers, to the effect that the enemy were evacuating Centreville and retiring towards Thoroughfare gap. This by no means reliable. I am clear that one of two courses should be adopted: 1st. To concentrate all our available forces to open communication with Pope. 2d. To lea Pope to get out of his scrape, and at once use

"Maj. Gen. MCCLELLAN." On the 29th the following despatch was tele- the capital perfectly fe. graphed :

“CAMP NEAR Alexandria,

will now answer.

ur means to make

No, middle ground

"Tell me what you wish me to do and I will do all in my power to accomplish it. I wish to know what my orders and authority are. I ask for nothing, but will obey whatever orders you give. I only ask a prompt decision, that I may at once give the necessary orders. It will not do to delay any longer.

"Aug. 29, 1862–10.30 a. m. “Franklin's corps is in motion. Started about six A. M. Ican give him but two squadrons of cavalry. I propose moving General Cox to Upton's hill, to hold that important point, with its works, and to push cavalry scouts to Vienna, via Freedom hill and Hunter's lane. Cox has two squadrons cavalry. Please answer at once whether this meets your approval. I have di- And copy to General Halleck.

"GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,
Major General.

"A. LINCOLN, President."

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regiments permanently to my old brigades. I
can do much good to old and new troops in that
way.
way. I shall endeavor to hold a line in advance
of Forts Allen and Marcy, at least with strong
I wish to hold the line
advanced guards.
through Prospect hill, Mackall's, Minor's and
Hall's hill. This will give us timely warning.
Shall I do as seems best to me with all the
troops in this vicinity, including Franklin, who,
I really think, ought not, under present circum-
stances, to advance beyond Annandale ?
"G. B. MCCLellan,
"Major General.

'General HALLECK.”

On the same day I received a despatch from the general-in-chief, in which he asks me why I halted Franklin at Annandale, to which I replied as follows:

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

It had been officially reported to me from Washington that the enemy in strong force was moving through Vienna, in the direction of the Chain bridge, and had a large force at Vienna. This report, in connection with the despatch of the general-in-chief on the 28th, before noted, induced me to direct Franklin to halt his command near Annandale, until it could be determined by reconnoissances to Vienna and towards Manassas, whether these reports were true. Aug. 29, 1862–8 p. m General Cox was ordered to send his small cav- "By referring to my telegrams of 10.30 a. m., 12 alry force from Upton's hill towards Vienna and M. and 1 P.M., together with your reply of 2.48 P.M., Drainsville in one direction, and towards Fair-you will see why Franklin's corps halted at Anfax Court House in the other, and Franklin to nandale. His small cavalry force-all I had to push his two squadrons as far towards Manassas give him-was ordered to push on as far as pos as possible, in order to ascertain the true position sible towards Manassas. It was not safe for of the enemy. With the enemy in force at Franklin to move beyond Annandale under the Vienna and towards Lewinsville, it would have circumstances, until we knew what was at Vibeen very injudicious to have pushed Franklin's enna. General Franklin remained here until small force beyond Annandale. It must be re- about 1 P. M., endeavoring to arrange for supplies membered that at this time we were cut off for his command. I am responsible for both from direct communication with General Pope; these circumstances, and do not see that either that the enemy was, by the last accounts, at was in disobedience to your orders. Please Manassas in strong force; and that Franklin had give distinct orders in reference to Franklin's only from 10,000 to 11,000 men, with an entirely movements to-morrow. I have sent to Colonel insufficient force of cavalry and artillery. Haupt to push out construction and supply trains as soon as possible. General Tyler to furnish the necessary guards. I have directed General Banks's supply trains to start out to-night at least as far as Annandale, with an escort from General Tyler. In regard to to-morrow's movements, I desire definite instructions, as it is not agreeable to me to be accused of disobeying “Have ordered most of the twelfth Pennsyl-cretion you committed to me. orders, when I have simply exercised the dis vania cavalry to report to General Barnard for scouting duty towards Rockville, Poolsville, etc. If you apprehend a raid of cavalry on your side "Major General HALLECK." of the river, I had better send a brigade of two of Sumner's to near Tenallytown, where, with two or three old regiments in Forts Allen and Marcy, they can watch both Chain bridge and Tenallytown. Would it meet your views to post. 'CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, rest of Sumner's corps between Arlington and Aug. 29, 1862—10 p. m. Fort Corcoran, whence they can either support Not hearing from you, I have sent orders ✩ Cox, Franklin, or Chain bridge, and even Ten- General Franklin, to place himself in commuallytown. Franklin has only between ten thou-nication with General Pope as soon as possible, sand and eleven thousand for duty. How far do you wish this force to advance? "G. B. MCCLELLAN,

In order to represent this condition of affairs in its proper light to the general-in-chief, and to obtain definite instructions from him, I telegraphed as follows:

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

Aug. 29, 1862—12 m.

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Major General.

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 29, 1862—1 p. m. "I anxiously await reply to my last despatch in regard to Sumner. Wish to give the order Please authorize me to attach new

at once.

|

"G. B. MCCLELLAN,
"Major General.

On the same evening I sent the following despatches:

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and at the same time, cover the transit of Pope's supplies. Orders have been given for railway and wagon trains to move to Pope, with least possible delay. I am having inspections made of all the forts around city by members of my staff, with instructions to give all requisite orders. I inspected Worth and Ward myself this evening; found them in good order. Reports, so far as heard from, are favorable as to condition of works.

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"G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General Major General H. W. HALLECK."

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

the state of the case, as represented to me by
the quarter-masters, and it appears to be true.
I take it for granted that this has not been prop-
erly explained to you.
6. G. B. MCCLELLAN,

“Major General.

"Major General H. W. HALLECK,
“General-in-Chief.”

"Aug. 29, 1862—10 p. m. "Your despatch received. Franklin's corps has been ordered to march at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning. Sumner has about fourteen thousand infantry, without cavalry or artillery, here. Cox's brigade of four regiments is here, with two batteries of artillery. Men of two regiments, much fatigued, came in to-day. Tyler's brigade of three new regiments but little drilled On the morning of the 30th, heavy artillery is also here. All these troops will be ordered firing was beard in the direction of Fairfax to hold themselves ready to march to-morrow Court House, which I reported to the generalmorning, and all, except Franklin's, to awaitin-chief. At 11 A. M. the following telegram further orders. If you wish any of them to was sent: move towards Manassas, please inform me.

It

Colonel Wagner, 2d New York artillery, has just come in from the front. He reports strong infantry and cavalry force of rebels, near Fairfax Court House; reports rumors from various sources that Lee and Stuart, with large forces, are at Manassas. That the enemy, with 120,000 men, iutend advancing on the forts near Arlington and Chain bridge, with a view of attacking Washington and Baltimore. General Barnard telegraphs me to-night that the length of the line of fortifications on this side of the Potomac requires 2,000 additional artillery men, and additional troops to defend intervals, according to circumstances. At all events, be says an old regiment should be added to the force at Chain bridge, and a few regiments distributed along the lines, to give confidence to our new troops. I agree with him fully, and think our fortifications along the upper part of our line, on this side the river, very unsafe with their present garrisons. and the movements of the enemy seem to indicate attack upon those works. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General.

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*Major General II. W. HALLECK, " General-in-Chief, U. S. A., Washington, D. C."

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

"August 30, 1862-11 a. m. "Have ordered Sumner to leave one brigade in vicinity of Chain bridge, and to move the rest via Columbia pike on Annandale and Fairfax Court House. Is this the route you wish them to take? He and Franklin are both instructed to join Pope as promptly as possible. Shall Couch move out also when he arrives? "G. B. MCCLELLAN, "Major General.

( Major General HALLECK."

On the same day I received the following:

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"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, 66 August 30, 1862-2.10 p. m. "I know nothing of the calibre's of Pope's 'Aug. 30, 1862-11.30 a. m. artillery. All I can do is to direct my ordnance "Your telegram of 9 A. M. received. Ever officer to load up all the wagons sent to him. I since General Franklin received notice that he have already sent to him all my headquarters was to march from Alexandria, he has been en- wagons. You will have to see that wagons are deavoring to get transportation from the quarter-sent from Washington. I can do nothing more master at Alexandria, but he has uniformly been than give the order that every available wagon told that there was none disposable, and his in Alexandria shall be loaded at once. The orcommand marched without wagons. After the der to the brigade of Sumner that I directed to departure of his corps he procured twenty wag-remain near Chain bridge and Tenallytown ●ns to carry some extra ammunition, by unloading should go from your headquarters, to save time. Banks's supply train. General Sumner endeav-I understand you to intend it also to move, I ored. by application upon the quarter-master's have no sharpshooters except the guard around department, to get wagons to carry his reserve my camp. I have sent off every man but those, ammunition, but without success, and was and will now send them with the train as you obliged to march with what he could carry in direct. I will also send my only remaining his cartridge boxes. I have this morning di-squadron of cavalry with General Sumner. Ï rected that all my headquarters wagons that are can do no more. You now have every man of landed be at once loaded with ammunition for the army of the Potomac who is within my Sumner and Franklin, but they will not go far reach. towards supplying the deficiency. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, “ Major General. Major General H. W. HALLECK.” At 10.30 P. M. the following telegram was sent:

66

Eighty-five wagons were got together by the quarter-masters last night, loaded with subsistence, and sent forward at 1 A. M., with an escort, via Annandale. Every effort has been male to carry out your orders promptly. The great difficulty seems to consist in the fact that the greater part of the transportation on hand at Alexandria and Washington has been needed for current supplies of the garrisons. Such is

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,

"August 30, 1862-10.30 p. m. "I have sent to the front all my troops, with

the exception of Couch's division, and have given the orders necessary to insure its being disposed of as you directed. I hourly expect the return of one of my aides, who will give authentic news from the field of battle.

"I cannot express to yon the pain and mortification I have experienced to-day in listening to the distant sound of the firing of my men. As I can be of no further use here, I respectfully ask tha, if there is a probability of the conflict being renewed to-morrow, I may be permitted to go to the scene of battle with my staff, merely to be with my own men, if nothing more; they will fight none the worse for my being with them. If it is not deemed best to intrust me with the command even of my own army, I simply ask to be permitted to share their fate on the field of battle. Please reply to this to-night.

“I have been engaged for the last few hours in doing what I can to make arrangements for the wounded. I have started out all the ambulances now landed.

"As I have sent my escort to the front, I would be glad to take some of Gregg's cavalry with me, if allowed to go.

"G. B. MCCLELLAN, “ Major General. "Major General H. W. HALLeck,

“Comď'g U. S. A., Washington, D. C."

To which on the following day I received this

answer:

"WASHINGTON, August 31, 1862–9.18 a. m. "I have just seen your telegram of 11.5 last night. The substance was stated to me when received, but I did not know that you asked for a reply immediately. I cannot answer without seeing the President, as General Pope is in command, by his orders, of the department.

"I think Couch's division should go forward as rapidly as possible, and find the battle-field. "H. W. HALLECK, "General-in-Chief.

"Major General MCCLELLAN."

On the same day the following was received: "WASHINGTON, August 31, 1862-12.45 p. m. "The subsistence department are making Fairfax station their principal depot. It should be well guarded. The officer in charge should be directed to secure the depot by abattis against cavalry As many as possible of the new regiments should be prepared to take the field. Perhaps some more should be sent to the vicinity of Chain bridge.

"H. W. HALLECK,
"General-in-Chief.

" 'Major General MCCLELLAN."

At 2.30 P. м. the following despatch was telegraphed:

"CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, “Aug. 21, 1862–2.30 p. m. "Major Haller is at Fairfax station, with my provost and headquarters guard and other troops. I have requested (4) four more companies to be sent at once, and the precautions you direct to be taken.

"Under the War Department order of yes

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terday. I have no control over anything except my staff, some one hundred men in my camp here, and the few remaining near Fort Monroe. “I have no control over the new regiments; do not know where they are or anything about them, except those near here. Their commanding officers and those of the works are not under me. Where I have seen evils existing under my own eye I have corrected them. I think it is the business of General Casey to prepare the new regiments for the field, and a matter between him and General Barnard to order others to vicinity of Chain bridge. Neither of them is under my command and by the War Department order I have no right to give them orders. "G. B. McCLELLAN.

"General HALLECK,

"Washington."

To which the following is an answer:

“Washington, Aug. 31, 1862—10.7 p. m. "Since receiving your despatch, relating to command, I have not been able to answer any not of absolute necessity. I have not seen the order as published, but will write to you in the morning. You will retain the command of everything in this vicinity not temporarily to be Pope's army in the field.

"I beg of you to assist me in this crisis with your ability and experience. I am entirely tired out "H. W. HALLECK, “General-in-Chief.”

'Major General MCCLELLAN."

The order referred to in the preceding des patches was as follows:

"WAR DEPARTMENT, Aug. 30. 1862. "The following are the commanders of the armies operating in Virginia:

"General Burnside commands his own corps, except those who have been temporarily de tached and assigned to General Pope.

General McClellan commands that portion of the army of the Potomac that has not been sent forward to General Pope's command.

"General Pope commands the army of Virginia, and all the forces temporarily attached to it.

"All the forces are under the command of Major General Halleck, General in Chief. "E. D. TOWNSEND, "Assistant Adjutant General”

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