CHAPTER XIV.
OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, NORTHERN VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA.
August 1, 1861-March 17, 1862.
(Carnifex Ferry, Ball’s Bluff)
–––
UNION CORRESPONDENCE.

{p.552}

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 7.}

HEADQUARTERS A. O. W. V., Clarksburg, Va., August 3, 1861.

The line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Cumberland to Wheeling, and the Northwestern Virginia Railroad from Grafton, with the military posts, stations, and depots thereon, will, until further orders, constitute a special military district, to be called the District of Grafton.

Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelley, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to the District of Grafton.

...

By order Brigadier-General Rosecrans:

[No signature.]

–––

HDQRS. ARMY OF OCCUPATION OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Clarksburg, Va., August 4, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: Lower Cheat River region appears to be entirely free of rebel forces as far as Winchester. Eight thousand militia reported at Harrisonburg, 2,000 between Monterey and Cheat Mountain Pass. I think the rebel forces in Western Virginia are mostly about Lewisburg.

I have directed the building of small field works below Gauley Bridge, and Cox to open communication with Tyler at Summersville. Two Ohio regiments sent to Kanawha; Twenty-first Ohio (three-months’ men) ordered out; Twenty-second Ohio at Parkersburg, on its way out; Seventeenth Ohio, the last, at Weston to-night, on its way home. One of the Ohio regiments coming up will move to Elk River by Bulltown and scour that country. A detachment from Glenville also scours a region now infested with guerrillas. Ten days will probably complete all this work, and, were we prepared to hold it, enable me to seize Lewisburg, which is but five days’ march from head of steamboat navigation on the Kanawha; propose a provision depot of ample size, properly fortified, there. In twenty days I shall have a packed train for 5,000 men-ten days’ rations.

As soon as the new Ohio regiments begin to come in, so that we can secure this front here, I shall begin to dispose matters for the movement on Wytheville and East Tennessee. I propose to seize that place, and take possession of the railroad as far down as Abingdon; break the railroad bridges down east of Wytheville, so as to prevent the enemy from coming in that direction; make a fortified depot of it and a good road from thence to the Great Falls of the Kanawha, and there concentrate all the troops we can spare on that line. In the interim shall make every effort towards the restoration of peace, law, and order in Western Virginia.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

{p.553}

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, Near Harper’s Ferry, Va., August 4, 1861.

Colonel LEONARD, Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers:

SIR: The general commanding directs that you proceed to Sharpsburg, Md., near the Potomac River, and there take post until further orders. You will detach from your regiment the following number of companies, to take post as follows:

Two companies at Antietam Ford two companies at the ford a short distance below Shepherdstown; one company at the ford at Shepherd’s Island, some distance above Shepherdstown; one company at the ford a short distance below Dam No. 4.

You will instruct the commanders of these detachments to be particularly on the alert, in order to put a stop to all contraband trade in the vicinity of their posts; to put a stop to all treasonable correspondence, without interfering with the United States mail, should there be one, and to arrest all persons engaged in treasonable acts, against whom sufficient proof can be obtained. It is the general’s wish that travel between Maryland and Virginia be stopped, except with persons of proved loyalty to the United States Government. He relies freely upon the discretion, energy, and good judgement of yourself and your subordinates for carrying out the above instructions.

The detachment of U. S. cavalry now at Antietam Ford will be relieved from duty at that post upon the arrival of your detachment.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, WASHINGTON, D. C., August 6, 1861.

Brig. Gen. I. MCDOWELL, Comdg. Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Va.:

Information I have received induces me to caution you to be carefully on your guard to-night and to-morrow morning against an attack by the enemy. Let hunt hold at least two batteries ready to move to this side, if necessary, at the shortest notice. Communicate this to Kearny, Blenker, and Sherman.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

CAMP TENNALLY, August 6, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I made this morning a reconnaissance of the country reported last evening to be occupied by time enemy, by an officer I had sent to examine the country in front of the point at which my pickets communicate with those of Colonel Smith, of the Vermont regiment. I discovered that what he had supposed to be camps of the insurgents proved to be, under the scrutiny of the glass, only clusters of whitewashed houses, negro cabins, and fences on the opposite side of the Potomac.

I afterwards prosecuted the examination of both banks of the river as far as the head of the aqueduct, but discovered no signs of the presence {p.554} of the enemy on that section of the river lands. I was told by a man who lives about 5 miles from this camp that he had heard the drum the night before on the hills opposite. No camp was visible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. A. MCCALL, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

AUGUST 7, 1861-6.45 a.m.

P. S.-I received at 3 a.m. a dispatch from Colonel [W. F.] Smith, saying he had received your dispatch directing him to be “particularly cautious about an attack to-night.” My brigade was immediately under arms and is still in order of battle, but I have no intelligence of the advance of the enemy yet.

GEO. A. MCCALL.

–––

HEADQUARTERS, SANDY HOOK, Near Harper’s Ferry, Va., August 6, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I was much gratified to receive the order authorizing the transfer of stores, &c., to Frederick. Immediate measures will be taken to carry it into effect and to bring the war regiments here. The telegram advising the withdrawal of stores from Hagerstown to Sandy Hook was duly received, and orders were given to the quartermaster to hold them in readiness for removal; but there were no buildings at Sandy Hook, and the camp covers were exhausted in protecting our own stores. We were preparing buildings at Knoxville when the order of yesterday was received. Prisoners taken from the Virginia side of the river speak to those they think prisoners of their expectations that Johnston will enter Leesburg shortly with a large force. The general tenor of our intelligence is of an advance in that direction, if any is made. We have now nearly 12,000 men, and the regiments are rapidly improving in discipline and drill.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, August 6, 1861.

Brig. Gen. ROSECRANS, U. S. A., Commanding, &c., Clarksburg, Va.:

It is said that Lee intends attacking Cheat Mountain Pass. It is advisable for you to push forward rapidly the fortifications ordered by General McClellan on that mountain and near Huttonsville. No intelligence of any move on Red House via Romney.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

–––

CLARKSBURG, VA., August 6, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Every day’s experience with volunteer troops convinces me of the absolute necessity of having some officers of military education among {p.555} them. Whole regiments are mustered into the service and sent upon active duty without a single officer who knows thoroughly company drill, much less the organization or drill of a regiment. I am convinced that the detail of a second lieutenant from the Military Academy to act as major even would in six weeks increase the military power of a regiment at least one-third. If, then, the volunteers will this year cost the Government $300,000,000, this would produce the same amount of military at $100,000,000 less. This seems enormous, but I have no doubt of the truth of it. Can nothing be done I Appears there will be no difficulty in effecting this arrangement with all the regiments now forming. Are there not plenty officers in California that could be brought here? Please present this matter to General Scott.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General.

–––

CLARKSBURG, VA., August 6, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington:

Tell General Scott his dispatch is received. I hare ordered the Seventeenth Indiana to Beverly, seven of the Fourth and nine of the Tenth to Buckhannon, [and] a vigorous prosecution of the work in Cheat Mountain, on the Huntersville road. Cox moved a body of his forces to Summersville to join Tyler and from thence to threaten Huntersville. Sent Lieutenant Wagner to fortify at mouth of Gauley. Appointed Benham acting inspector-general. Sent him also to thoroughly examine troops of the Kanawha Brigade, supervise the defenses, and select a provision depot for 30,000 to 40,000 men, to be stationed near the head of steamboat navigation on the Kanawha. Will have a packing train ready in twenty days for 4,000 men-ten days’ rations. Ask the General, for Heaven’s sake, to make some such provision as I have suggested for the military instruction of the reorganized and new regiments, which by this means may soon be put to service. Could not the Academy term be made to open, say, in November, and the cadets detailed, one for each regiment, as instructors of tactics or drill-masters? But my choice is to have at least majors from the young officers of the Army.

Please let me know also whether I am to have a brigade of regulars and a major-general over me.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 7, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Clarksburg, Va.:

General Dix telegraphs that he is reliably informed that Lee and Johnston are actually on their march to crush you in Western Virginia. It is probable that they will move either on Huttonsville or Gauley. Complete as rapidly as possible the intrenchments near those places. Get your artillery in position, drawing, if necessary, on Allegheny Arsenal for heavy guns. These intrenchments must be as strong as the locality and the means at your hands will permit. They cannot be too strong. Place eight regiments near the Gauley Pass, one at Summersville, {p.556} one at Bulltown, eight near Huttonsville, two at Beverly, one at Parkersburg and vicinity, perhaps one at Clarksburg, one at Grafton, five at Red House. If you have more than this number of regiments available, post them in preference at Beverly, or Leadsville, and the Gauley. Establish your own headquarters at Buckhannon for the present, and at once establish a telegraphic communication thence to the Gauley. In no event permit the enemy to re-enter Western Virginia. Carry out these instructions immediately. What progress is being made in the organization of Virginia troops? Report frequently. Push your patrols and pickets well to the front. No more regular officers can at present be sent to you. The pack-train movement does not seem advisable under present circumstances. The desired object can be better effected by a different arrangement, for which, probably, orders will soon be given.

By order of Lieutenant-General Scott:

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Fort McHenry, Mid., August 7, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army:

COLONEL: I received the telegraphic dispatch of the General-in-Chief, to send General King and two Wisconsin regiments to Washington, this afternoon, at 5.15 p.m. The orders have been issued and the regiments will leave the moment transportation can be provided. General King returned to Washington this afternoon. When the dispatch was received my force in this State had been disposed as follows: First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, at Annapolis and Annapolis Junction; Fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, at Relay House; Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, at West Baltimore street; Fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, at McKim’s mansion; Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, at Patterson’s Park; Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, on Northern Central Railroad; Third Regiment New York Volunteers, at Fort McHenry; Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, near Fort McHenry; Fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, at Federal Hill; Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, six companies on Baltimore and Philadelphia Railroad; Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, four companies at Mount Clare; Second Regiment Maryland Volunteers, five companies at Mount Clare; Second Regiment Delaware Volunteers, five companies at Havre de Grace. The time of these five last-named companies is about to expire, and they are to be replaced by the four companies of the New York Fourth at Mount Clare.

I had occupied all the important eminences nearest to Baltimore. The removal of the Fifth and Sixth Wisconsin compels me to abandon two of them. It is very desirable that they should be occupied as soon as possible. Two companies of cavalry have arrived; both are without arms, and one without horses. I must request that the General-in-Chief will order sabers and pistols to be sent to me from Washington. There is nothing here but Hall’s carbines, and they are without slings. The Third and Fourth New York Volunteers came here from Fort Monroe in a state of disorganization. I am doing all I can to restore order among them. They were recruited in cities, and this is a bad place for them.

{p.557}

One has been shut up in the fort and the other is to be scattered as a guard to the railroad bridges between Baltimore and Havre de Grace.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 8, 1861.

Brigadier-General ROSECRANS, Commanding Wester Virginia Department, Grafton, Va.:

SIR: The governor of Virginia having applied to the Department for the arms, ammunition, and camp equipage recently captured in the operations in Western Virginia, for the purpose of arming and equipping the Union men in that section of the country, you will, if it can be done without injury or inconvenience to the public interest, please cause the property referred to to be delivered to Governor Peirpoint, at Wheeling, Va., and take his receipt therefor.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.

Memorandum.

WASHINGTON, August 9, 1861.

At Potomac Creek, just below Aquia, they have a camp with four field pieces below the creek, and above the creek there is every appearance of a heavy battery, although it has not been fired to our knowledge. At Aquia Creek it has been reported that they have taken over flat-boats and scows from the Rappahannock. The steamer Page is there ready for service when she can get out.

For the past few days there have been very few persons seen about there. The flags on the batteries have been hauled down. From these circumstances, and from the apparent quiet on the river, I have augured that some operation is going on.

At Mathias Point, from the best information I can obtain, which is through the blacks, there are 300 or 400 men about 2 miles back from the point. A picket is said to be kept on this point, although they have never been seen in the daytime, but have several times been heard talking and laughing. It is said that they are throwing up breastworks on the point, though as yet they have no batteries.

There are several other points on the river where their troops are stationed, and, in my opinion, in all the inlets and creeks the enemy are collecting flat-boats and several boats of all kinds, which should be destroyed.

R. H. WYMAN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Steamer Yankee.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 11, 1861.

Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I have to request that you will proceed with the force placed under your command to the vicinity of Poolesville, and there {p.558} observe the Potomac River from the Point of Rocks to Seneca Mills. You will keep the main body of your force united in a strong position near Poolesville, and observe the dangerous fords with strong pickets, that can dispute the passage until re-enforced. Keep up a constant communication with General Banks’ pickets near Point of Rocks, as well as with those of General McCall and Colonel Smith, until the telegraphic communication is established. Make such arrangements as will enable you, in the event of an attack in force, to fall back on General McCall, or to enable him to move up to your support at some strong position which we can hold with the force at our disposal. Should you see the opportunity of capturing or dispersing any small party by crossing the river, you are at liberty to do so, though great discretion is recommended in making such a movement. The general object of your command is to observe and dispute the passage of the river and the advance of the enemy until time is gained to concentrate the reserves of the main force. I leave your operations much to your own discretion, in which I have the fullest confidence.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS, August 12, 1861.

Major-General BANKS, U. S. A., Commanding, &c., Sandy Hook, Md.:

Brigadier-General Stone has been assigned, with six regiments, a battery, and a company of cavalry, to watch the ferries and fords between Great Falls of the Potomac and Point of Rocks. His headquarters will be at Poolesville. He will communicate with you on his arrival.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 12, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army:

COLONEL: The importance of this city, not only in its relations to the State of Maryland, but to the capital of the country, suggested to me at an early day after assuming the command of this department the necessity of a better system of defense than we have now. The few regiments in position here are scattered over too large a surface to support each other, and, with the exception of one within the public grounds which surround Fort McHenry, none of them are covered by defensive works. They occupy eminences, not one of which could be held against a superior force. The hostile feeling which exists in the city, and which does not even seek to disguise itself, indicates the absolute necessity of occupying and fortifying a commanding position nearer than Fort McHenry. The latter may reduce the city to ashes, but it is too distant to assail particular localities without injury to others. I do not underrate the value of this fort. It controls the commerce of the city, and I think it needs to be protected from a possible bombardment from a Leight about 200 feet more elevated, and about 2 miles distant, in a northerly direction. Of this I shall speak hereafter.

But I desire first to call the attention of the General-in-Chief to the propriety of intrenching Federal Hill. He is no doubt familiar with {p.559} the locality. It is about 80 feet above the basin, overlooks it throughout its whole extent, and is about 800 yards from the wharves and the railroad running through Pratt street. About a fortnight ago I requested Major Brewerton to survey it, and ascertain its capacities for defense by a strong intrenchment-one which could be held against a large force on the land side and covered on the water side with a heavy battery, overawing the city, and capable, from its proximity, to single out and assail particular localities in case of an outbreak. When I requested Major Brewerton to make the examination the place was occupied by the Eighteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia. It is now occupied by Colonel Duryea’s Fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers, or the National Zouaves. They have a rifled cannon, three howitzers, and some field pieces, belonging to Fort McHenry. They are becoming well drilled as artillerists, but have no breastworks. I propose, then-

1. That Federal Hill should be strongly intrenched. The Zouaves will do the greater part of the work.

2. That the height before referred to should also be strongly intrenched. It not only commands Fort McHenry, which should be rendered secure from bombardment, but it commands every other eminence from which the fort can be assailed and overlooks a part of the city which is rank with secession. This work should be at least as extensive as Fort Corcoran, and should be furnished with a battery of heavy cannon and mortars. This work can be chiefly done by the volunteer regiments if I can have the force, which in my letter of the 24th of July I considered necessary for the security of the city and State.

I am not quite satisfied with Fort McHenry. It is very strong on the water side, but, like most of our harbor fortifications, was constructed with no special reference to attack by land. The approach from Baltimore is faced by a curtain, which was only designed for infantry. Major Morris, who has done all for the work it is capable of, has placed some mortars behind it, but there is no room for cannon. I suggested to Major Brewerton the construction of an outwork between the two bastions which this curtain connects. It should be a permanent work, and, with the prevailing indications, it would be wise to make preparations for a long-continued contest. If the suggestions I have made are carried out, I think the city of Baltimore can be controlled under any circumstances. I have thought proper to make them before asking the engineer for plans, for the reason that a gentlemen for whose judgment I have a great respect thought such indications of a determination to overawe the city would increase the bad feeling existing there. I do not agree with him. I do not think the secessionists could be more intemperate than they are now, and the Union men would be encouraged and strengthened by such a demonstration.

I am, respectfully, yours,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1.}

HDQRS. CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Rockville, August 12, 1861.

By virtue of orders from Headquarters Division of Potomac, dated August 10, 1861, the undersigned assumes command of the forces of the United States along the line of the Potomac between Point of Rocks and Seneca Falls, including the forces at both places.

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General.

{p.560}

–––

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, August 13, 1861.

Major-General BANKS, U. S. A., Commanding, &c., Sandy Hook, Md.:

You are authorized to withdraw your batteries and troops from Maryland Heights and Harper’s Ferry, leaving a guard to observe the enemy, and to take such position with your army as you deem best, between Frederick and the Potomac and on either side the Monocacy, to observe the enemy across the Potomac and protect the canal. If involved in or threatened with active operations you may absorb the upper part of Stone’s command or, in an extreme case, the whole of it within your reach.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Rockville, August 13, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Division of Potomac:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here yesterday morning with Battery I, First U. S. Artillery. Found here the Tammany [Forty-second New York] Regiment and Second New York State Militia [Eighty-second New York Volunteers].

The streams are swollen by the heavy rains and the roads are heavy and badly cut up.

Inexperienced management of the trains has caused delay in the arrival of a large portion of the wagons of the Tammany Regiment, and it cannot advance until some of the delayed wagons arrive.

I go to-day to Seneca, and shall, if practicable, move the artillery and one regiment of infantry to Darnestown.

The Second New York Regiment is weak in numbers and greatly disorganized. No dependence can be placed in it for same time to come.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 14, 1861.

Maj. ALBERT J. MYER, Signal Officer:

SIR: You will at once and with the utmost expedition establish a system of signals along the line of the Potomac through Maryland, connecting the column under Major-General Banks with those under Brigadier-Generals Stone and McCall and the forces in and about this city. Should you find it necessary, you are authorized to purchase a small telegraphic train, to aid you to communicate with those points which cannot be reached by signals, to be paid for out of the telegraphic fund. Major-General McClellan will be directed to give you the necessary aid by details of officers and men from the respective columns and also Major-General Banks.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.

{p.561}

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 14, 1861.

Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT, Commanding U. S. Army:

GENERAL: I am informed by Brigadier-General McDowell that 62 non-commissioned officers and privates of the Second Regiment of Maine Volunteers have formally and positively, and in the presence of their regiment, refused to do any further duty whatever, falsely alleging that they are no longer in the service of the United States. I concur in the suggestion of General McDowell that this combined insubordination, if not open mutiny, should be immediately repressed-and I approve of his recommendation that the insubordinate soldiers should be immediately transferred in arrest and without arms to the Dry Tortugas, there to perform such fatigue service as the commanding officer there may assign to them, until they shall by their future conduct show themselves worthy to bear arms.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, D. C., August 14, 1861.

Brig. Gen. ANDREW PORTER, Provost-Marshal, &c., Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: The brigade commander of the Seventy-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers having reported that the regiment is in a state of open mutiny, Major-General McClellan directs that you proceed with a battery, the two companies of the Second Cavalry, at the Park Hotel, and as many companies of regular infantry as you may deem proper, to the encampment of that regiment. On your arrival there you will order such as are willing to move to march out of the camp, leaving the disaffected portion of the regiment by themselves. You will then order the latter portion to lay down their arms, and will put them under a strong guard. The ringleaders you will put in double irons.

You are authorized, if necessary, to use force to accomplish the object. Report the result as soon as possible.*

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

* See report No. 1, of reconnaissance September 11, 1861, to Lewinsville, &c., p. 168.

–––

WHEELING, VA., August 15, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

Lee has one body of 8,000 men near Monterey, in Highland; another force of equal if not greater strength is this side of Huntersville. Still another body of considerable size is marching by the way of Mingo Flats on to Huttonsville. We have no force guarding the Mingo Flats road. Rosecrans is at Clarksburg, a respectful distance. For God’s sake send us more troops and a general to command, or else we are whipped in less than ten days. {p.562}

The Huntersville force and Wise and Floyd’s force are all moving on us by the way of Mingo Flats, and we are without any guard or fortifications to that pass.

JOHN S. CARLILE.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, August 15, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: In obedience to instructions by telegram of the 13th and by order of the 14th instant, both of which were duly received, I have made preparations to change the position of this column to a point between Frederick and the Potomac River, leaving at this post a corps of observation, and providing for the protection of the canal and river as directed. A portion of our force (Colonel Geary’s regiment) was sent to Point of Rocks on Tuesday evening. The movement of the main part of the column will be speedily completed. Everything is quiet at that point now. A few rebels have shown themselves opposite Sharpsburg, where a regiment (Thirteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Leonard) is stationed. I send an intercepted letter from Richmond,* which represents the opinion of a portion of the people there.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS, August 16, 1861.

Major-General BANKS, Commanding, &c., Sandy Hook, Mid.:

In approximating your forces to those lower down the Potomac, I think it best to cross the Monocacy, in order to have that river as a line of defense.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

–––

WASHINGTON, August 16, 1861.

General BANKS, Commanding, Sandy Hook:

From information received this evening it is deemed important that the change of position ordered by General-in-Chief should be made without delay. What part of your command has been moved?

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 16, 1861.

EDWARD MCK. HUDSON, Aide-de-Camp:

SIR: I am directed by Major-General Dix to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 15th instant, addressed to Brigadier-General Dix, commanding Department of Baltimore, and inclosing paragraphs from newspapers published in this city.*

He requests me to say that he is the major-general commanding the Department of Pennsylvania, composed of the States of Pennsylvania, {p.563} Delaware, and all of Maryland except the counties of Alleghany and Washington, which belong to the Department of the Shenandoah, and the counties of Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s, which belong to the Department of Washington. If any changes have been made in his command he has no information, official or unofficial, in respect to them. He received last evening a dispatch, signed Lawrence A. Williams, aide-de-camp, in the name of the commanding general of the division, and though it contained nothing more definite in regard to the authority from which it emanated, he assumed that it came to him by direction of the Government, and immediately sent for the agent of the Sun newspaper, the proprietor being absent, and he thinks the result of the interview will be to cause a discontinuance of exceptionable articles like those which have recently appeared in that paper.

Major-General Dix requests me to say to Major-General McClellan that his attention, since he assumed the command of this department, has been so engaged by official duties that the course of the secessionist papers in Baltimore was not noticed by him until the early part of this week. He has been considering whether the emergency would not warrant a suppression of the papers referred to, if, after warning them of the consequences of a persistence in their hostility to the Union, they should refuse to abstain from misrepresentations of the conduct and motives of the Government and the publication of intelligence calculated to aid and encourage the public enemy. It was his intention in a matter of so much gravity-one affecting so deeply the established opinions of the country in regard to the freedom of the press-to ask the direction of the Government as soon as he should feel prepared to recommend a definite course of action. In the mean time it will give him pleasure to do all in his power to suppress the publication of information in regard to the movements, position, and number of our troops, as Major-General McClellan requests, as it is possible that orders may have been issued affecting his command and by accident not have reached him.

Major-General Dix will be glad to receive any information you may have in regard to the modification, if any has been made, of General Orders, No. 47.**

I am, very respectfully, yours,

WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General.

* Not found.

** Of July 25, 1861. See p. 763, Vol. II, of this series.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 16, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, U. S. A., Commanding Department of the Ohio, Clarksburg, Va.:

Telegram of the 16th received. Do not abandon the Gauley. Hold Bulltown, Huttonsville, and the works in front of it. One regiment, or at most two, should now suffice for Red House and Grafton. Clarksburg and the line of railroad may be temporarily weakened or abandoned. Attack the enemy on Cranberry or wherever he debouches, always having intrenchments in your rear. You have the advantage of a central position within the mountains. Must use your intrenchments to check the enemy with small forces, while by rapid movement you attack his columns in succession with overwhelming forces. Never {p.564} wait for him to attack your main column, but crush the enemy nearest to you and then go after the next. Take no tents in your movements, and march with the utmost rapidity. You have a most brilliant opportunity. Two regiments have been ordered from Ohio to Fremont; all the rest are at your disposal as they are organized. I need here for the defense of the capital every regiment that can be spared, and ought to take all that Ohio can furnish. It would be better to use in person the regiments you now have before asking for any more.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 16, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, U. S. A., Commanding Department of the Ohio, Clarksburg, Va.:

The reason of my communication was that I have learned from the most reliable authority that Cheat Mountain Pass was not fortified as I directed, but only in a temporary way. This is confirmed by date of August 15. Carry out my previous instructions to the fullest extent. Leave at the Red House the minimum force necessary to hold the works near there. Occupy Kanawha Valley with the minimum force necessary to hold the Gauley Pass. Secure Grafton and the railroad line thence to Benwood by the smallest possible force. Disregard, for the present, the interior of Western Virginia, or else hold it with your worst troops, who are not fit to take the field. Concentrate the remainder of your available force in the vicinity of Huttonsville, placing a strong reserve at that point, and occupying the works on the Cheat Mountain and the Huntersville road with a force sufficient to hold them until support can arrive. Strengthen both of these fortifications as rapidly as possible, and take there all your available artillery. Make a strong reconnaissance in the direction of the enemy’s works towards Huntersville, and if possible drive them out before their works are completed and their force concentrated. Communicate this at once by telegraph to Reynolds.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

–––

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 4.}

HDQRS. DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 16, 1861.

All passes, safe-conducts, and permits, heretofore given, to enter or go beyond the lines of the U. S. Army on the Virginia side of the Potomac are to be deemed revoked, and all such papers will hereafter emanate only from the War Department, the headquarters of the U. S. Army, or of this division, or from the provost-marshal at Washington. Similar passes will be required to cross the river, by bridge or boat, into Virginia.

Strict military surveillance will be exercised within the lines of the Army on the northern side of the Potomac, and upon all the avenues of every kind, by land and water, leading to and from the city of Washington, as well over persons holding passes as all others. Passes will not be required at or within the lines of the Army north of the {p.565} Potomac, but disloyal or suspected persons will be liable to arrest and detention until discharged by competent authority, and contraband articles will be seized.

Officers and soldiers of the Army will obtain passes as heretofore ordered.

All complaints of improper arrests, seizures, or searches, made or purporting to be made under military authority, will be received by the proper brigade commanders or provost-marshals, who will at once investigate the same, and in each instance make report to these headquarters.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

SANDY HOOK, NEAR HARPER’S FERRY, August 17, 1861.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: We greatly need more artillery. Major Doubleday’s battery is very heavy for field service. Excluding that, we have but fourteen pieces. This is wholly insufficient for active service in the new position we are to occupy. Captain Tompkins has recruited a company in Rhode Island, which arrived here last night. The battery is in Washington; the company here. Either the battery should be sent to us or the company ordered to Washington. We wait instructions upon this subject. I most earnestly press upon the Commander-in-Chief our necessities for an increase of artillery, and hope that a liberal supply will be ordered to us for service in the new position we are to occupy.

We leave one regiment at Harper’s Ferry, the Second Massachusetts, Colonel Gordon; one at Sharpsburg, Colonel Leonard, Thirteenth Massachusetts; one at Berlin, Colonel Donnelly, Twenty-eighth New York. Colonel Geary is at Point of Rocks since Wednesday night. The rest of our column is en route for a position between Frederick and the Potomac east of the Monocacy, according to the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. The country is quiet in this section. No more than the usual cavalry scouts are seen, though they are more bold and active. Some miles south of Point of Rocks Colonel Geary observed a force moving in the direction of the Potomac. It is the same probably that has been seen at Lovettsville, Morrisonville, and towns in that neighborhood, and is from 1,500 to 2,000 strong. The river is rising and rain falls lightly this morning.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 17, 1861.

Col. G. W. CULLUM, Aide-de-Camp, Headquarters of the Army:

COLONEL: I inclose a map of the city of Baltimore, on which I have marked the eminences we examined in our hasty reconnaissance of yesterday. I have numbered them in the order in which we visited them, and I have added the ascertained elevation of each. A few memoranda may fix more firmly in your mind what you wished to remember:

{p.566}

1. Federal Hill, 83 feet 6 inches above mean high tide.–It is to be immediately intrenched by order of the General-in-Chief in accordance with the suggestions in my letter of the 12th instant. Next to Fort McHenry it is the most important position in the harbor of Baltimore. It commands the railroad through Pratt street to the President-street depot, the entire basin, the whole lower part of the city, and in the hands of an enemy might be dangerous to Fort McHenry, from which it is 2 miles distant. The distance to Pratt street at the head of the basin is about 800 yards.

2. Patterson’s Park, 124 feet 9 inches above mean high tide.–A commanding position, 2 miles from Fort McHenry, and would be very important if No. 3 (Potter’s Race Course) were not to be fortified. It is surrounded by a loyal population, and its present occupation is not as necessary as that of No. 4 (the McKim mansion). A regiment has been encamped there until recently. It has been unoccupied since the 7th instant, when the Sixth Wisconsin Regiment was ordered to Washington.

3. Potter’s Race Course, 180 feet above mean high tide.–A strong work on this height is indispensable to the safety of Fort McHenry, which it commands, and from which it is less than 2 miles distant. It also commands Patterson’s Park, and is the only point, with the exception of the latter and No. 4, from which the eighth ward, one of the most disloyal in the city, can be assailed. It is to be immediately fortified by order of the General-in-Chief.

4. McKim’s Mansion, 119 feet 9 inches above mean high tide.–It is in the eighth ward, and commands that portion of the city as effectually as Federal Hill commands the lower portion and the basin. For controlling the population of the city and suppressing outbreaks this position is second only to the latter. It was occupied by the Fifth Wisconsin Regiment until the 7th instant, when that regiment was ordered to Washington. If I had a regiment to spare I should place it here in preference to Patterson’s Park. It has excellent and ample ground for battalion drill.

5. Steuart’s Mansion, Mount Clare, 184 feet 7 inches above mean high tide.–This position is important from its vicinity to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Mount Clare depot on that road as well as from the relation it holds to the direction from which the city is most likely to be assailed from without. It is occupied by the Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, numbering 823 men, and Nims’ Boston Light Artillery, numbering 156. The Second Maryland Regiment (six companies) is encamped on the line of the same railroad and in the same neighborhood with 579 men. I have therefore in this locality 1,558 men.

My force is disposed as follows:

Fort McHenry, inside: Regulars, 194; outside: Third New York Volunteers, 795; Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers, 845. Total, 1,834.

Federal Hill: Fifth New York Volunteers, Colonel Duryea, 1,028.

Mount Clare: Fourth Pennsylvania, 823; Second Maryland, 579; Nims’ Light Artillery, 156. Total, 1,558.

Agricultural Ground, north of the city: Two companies of Pennsylvania Cavalry, unequipped, 213. Grand total, 4,633.

My effective force is under 4,000. I need three regiments more. The first I shall place at No. 3 (Potter’s Race Course) to work on the proposed intrenchments; the second at No. 4 (McKim’s mansion) to take care of the eighth ward, and the third at No. 2 (Patterson’s Park) until No. 3 is fortified. The home guard is in course of organizing in the city, and I think can be armed next week. It will number 850 men.

{p.567}

We have nothing for them but flint-lock muskets or Hall’s breech-loading rifles, also with flint locks. With this force I should feel safe except from external attack. In case of an advance from the Potomac we should need to be strengthened in some proportion to the number of our assailants.

I am, very respectfully, yours,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

POOLESVILLE, MD., August 17, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that this command arrived here the day before yesterday. The main body is encamped around the village, while Edwards Ferry, Conrad’s Ferry, and the Monocacy are occupied by strong pickets.

Small bodies of the enemy appeared yesterday opposite Edwards Ferry and fired on a canal-boat passing down. The fire was returned by the pickets of the Minnesota regiment, without result, I think, on either side.

The Thirty-fourth New York Regiment remains at Seneca. Pickets are thrown out to connect with those of General McCall at Great Falls.

The weather remains most unfavorable for any movements, and the river has risen considerably in consequence of the rains. Fording is now rendered difficult and dangerous.

I have been unable as yet to discover the presence of any large force opposite.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 15.}

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, August 17, 1861.

The Departments of Washington and Northeastern Virginia will be united into one, to which will be annexed the Valley of the Shenandoah, the whole of Maryland and of Delaware, to be denominated the Department of the Potomac, under Major-General McClellan-headquarters Washington-who will proceed to organize the troops under him into divisions and independent brigades.

By command of Lieutenant-General Scott:

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 18, 1861.

Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, U. S. A.:

GENERAL: Your letter of August 17, 10 p.m., has been received. Information received from General Banks to-day confirms the belief that the enemy intends crossing the Potomac in your vicinity and moving on Baltimore or Washington. There are also strong indications of their {p.568} intention of attempting the passage of the Potomac south of this city, near Aquia Creek, where they are erecting strong batteries, or at some other point. I will recommend to you the utmost vigilance, and that you continually bear in mind the necessity of securing your retreat towards Rockville should you be unable to prevent the passage of the enemy.

General Banks will be instructed to move up to your support in case of necessity, and will also be instructed to effect his retreat in the same direction in conjunction with you should it become necessary. It is still my wish that the enemy’s passage and subsequent advance should be opposed and retarded to the utmost of your ability, to give me time to make my arrangements and come up to your assistance.

A general order has been issued merging the Departments of Northeastern Virginia, the Shenandoah, and Baltimore into the Department of the Potomac, under my immediate command.

Steps have been taken which will secure us a large re-enforcement during the coming week.

...

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, August 19, 1861-1 p.m.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Division Potomac, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: Your letter No. 1, of yesterday’s date, is just received. I have made and caused to be made the most careful examinations practicable of the opposite side of the Potomac in front of my position, and believe that the only force in the immediate vicinity is a regiment of Mississippi troops at Leesburg and one of Mississippi or South Carolina troops on Goose Creek. The enemy appear to be throwing up additional intrenchments about 3 1/2 miles back from Edwards Ferry, on the Leesburg road, in an excellent position for guarding the approach to Leesburg, but good for nothing for offensive operations. These works were commenced previous to the battle at Bull Run, and are now being extended, according to report. These works might be reached by shot from a rifled gun planted on the heights above Edwards Ferry.

The troops of this command are now posted as follows, commencing on the right: Three companies of the Second New York Militia [Eighty-second Volunteers] are stationed at the mouth of the Monocacy, with pickets thrown out 2 miles above and the same distance below, connecting above with pickets of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania, of General Banks’ command. This outpost is supported by the remainder of the Second Regiment, 300 strong only, stationed one-half mile from Poolesville, on the Monocacy road. A picket of cavalry patrols the vicinity of the Monocacy. The Tammany [Forty-second New York] regiment (Cogswell’s) is stationed 1 mile from Poolesville, on the road to Conrad’s Ferry, and has four companies detached to watch that ferry. The strength of this regiment is 531 in camp, besides the four companies on outpost. The outpost at Conrad’s throws out pickets to meet those from the Monocacy above and those from Edwards Ferry below. The Minnesota regiment (Gorman’s), 788 strong, is stationed 2 1/2 miles from {p.569} Poolesville, on the road to Edwards Ferry, furnishing an outpost of four companies to that ferry. This outpost throws out pickets to meet those from Conrad’s on the right and those from Seneca on the left. Seneca being 8 miles from this point, I have left an entire regiment there at the crossing of the river road and the road from Rockville. An outpost is kept on the river bank, throwing out pickets to meet Gorman’s above and General McCall’s below. One section of Hascall’s battery is stationed on the heights above Edwards Ferry. The road from Edwards Ferry to Seneca is very hilly and rough, almost impracticable for artillery or wagons.

The constant rains for the past week must have made the roads very bad on the low grounds on the opposite side of the river and have made the fords at least a foot deeper. If there exists reliable information that a crossing is intended here, I would respectfully recommend that two additional regiments be sent here and a few long-range guns. If I might be permitted to express a preference, I would ask for the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, now in Washington, and the Ninth New York State Militia [Eighty-third Volunteers] now with General Banks. There was a rumor here yesterday that 5,000 men of General Banks’ command had arrived near the Monocacy, but I was at the outpost there about sunset, and could see nothing of troops, camps, or smokes.

A negro, who crossed yesterday from near the Monocacy, informed me that two regiments of Southern troops were said to have passed up from Leesburg towards Hillsborough, Waterford, and Lovettsville on Wednesday and Thursday last, and this story was confirmed by a civilian belonging to Washington, who came yesterday from the Virginia side near the Point of Rocks.

Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General.

The enemy keep small pickets near Edwards and Conrad’s Ferries, but apparently none near the Monocacy. Their pickets fire on ours and on canal boats passing occasionally.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 19, 1861.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Division of the Potomac:

GENERAL: In obedience to the direction contained in your dispatch by telegraph of last evening, I have the honor to inclose a return of the troops in this department. They are scattered not only by regiments, but by companies, over a large surface, and I am unable to furnish a complete return of all up to a later date than the 1st instant. All but one are up to the 16th instant.

I also inclose copies of two letters-one of the 12th, and the other of the 17th instant-to the General-in-Chief concerning the defense of this city.* The latter, intended as a memorandum or memoir, shows the disposition of my force in this immediate neighborhood and the aggregate of each regiment and corps from the morning reports of the 16th instant. Accompanying these letters is a map of the city, illustrating the proposed plan of defense.

{p.570}

ANNAPOLIS.

The First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, headquarters at Annapolis, has six companies there and four at Annapolis Junction, with detachments from both stations guarding the intermediate bridges and cross roads.

Contraband goods are carried across this line to the lower counties on the Western Shore of Maryland bordering on the Potomac, and sent into Virginia at Mathias Point and other places.

To watch it effectively five more companies are needed; a regiment would be better.

THE RELAY HOUSE.

The Fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers is stationed at the Relay House, 9 miles from Baltimore, at the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Washington Branch. It has one company between the Relay House and the Annapolis Junction, and has detachments on both roads, all within the range of 9 miles from the headquarters of the regiment.

PHILADELPHIA, WILMINGTON AND BALTIMORE RAILROAD.

The Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, with its headquarters at Havre de Grace, is guarding the Baltimore, Wilmington and Philadelphia Railroad. It is disposed as follows:

At Perryville, on the east side of Susquehanna, one company.

At Havre de Grace, on the west side of Susquehanna, three companies.

At Perrymansville, 9 miles from Susquehanna, one company.

At Bush River, 12 miles from Susquehanna, two companies.

At Gunpowder River, 24 miles from Susquehanna, two companies.

At Back River, 7 miles from Baltimore, one company.

NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD.

The Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers is guarding the Northern Central Railroad and the Pikesville Arsenal. Its headquarters are near Cockeysville, 15 miles from Baltimore, where there are three companies. There is one company at the Pikesville Arsenal, 8 miles from Baltimore, and the other six are scattered along the line of the railroad in detachments, guarding some 65 bridges and culverts in Maryland and a few across the Pennsylvania line. The position and strength of all the other regiments and corps in Maryland are shown by the inclosed copy of my letter of the 17th instant to Colonel Cullum, aide-de-camp, intended as a memoir for the information of the General-in-Chief.** They are all in and around Baltimore. The New York Third and the Indiana Twenty-first, outside of Fort McHenry, are subject to heavy details for detached service. One company of the former is guarding a powder-house three-quarters of a mile from the fort. Two companies of the latter are under instruction in the fort as artillerists, and two others are guarding steamers engaged in the transportation of supplies between Baltimore and Washington. The charters of these steamers are about to expire.

There are less than 200 artillerists in Fort McHenry to man 72 guns.

{p.571}

To supply this deficiency two companies of the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers are in training.

The only two regiments intact are the Fifth New York Volunteers and the Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Fort Delaware has a garrison of less than 50 artillerists. It ought to be immediately re-enforced by another company.

The Fifth New York Volunteers is well drilled in the schools of the soldier, the company, and the battalion. The Third and Fourth New York Volunteers are tolerably well trained. The residue of the regiments under my command are new levies, and have been so much cut up by detached service that they have had no opportunity of being instructed, except in the school of the soldier and the company.

In regard to this city I feel safe for the moment, even with my present inadequate force; but if the Confederates should cross the Potomac into Maryland, it would need to be doubled in order to secure us against an outbreak on the part of the disloyal population. I have never put my estimate of the troops required in and around Baltimore at less than 7,000.

I am sorry to say that the Third and Fourth Regiments New York Volunteers are greatly demoralized. I had serious difficulty with the former a few days ago; but by prompt and rigorous measures the insubordination was quelled.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

P. S.-It has been nearly impossible to get correct returns from the volunteer regiments which arrived here the last of July, those particularly which were immediately broken up and put on detached service. Those around the city, and thus within our reach, make their morning reports regularly, but with the others we have great trouble. Our arrangements are now made to get reports from them every Monday morning, and I hope to be able, within the next two or three days, to send you a full return up to this morning.

Since finishing my letter the Sixteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers has arrived, and, by order of the General-in-Chief, goes into camp here.

* See, under these dates, pp. 558, 565.

** See p. 565.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, August 19, 1861.

Colonel KENLY, First Maryland Regiment:

SIR: The general commanding directs that upon receipt of this communication you at once detach from your regiment as follows:

Two companies at Antietam Ford, to relieve the detachment of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment at that place.

Two companies at Shepherdstown Ford, to relieve the detachment of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment at that place.

One company in vicinity of locks and ford at Shepherd’s Island, also to relieve a detachment of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment.

One company at Dam No. 4, to relieve a detachment of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment.

Headquarters of the regiment with the remaining companies to be at Williamsport.

{p.572}

The Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment, on being relieved, will be governed by orders from these headquarters.

In view of the recent proclamation of the President, the general directs that, as far as is in your power, you put a stop to all intercourse whatever with the State of Virginia in the vicinity of your posts.

It is not thought probable that any serious attack will for the present be made upon any of your posts. Should you be forced to call them in and retreat, you will retire upon Frederick. The headquarters will after to-day be for the present in the vicinity of Hyattstown.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 20, 1861.

Maj. Gen. JOHN A. DIX, Commanding, &c., Baltimore, Md.:

GENERAL: Inclosed I send you an order for Captain De Russy’s company (K), Fourth Artillery, to proceed without delay to this city to be mounted. The services of that company are indispensably necessary at this place with a light battery. I desire that you replace the company at Fort McHenry by one or more of the best volunteer companies under your command. The First and Fourth Regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers, now under your command, are required here, to complete General McCall’s division. I wish you to forward them to this city as soon as they are relieved by other troops, and in place of them you are authorized to detain in Baltimore and its vicinity any three regiments that are there, except Colonel Black’s Pennsylvania regiment and the Rhode Island regiment.

This, together with the Sixteenth Massachusetts, will give you two additional regiments. As soon as there are troops enough here to make the capital perfectly secure, I propose to increase your command; but for the present I think the safety of Baltimore can better be secured by concentrating troops in this vicinity than by leaving them there.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 20, 1861.

His Excellency THOMAS H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland:

SIR: I should be glad to know your opinion in regard to the measures which should be adopted to break up the active communication manifestly going on between the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Western Shore of Virginia. There have been rumors for some time that there is a rebel camp in Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. If this be so, it appears to me that it should be broken up. Whatever we do should be well considered, and then carried out with promptness and vigor.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

{p.573}

–––

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 20, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: The importance of keeping open the navigation of the Potomac is so obvious that no argument is necessary on the subject. So far as is possible this Department has and will continue to discharge its duty in this matter by an armed flotilla; but there are one or two points where shore batteries can be made to interrupt communication, and, in view of that danger and recent information, I would most urgently request that immediate measures be taken by the War Department to fortify and intrench Mathias Point. A single regiment, aided by two of our steamers, could heretofore, and perhaps may still, take possession of and secure it. But if more than a regiment is required, it appears to be indispensable that the requisite number should be furnished. Attention on repeated occasions has been called to the particular necessity of holding that place as absolutely essential to the unobstructed navigation of the Potomac. The Navy will at any moment contribute its efforts towards seizing and holding that place, and 1 apprehend there should not be any delay. Cannot a sufficient force be sent down forthwith to seize and, in connection with such armed vessels as we can order for that purpose, hold Mathias Point, and thus keep open the navigation of the Potomac? I understand that troops will be sent to the Lower Maryland counties, to keep the peace and prevent batteries from being erected on the left bank. This is a timely and wise precaution, but it is equally necessary that we should take possession of Mathias Point. Should the insurgents get possession of that point, it will require a very large force to dispossess them.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, &c.,

GIDEON WELLES.

[Indorsement.]

Respectfully referred to the immediate attention of the Lieutenant-General.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, August 20, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Headquarters Division of the Potomac:

MAJOR: The condition of this command remains good, and to all appearances the positions of the enemy have not changed opposite us Since my letter of yesterday’s date to the General Commanding.

I am still under the impression that there is no very large force in my immediate front, but of course it could be held within one day’s march of either of the ferries and yet be out of view.

The river is not deemed fordable here to-day in consequence of the recent rains; but should the rain cease, the water will probably fall in forty-eight hours so as to render three fords passable.

I have received no news from General Banks’ command directly; shall send up the river to learn something of his position this evening.

If there is any reasonable chance of an attempt to cross here, I would respectfully ask for at least two more regiments and additional artillery.

{p.574}

My cavalry force is so weak, that I cannot make the use I desire to of that arm without breaking down both horses and men.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, Near Buckeystown, Md., August 20, 1861.

General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Washington, D. C.:

I have near here 10,860 infantry, 549 artillerymen, 333 cavalry, and fourteen pieces light artillery. At Frederick the First Maryland Regiment, nearly 750, and the Fourth Connecticut Regiment, nearly 750. At Sharpsburg nearly 1,000. Detailed report will be sent by mail. No news here this evening.

N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, August 20, 1861.

Colonel GEARY, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment:

SIR: The General Commanding directs that you station detachments from your regiment at the different fords on the Potomac River from Harper’s Ferry to the Monocacy Aqueduct. These will relieve Colonels Donnelly’s and Gordon’s regiments. You will at once send the four pieces of the Rhode Island Battery, now at Point of Rocks, to rejoin its brigade at this place. On being relieved by your detachments, Colonels Donnelly’s and Gordon’s regiments, with the two guns of the Rhode Island Battery, now at Berlin, will rejoin their respective brigades.

The General wishes you as far as possible to put a stop to all intercourse with the State of Virginia in the vicinity of your posts. Should you be forced to retire by largely superior forces of the enemy, you will endeavor to concentrate your regiment as much as you can in retreating and retire upon Hyattstown, where your brigade will be for the present. You will at once send off all your baggage, except that which is absolutely necessary. In case you are forced to retreat, you will destroy the railroad and telegraph as far as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 1861.

Brig. Gen. ANDREW PORTER, U. S. A., Provost-Marshal, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: Major-General McClellan directs that throughout the day to-morrow you hold in readiness to march at a minute’s warning a light battery, two companies of cavalry, and as many companies of infantry as you may deem necessary, to put down a mutiny in Colonel Baker’s California Regiment.

{p.575}

Should any portion of that regiment mutiny (and there is now some reason to suppose that they will), you are authorized to use force if necessary to quell it. If they refuse to obey, you are authorized to fire on them.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

GENERAL ORDERS, No. I.

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 20, 1861.

In accordance with General Orders, No. 15, of August 17, 1861, from the headquarters of the Army, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac, comprising the troops serving in the former Departments of Washington and Northeastern Virginia, in the valley of the Shenandoah, and in the States of Maryland and Delaware.

The organization of the command into divisions and brigades will be announced hereafter.

The following-named officers are attached to the staff of the Army of the Potomac:

Maj. S. Williams, assistant adjutant-general.

Capt. A. V. Colburn, assistant adjutant-general.

Col. R. B. Marcy, inspector-general.

Col. T. M. Key, aide-de-camp.

Capt. N. B. Sweitzer, First Cavalry, aide-de-camp.

Capt. Edward McK. Hudson, Fourteenth Infantry, aide-de-camp.

Capt. Lawrence A. Williams, Tenth Infantry, aide-de-camp.

Maj. A. J. Myer, signal officer.

Maj. Stewart Van Vliet, chief quartermaster.

Maj. H. F. Clarke, chief commissary.

Surg, C. S. Tripler, medical director.

Maj. J. G. Barnard, chief engineer.

Maj. J. N. Macomb, chief topographical engineer.

Capt. C. P. Kingsbury, chief of ordnance.

Brig. Gen. George Stoneman, volunteer service, chief of cavalry.

Brig. Gen. W. F. Barry, volunteer service, chief of artillery.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION, Clarksburg, W. Va., August 20, 1861.

To the Loyal Citizens of Western Virginia:

You are the vast majority of the people. If the principle of self-government is to be respected, you have a right to stand in the position you have assumed, faithful to the constitution and laws of Virginia as they were before the ordinance of secession.

The Confederates have determined at all hazards to destroy the Government which for eighty years has defended our rights and given us a name among the nations. Contrary to your interests and your wishes they have brought war on your soil. Their tools and dupes told you you must vote for secession as the only means to insure peace; that unless you did so, hordes of abolitionists would overrun you, plunder {p.576} your property, steal your slaves, abuse your wives and daughters, seize upon your lands, and hang all those who opposed them.

By these and other atrocious falsehoods they alarmed you and led many honest and unsuspecting citizens to vote for secession. Neither threats, nor fabrications, nor intimidations sufficed to carry Western Virginia against the interests and wishes of its people into the arms of secession.

Enraged that you dared to disobey their behests, Eastern Virginians who had been accustomed to rule you and to court your votes and ambitious recreants from among yourselves, disappointed that you would not make good their promises, have conspired to tie you to the desperate fortunes of the Confederacy or drive you from your homes.

Between submission to them and subjugation or expulsion they leave you no alternative. You say you do not wish to destroy the old Government under which you have lived so long and peacefully; they say you shall break it up. You say you wish to remain citizens of the United States; they reply you shall join the Southern Confederacy to which the Richmond junta has transferred you, and to carry their will there, Jenkins, Wise, Jackson and other conspirators proclaim upon your soil a relentless and neighborhood war. Their misguided or unprincipled followers re-echo their cry, threatening fire and sword, hanging and exile, to all who oppose their arbitrary designs. They have set neighbor against neighbor and friend against friend; they have introduced a warfare only known among savages. In violation of the laws of nations and humanity, they have proclaimed that private citizens may and ought to make war.

Under this bloody code peaceful citizens, unarmed travelers, and single soldiers have been shot down, and even the wounded and defenseless have been killed; scalping their victims is all that is wanting to make their warfare like that which seventy or eighty years ago was waged by the Indians against the white race on this very ground.

You have no other alternative left you but to unite as one man in the defense of your homes, for the restoration of law and order, or be subjugated or driven from the State.

I therefore earnestly exhort you to take the most prompt and vigorous measures to put a stop to neighborhood and private wars. You must remember that the laws are suspended in Eastern Virginia, which has transferred itself to the Southern Confederacy. The old constitution and laws of Virginia are only in force in Western Virginia. These laws you must maintain.

Let every citizen, without reference to past political opinions, unite with his neighbors to keep these laws in operation, and thus prevent the country from being desolated by plunder and violence, whether committed in the name of secessionism or Unionism.

I conjure all those who have hitherto advocated the doctrine of secessionism as a political opinion to consider that now its advocacy means war against the peace and interests of Western Virginia. It is an invitation to the Southern confederates to come in and subdue you, and proclaims that there can be no law or right until this is done.

My mission among you is that of a fellow-citizen, charged by the Government to expel the arbitrary force which domineered over you, to restore that law and order of which you have been robbed, and to maintain your right to govern yourselves under the Constitution and laws of the United States.

To put an end to the savage war waged by individuals, who without warrant of military authority lurk in the bushes and waylay messengers {p.577} or shoot sentries, I shall be obliged to hold the neighborhood in which these outrages are committed responsible; and unless they raise the hue and cry and pursue the offenders, deal with them as accessaries to the crime.

Unarmed and peaceful citizens shall be protected, the rights of private property respected, and only those who are found enemies of the Government of the United States and peace of Western Virginia will be disturbed. Of those I shall require absolute certainty that they will do no mischief.

Put a stop to needless arrests and the spread of malicious reports. Let each town and district choose five of its most reliable and energetic citizens a committee of public safety, to act in concert with the civic and military authorities and be responsible for the preservation of peace and good order.

Citizens of Western Virginia, your fate is mainly in your own hands.

If you allow yourselves to be trampled under foot by hordes of disturbers, plunderers, and murderers, your land will become a desolation. If you stand firm for law and order and maintain your rights, you may dwell together peacefully and happily as in former days.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 21, 1861.

Capt. EDWARD MCK. HUDSON, Aide-de-Camp:

SIR: The Secretary of the Navy is in error in supposing that I have the means of effectually blockading the Patuxent. I have but two revenue cutters at my disposal, both sailing vessels, the Forward and the Hope. The former belongs to the revenue service, but is in bad order and ought to be hauled up for repairs. The latter is a yacht, which her owner, who commands her, offered for gratuitous service. She lies opposite Fort McHenry, and has been very useful and efficient. She is entirely unsuited to the service which would be required of her in the lower part of the bay. Armed steamers are indispensable. The Secretary of the Treasury promised me four steamers of from three to four hundred tons. With these I thought the whole commerce of the Chesapeake north of the Potomac could be effectually controlled. I inclose a copy of a letter to him of the 8th instant,* explaining the necessity for such a force. My opinion still is that nothing short of it will suffice to break up the illicit commercial intercourse carried on between the Eastern Shore of Maryland with Virginia through the Patuxent and Potomac.

I have twice called the attention of the Government to the fact that there is a rebel camp in Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which is a nucleus of disaffection for Accomac and the counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland up to the Delaware line. It is very important that it should be broken up. Two regiments, with a discreet commander, could march through this important district and put down all opposition.

I am, respectfully, yours,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

* Printed in Series III, Vol. I. 37

{p.578}

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH, Near Hyattstown, Md., August 21, 1861.

Colonel LEONARD, Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment:

SIR: In view of instructions, received this day from headquarters of the Army in Washington, it becomes necessary for you to take post in the vicinity of Harper’s Ferry. The Commanding General directs that you proceed with your regiment to Sandy Hooky and to take post on the Maryland side of the Potomac, so as to prevent an enemy from crossing at the ford or ferry, and to hold the Maryland Heights.

Very respectfully,

ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, August 22, 1861.

Major-General MCCLELLAN, U. S. A., Commanding Department of the Potomac:

SIR: The General-in-Chief directs me to say that, on information considered by the War Department as important and reliable, orders were given to Major-General Dix, commanding in Baltimore, to stop, until further orders, all boats between Baltimore and Saint Mary’s or the neighboring counties of Maryland and Virginia. This order was given the 15th instant. Permission was given the 18th for a steamboat to make one trip to bring away families left behind.

The Hon. Reverdy Johnson, of Baltimore, proposes that the boats shall be permitted to renew their trips for the purpose of carrying freight only, without the privilege of taking passengers, under such guard or regulations as may be necessary for the public safety. The object of this arrangement would be to enable the loyal people of Maryland to send their produce to the Baltimore market, as they have been in the habit of doing. The General-in-Chief wishes you to refer this proposition to Major-General Dix, and if he thinks well of it, to have it carried into effect.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

SENECA, August 22, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Division of the Potomac:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the Major-General Commanding, that all is quiet throughout my lines; no change opposite.

This morning there was cannon firing near Leesburg, either two salutes or practicing; more probably the latter.

General Banks is at Hyattstown, some 9 1/2 or 10 miles northeast of Poolesville, connecting with my position by a reasonably good road, and with Rockville by an excellent one.

I fear there is too much nervousness on my right-that is, in the command of Colonel Geary, at Point of Rocks. His ambulances came hastily into my camp this morning, having been sent off at 10 p.m. last night. The river is not fordable for wagons or artillery at this time.

{p.579}

I am unable to discover any signs of raft or boat preparation, and the only signs of the enemy on the bank are small pickets, while there are no signs of large camps except at Leesburg and on Goose Creek. Those two do not appear very extensive, say for one or two regiments each. With a long-range rifle cannon I could stir up the intrenchments erected for the defense of Leesburg, and perhaps make them betray the power of their guns, if they have any in position, which I doubt.

Major Myer, signal officer, arrived at Poolesville this morning, and will make trials to-night between my left and General Banks’ position.

I would respectfully request that General McCall’s force at Big Falls may be instructed to throw out pickets, say 4 1/2 miles above that position, to meet the pickets of the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers.

Five negroes crossed the river yesterday, running away, as they say, from being sent to Manassas to work on the fortifications. I respectfully ask instructions as to the disposition to be made of them. They say there is no large camp opposite this place for 3 miles back.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps of Observation.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington. D. C., August 23, 1861.

Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Commanding Brigade:

GENERAL: Major-General McClellan directs me to inform you that it is a very well authenticated fact that the enemy are suffering severely with the small-pox, measles, and camp fevers. They have fallen back from Vienna to Flint Hill, taking all their sick with them. They moved even those who were so very sick that one or more died on the march. The pickets have been drawn back throughout the whole length of the line. They will probably change their plan of operation, as they see that we had divined their original plans and had made preparations to frustrate them. This is written simply to keep you posted. The general does not wish you to be the less watchful because appearances indicate a retrograde movement on the part of the enemy.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 23, 1861.

Major-General MCCLELLAN, Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: In obedience to your directions I have the honor to submit the following:

To insure success, it is of vital importance that the Army of the Potomac should have an overwhelming force of field artillery. To render this artillery the most effective, the field batteries should as far as possible consist of regular troops. At present, of the twenty-five batteries of your army thirteen are regulars and twelve are volunteers. With every disposition to do their best, the volunteer artillery do not possess the knowledge or experience requisite for thoroughly efficient service. I would therefore recommend that companies of regular artillery be withdrawn from many of the forts on the Atlantic and Pacific {p.580} seaboards and ordered to this point at as early a date as possible, to be mounted as field artillery. For this purpose I am of the opinion that four of the seven companies at Fort Monroe, one of the two companies at Fort McHenry, and seven of the eleven companies on the Pacific coast-in all twelve companies-can very well be spared. Their places in the forts might be very well filled by companies or battalions of volunteer artillery. For this latter purpose I would recommend that corps of volunteer artillery be raised for this special service exclusively. In many of our cities and large towns in the immediate vicinity of the seaboard forts, portions of the militia have been drilled at or have otherwise become familiar with the seacoast guns. It is believed that many such persons, who would not enlist under ordinary circumstances, would readily enroll themselves for the sole purpose of garrisoning works in the immediate vicinity, and intended for the defense of their homes and places of business.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM F. BARRY, Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery.

–––

OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, August 23, 1861.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding:

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a proposed organization of the artillery for the Army of the Potomac. This organization is based upon an establishment of 100,000 men, and as it is presumed a large majority of the troops will not be over-well disciplined or instructed, the artillery, to give them confidence and steadiness, is arranged upon the basis of three pieces to 1,000 men: Three pieces to 1,000 men-two-thirds guns of which one-fourth are 12-pounders, three-fourths are 6-pounders, and of each of which one-half are rifled; one-third howitzers, of which one-eighth are 32-pounders, one-eighth are 24-pounders, and three-fourths are 12-pounders, the whole distributed as follows:

For the infantry, two pieces to 1,000 men-light 12-pounders, Parrott 10-pounders, James 13-pounders, or 6-pounder guns and 12-pounder howitzers, assembled in mounted batteries.

For the cavalry, two pieces to 1,000 men-6-pounder guns and 12-pounder howitzers mixed, and 12-pounder howitzers alone, assembled in horse artillery batteries.

For the reserve, one piece to 1,000 men-one-half 6-pounder horse artillery and mounted batteries and one-half 12-pounder mounted batteries.

As the troops improve in discipline and become veterans by experience and continued service the ratio of guns to men might be reduced one-half, and thus a force of three hundred guns would amply suffice for an army of 200,000 men. Seven thousand five hundred men and 5,000 horses will be required to equip an artillery force of the above organization.

With regard to the artillery of the field works erected and erecting for the defense of Washington, I have the honor to state the defensive works at present completed mount seventy-eight guns. Of these, thirty are shell guns, five are rifle guns, and thirty-four are 24 and 32 pounders, the remainder being field-guns for flank defense. The new defensive works in process of construction will mount about fifty guns. One thousand one hundred men will be required for the service of these guns.

{p.581}

These men can be readily furnished by details from the volunteer foot regiments assigned as garrisons for the works.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM F. BARRY, Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery.

–––

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Baltimore, Md., August 23, 1861.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN:

GENERAL: The inclosed letter, which I think of sufficient importance to be submitted to you, only conveys intelligence which I am every day receiving from numerous sources. The secessionists are active and confident throughout the counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, and the friends of the Government discontented and to some extent depressed. They ask for arms, and in some cases for the presence of Federal troops. I am satisfied there are from 1,000 to 1,500 rebels embodied at Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia, and at other points. Two regiments marched from Salisbury, the terminus of the railroad from Wilmington, down to the southern extremity of the Eastern shore would break up an immense traffic in contraband, disperse the rebels, and give courage to the friends of the Union.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. DIX, Major-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

NEWTOWN, August 12, 1861.

Gen. JOHN A. DIX, Commanding Department of Annapolis:

DEAR SIR: I have given my friend C. C. Adreon, esq., a complete statement of affairs in this region. I have endeavored to show to him the necessity for troops to protect our citizens in their persons and rights. They have become most insulting and threatening towards us, and are actually driving men suspected of holding Union sentiments from the State, Virginia, and some of them, a Dr. Stickney and family, are here in Newtown now for protection. There Is a secession flag at this time waving in sight of me whilst I write. I have been informed that some of our Union men here doubt the practicability of sending troops to the line at and below this place, but I know these men to have personal considerations at the bottom of their prudence. Mr. Sharpe passed through here last week, having in his possession several rifles; was showing them at the hotel of Mr. Dryden, where he amused his disunion friends by showing them the facility by which they were loaded and discharged. They were Sharp’s and Merrill’s patents, and numbered eight or ten. Mr. Adreon can give you his experience among the Virginians and all other particulars you may require. They have at their command about eight good, serviceable cannon, and about 800 men in a camp, armed with good muskets and rifles. The balance of the men in the camp (about 1,500) are armed with shot-guns and fowling pieces without bayonets. They have also several other pieces of cannon they can mount in battery. Those eight pieces are nice brass guns and mounted. They are beginning to throw up earthen fortifications along the shore of their different rivers, and the sooner troops are sent, in my judgment, the better it will be. For further information I refer you to Mr. Adreon.

Your humble servant,

GEO. S. MERRILL.

{p.582}

–––

HEADQUARTERS, Alexandria, Va., August 24, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I received information a few days ago which led me to believe that a correspondence between the Maryland and Virginia sides of the river was kept up by means of small boats, which were kept hidden when not in use in marshes near the mouth of Hunting Creek. I sent to the commanding officer of the Perry, the vessel of war which lies off the town, and asked him to send a boat with a guide, whom I would furnish, to look after these small boats, and if possible catch the men engaged in this business. Yesterday he called to see me, and informed me that he could not make the search without direct orders from the Secretary of the Navy. I then asked him if he would search such boats as might be caught in the act of passing and he declined, on the ground that officers of the Navy must be very careful in making searches of boats, &c. I report these facts because the matter in question is important, and in case of emergency it might be necessary to get an order from the Secretary of the Navy to fire on the enemy on the same principle.

Very respectfully,

W. B. FRANKLIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Alexandria.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, August 25, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Am-my of the Potomac:

MAJOR: There is nothing of importance to report since my report of last night. The enemy have fired a few cannon-shot this morning from Conrad’s Ferry. In all, they have fired at that point about eighty shot and shells, causing damage to the ferry houses, but only two very slight wounds to our men.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, August 28, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in the recent firing across the river on my outposts the enemy are reported to have lost by our riflemen 3 killed and 7 wounded, while on our side 3 men were contused; none wounded or killed.

I can see no indication of an increased force opposite, but have information that there are two regiments of Mississippi troops at Leesburg and one of South Carolina and one of Virginia troops at Lovettsville and Waterford respectively, while a corps of irregular cavalry, three or four companies, move up and down the river from Goose Creek to Point of Rocks.

Major-General Banks informs me that he has ordered General Hamilton’s brigade to this point for temporary service.

{p.583}

I caused a few rounds to be fired yesterday from the Rhode Island section rifled 6-pounders, and find that with guns of that class we can reach the outworks of Leesburg.

The Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment joined this command yesterday morning.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS GENERAL BANKS’ DIVISION, Near Darnestown, AID., August 31, 1861.

General STONE:

SIR: Major-General Banks directs me to inform you that he arrived at this place day before yesterday. He requests that you will at your earliest convenience send him, by some responsible agent, some information as to your pickets, their posts, the position of your main body, &c., and that you will communicate to him any information in your possession concerning the positions, numbers, &c., of any troops which may be between Darnestown and Washington. He requests that you will order the section of the Rhode Island Battery now with you to join him at your earliest convenience.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, September 2, 1861.

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that two or three regiments broke up their camp near Leesburg this forenoon, and marched nearer the river, the bulk of two regiments approaching Conrad’s Ferry. They strengthened all their pickets throughout the line. There is no appearance of re-enforcement.

My impression is that the movement was caused by a feeling of alarm lest we should attempt a crossing in force, as one of the advanced pickets of the Tammany regiment crossed the river last night and cut out and brought over a large ferry-boat.

I have caused the outposts to be strengthened by infantry and artillery, but do not anticipate any advance of the enemy.

Very respectfully, I am, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

CAMP NEAR DARNESTOWN, September 4, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, &c.:

SIR: I visited the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, opposite Poolesville, last evening. There are no indications of movement more than for a month past. Their force at Leesburg appears to be about three or four regiments. Two or 3 miles from the river they have thrown up a slight {p.584} breastwork and the pickets have been increased, but this is perhaps on account of some encroachments by our troops on the Virginia side. Above Point of Rocks there is no increase of rebel forces. The cavalry seems to be chiefly of local character. Last night we were informed that the troops at Leesburg were moving westward, which would take them towards Lovettsville, but this is not well authenticated.

Our force is about 14,000 men. Of this Geary’s regiment is at Point of Rocks; Leonard’s (Thirteenth) at Harper’s Ferry; Kenly’s (First Maryland) at Williamsport. They guard the river from the mouth of the Monocacy to the country above Williamsport.

We are much in want of clothing, shoes, &c. We have now but eight pieces of artillery, and are deficient in staff officers, upon which I have addressed you a note.

The news of the capture of the forts in North Carolina has given to our troops the greatest satisfaction and spirit. I congratulate you upon this evidence of a turning tide in the affairs of the country.

Nearly all our insurgent men are returning to duty. The division is in excellent health.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, D. C., September 4, 1861.

Col. EDWARD D. BAKER:

You will march with your brigade immediately and report to General Smith at his position, in advance of the Chain Bridge. You will bring with you two days’ cooked rations. You will have the men bring their overcoats or blankets, leaving as small a guard as necessary to guard your camp and baggage left at your present position.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, D. C., September 4, 1861.

Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Commanding, &c., Poolesville, Md.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant. The Commanding General directs me to invite your particular attention to the importance of keeping a careful watch upon the Potomac in front of your position. It is believed, from recent information derived from sources deemed reliable, that the enemy still entertains the design of crossing the river in force at some point above Washington.

There being now no separate military department within the district of country occupied by the Army of the Potomac, the Commanding General is the only person who, under the sixty-fifth article of war, is competent to appoint general courts-martial for this army. Should you find it necessary to make application for a general court-martial, you are requested to furnish at the same time a suitable detail for the court, including the judge-advocate.

The commanding general will at an early day request the War Department to appoint a board to examine into the qualifications of officers.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

{p.585}

–––

WASHINGTON, D. C., September 4, 1861.

Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding, &c., Darnestown, Md.:

SIR: The Commanding General directs me to invite your particular attention to the importance of keeping a careful watch upon the Potomac in front of your position. It is believed from recent information derived from sources deemed reliable, that the enemy still entertains the design of crossing the river in force at some point above Washington.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, Poolesville, Md., September 4, 1861.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: Your telegram of this date I have had the honor to receive, and its requirements have been complied with, so far as making preparations for marching promptly, with two days’ provisions cooked.

There are three camps in the immediate vicinity of Leesburg, one apparently large enough for two regiments, the others for one each.

Movements of troops were believed to be heard last night opposite Conrad’s Ferry, going west, but I cannot satisfy myself from the reports of the pickets that any considerable body moved.

The Eighth Virginia Regiment now furnishes the pickets opposite ours at Edwards Ferry, while Mississippi troops are posted opposite Conrad’s.

The troops of this command are in good spirits, and, with the exception of the First Minnesota, in good health. In the latter the measles is increasing the sick report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, September 5, 1861.

Hon. S. CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have most urgently to-request that the following-named companies of regular artillery be ordered to report to me with the least possible delay, viz:

Seven of the nine companies of the Third Regiment of Artillery, now stationed on the Pacific coast.

Four of the eight companies now stationed at Fortress Monroe, Va.

The necessity for an increase of the regular artillery force under my command is most pressing.

I have also to request that all the officers belonging to Companies E and H, First Regiment U. S. Artillery, be ordered to join their respective companies without delay. These companies, now mounted as light artillery, have but one officer each on duty with them. In this condition they are not and cannot be efficient.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient, servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army.

{p.586}

–––

SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 89.}

HDQRS. ARMY OF OCCUPATION, W. VA., Sutton, Va., September 6, 1861.

The command will move to-morrow morning in the direction of Summersville at-o’clock and in the following order, viz:

1. General Benham’s brigade in the order named: Tenth Ohio Volunteers, McMullin’s battery, Thirteenth and Twelfth Ohio Volunteers. Cavalry as the general may direct.

2. Colonel [R. L.] McCook’s brigade, Ninth, Twenty-eighth, and Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteers. Cavalry under direction of the colonel.

3. Colonel [E. P.] Scammon’s brigade (with the exceptions hereafter named), Mack’s battery, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers.

...

The colonel commanding Third Brigade will detach four companies of the Thirtieth as a guard for this depot. The remaining six will accompany and guard the train.

...

By order of General Rosecrans:

GEO. L. HARTSUFF, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington City, September 6, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to suggest the following proposition, with the request that the necessary authority be at once given me to carry it out. To organize a force of two brigades of five regiments each of New England men for the general service, but particularly adapted to coast service. The officers and men to be sufficiently conversant with boat service to manage steamers, sailing vessels, launches, barges, surf-boats, floating batteries, &c. To charter or buy for the command a sufficient number of propellers or tug-boats for transportation of men and supplies, the machinery of which should be amply protected by timber, the vessels to have permanent experienced officers from the merchant service, but to be manned by details from the command. A naval officer to be attached to the staff of the commanding officer. The flank companies of each regiment to be armed with Dahlgren boat guns and carbines with water-proof cartridges; the other companies to have such arms as I may hereafter designate, to be uniformed and equipped as the Rhode Island regiments are. Launches and floating batteries, with timber parapets, of sufficient capacity to land or bring into action the entire force. The entire management and organization of the force to be under my control and to form an integral part of the Army of the Potomac.

The immediate object of this force is for operations in the inlets of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac, by enabling me to transport and land troops at points where they are needed. This force can also be used in conjunction with a naval force operating against points on the seacoast. This coast division to be commanded by a general officer of my selection. The regiments to be organized as other land forces. The disbursements for vessels, &c., to be made by the proper departments of the Army, upon the requisition of the general commanding the division, with my approval.

I think the entire force can be organized in thirty days, and by no means the least of the advantages of this proposition is the fact that it {p.587} will call into the service a class of men who would not otherwise enter the Army.

You will readily perceive that the object of this force is to follow up, along the coast and up the inlets and rivers, the movements of the main army when it advances.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

–––

WASHINGTON, September 7, 1861.

General MCCLELLAN:

DEAR SIR: A dispatch from our master of transportation, Mr. William P. Smith, received last evening, says:

With the wear and tear upon the Southern roads, caused to an extraordinary extent by military transportation, and with the blockade preventing their obtainment of materials and machinery for repairs, it will not require much calculation to determine the to them almost inestimable value of this property of which they have just robbed our company. Thus the great capabilities of our road to aid the Government in the suppression of the rebellion, if our line were connected through, are used in part to facilitate the operations of the rebels. I know that you will appreciate the bearings of this late outrage more readily than probably any other person, and that as soon as you have the means placed in your hands you will remedy the matter, or rather prevent its repetition.

It may be desirable for you to know that at Piedmont we have about as much of a stock of materials and machinists’ tools as was taken from Martinsburg, and probably half as much at Cumberland also. The great value of such things to the Confederates at this time, irrespective of other considerations, may tempt them to make raids in that direction also.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. SULLIVAN, General Transportation Agent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

–––

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Washington, September 8, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: Your note of yesterday* is received. I concur in your views as to the exigency of the present occasion. I appreciate and cordially thank you for your offers of support, and will avail myself of them to the fullest extent demanded by the interests of the country. The force {p.588} of all our arms within the immediate vicinity of Washington in nearly 85,000 men. The effective portion of this force is more than sufficient to resist with certain success any attack on our works upon the other side of the river. By calling in the commands of Generals Banks and Stone it will probably be sufficient to defend the city of Washington from whatever direction it may be assailed.

It is well understood that, although the ultimate design of the enemy is to possess himself of the city of Washington, his first efforts will probably be directed towards Baltimore, with the intention of cutting our lines of communication and supplies, as well as to arouse an insurrection in Maryland. To accomplish this he will no doubt show a certain portion of his force in front of our positions on the other side of the Potomac, in order to engage our attention there and induce us to leave a large portion of our force for the defense of those positions. He will probably also make demonstrations in the vicinity of Aquia Creek, Mathias Point, and Occoquan, in order still further to induce us still further to disseminate our forces. His main and real movement will doubtless be to cross the Potomac between Washington and Point of Rocks, probably not far from Seneca Falls, and most likely at more points than one. His hope will be so to engage our attention by the diversions already named as to enable him to move with a large force direct and unopposed on Baltimore. I see no reason to doubt the possibility of his attempting this with a column of at least 100,000 effective troops. If he has only 130,000 under arms, he can make all the diversions I have mentioned with his raw and badly-armed troops, leaving 100,000 effective men for his real movement. As I am now situated, I can by no possibility bring to bear against this column more than 70,000, and probably not over 60,000, effective troops.

In regard to the composition of our active army, it must be borne in mind that the very important arms of cavalry and artillery had been almost entirely neglected till I assumed command of this army, and that consequently the troops of these arms, although greatly increased in numbers, are comparatively raw and inexperienced, most of the cavalry not being yet armed and equipped.

In making the foregoing estimate of numbers I have reduced the enemy’s force below what is regarded by the War Department and other official circles as its real strength, and have taken the reverse course as to our own. Our situation, then, is simply this: If the commander-in-chief of the enemy follows the simplest dictates of the military art we must meet him with greatly inferior forces. To render success possible, the divisions of our army must be more ably led and commanded than those of the enemy. The fate of the nation and the success of the cause in which we are engaged must be mainly decided by the issue of the next battle to be fought by the army now under my command. I therefore feel that the interests of the nation demand that the ablest soldiers in the service should be on duty with the Army of the Potomac, and that, contenting ourselves with remaining on the defensive for the present at all other points, this army should be re-enforced at once by all the disposable troops that the East and West and North can furnish.

To insure present success the portion of this army available for active operations should be at least equal to any force which it may be called to encounter. To accomplish this, it is necessary that it should be at once and very largely re-enforced. For ulterior results and to bring this war to a speedy close, it will be necessary that our active army shall be much superior to the enemy in numbers, so as to make {p.589} it reasonably certain that we shall win every battle which we fight, and at the same time be able to cover our communications as we advance.

I would also urgently recommend that the whole of the Regular Army, old and new, be at once ordered to report here, excepting the mounted batteries actually serving in other departments and the minimum numbers of companies of artillery actually necessary to form the nucleus of the garrisons of our most important permanent works. There should be no delay in carrying out this measure. Scattered as the regulars now are, they are nowhere strong enough to produce a marked effect. United in one body, they will insure the success of this army.

In organizing the Army of the Potomac I have selected general and staff officers with distinct reference to their fitness for the important duties that may devolve upon them. Any change or disposition of such officers without consulting the Commanding General may fatally impair the efficiency of this army and the success of its operations. I therefore earnestly request that in future every general officer appointed upon my recommendation shall be assigned to this army; that I shall have full control of the officers and troops in this department, and that no orders shall be given respecting my command without my being first consulted. It is evident that I cannot otherwise be responsible for the success of our arms. In this connection I respectfully insist that Brig. Gens. Don Carlos Buell and J. F. Reynolds, both appointed upon my recommendation and for the purpose of serving with me, be at once so assigned. In obedience to your request I have thus frankly stated in what manner you can at present aid me in the performance of the great duty committed to my charge, and I shall continue to communicate with you in the same spirit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

* Not found.

–––

HEADQUARTERS HOOKER’S BRIGADE, Cramp Union, September 8, 1861.

Colonel COWDIN, Commanding First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers:

The major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac is informed that two companies of rebel troops and other small portions were seen this morning in the direction of Upper Marlborough and extending down the Patuxent towards Lower Marlborough. For this and other reasons the brigadier-general commanding the brigade directs that you proceed with your regiment to Upper Marlborough by the most direct route, and from that point send out scouting parties in direction of Alexandria and Lower Marlborough. For this service two companies of cavalry will be ordered to report to you, and the whole of your command will march, provided with five days’ rations and forty rounds of ammunition and with a dozen axes and spades. Your men will take their overcoats and blankets, and you may require five or six wagons. Let their loads be light, so as not to embarrass your progress. You will watch the enemy and report at once anything of importance that may occur. It is possible that the parties seen were local troops, which should be captured; also, all supplies intended for {p.590} their use or that of the rebel forces. You will use your cavalry freely, and collect all the information possible about the enemy’s movements, and will also hold your force in hand and not permit them to commit depredations upon the citizens.

As General Sickles will send the same amount of force to Patuxent as your own, it is desirable that your parties should connect between that and Upper Marlborough. You will exercise great care to prevent your scouts firing on those of Sickles’ brigade. You will report to me regularly twice a day, and will make special reports of anything of consequence that occurs.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOS. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

–––

WHEELING, VA., September 9, 1861.

THOMAS A. SCOTT:

We are suffering greatly for the want of arms. There are 4,000 musket, at Bellaire, in charge of Crispin. They would answer for our Home Guards, and are useless for any other service. Can’t you let us have them? I am informed by the field officer in the Second Virginia Regiment that out of 250 altered muskets in that regiment 50 of them are useless. Can they not be furnished with a good gun immediately?

F. H. PEIRPOINT, Governor.

–––

UPPER MARLBOROUGH MD., September 10, 1861.

Brig. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER:

SIR: In accordance with orders received from your headquarters* we proceeded from Bladensburg to this place, arriving here at 6.30 p.m., and are now encamped in the wood upon the outskirts of the village. There are also here five companies of Sickles’ brigade, under command of the lieutenant-colonel. They are located in the village, in the rear of the court-house.

From my own convictions, upon investigation, and from consultation with Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, of the other detachment, I am satisfied that no companies of rebel troops are in this vicinity or have been for some time. There is no doubt but that troops have been raised here for the rebel army, and that the sympathies of the people are with the Confederates. The commanding officer of the Sickles detachment has sent out scouting parties in the direction of Alexandria Ferry and Lower Marlborough, and has seen nothing to warrant the belief that any bodies of armed men exist in this country, if at all on this side the river.

The cavalry that was to join us has not arrived, and there are but 9 attached to the Sickles detachment. I await your further instructions by return of messenger.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,