WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, November 18, 1862.

Major-General MORELL, Hagerstown, Md.:

If there be any danger of an attack upon Harper's Ferry, the troops should be withdrawn to Maryland Heights, and the ends of the bridge, on the Virginia side, removed. On no condition must the garrison be again captured.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WASHINGTON, November 18, 1862.

Major-General HEINTZELMAN,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: You will have ten regiments of infantry and some batteries ready at any movement for transportation to Harper's Ferry, or the Upper Potomac. Cavalry patrols should be sent along the Potomac, above the falls, to ascertain if there are any movements of the enemy in that direction.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

ARLINGTON, November 18, 1862.

Lieutenant Colonel CHAUNCEY McKEEVER:

Colonel Price reports his cavalry force, under Major Taggart, at Leesburg. Major Taggart reports 3 of our cavalry captured some nights since, and that White, with his guerrillas, are between Snicker's Gap and Waterford.

S. H. LATHROP,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS CENTER DIVISION,
Polk Farm, November 18, 1862.

Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND:

COLONEL: In consequence of the road being occupied by the right division, it will be impossible for the whole of my command to reach Spotted Tavern to-night. I propose to halt two divisions of Butterfield's corps 2 miles this side of the tavern, and shall remain here myself to-night. Be pleased to inform the general commanding.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Hartwood, November 18, 1862.

Major-General HOOKER,

Commanding Center:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you move your command and concentrate it near this position, with a view to moving it to position more convenient to the supplies, to be determined by reconnais-

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