Today in History:

478 Series I Volume XXXVII-I Serial 70 - Monocacy Part I

Page 478 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLIX.

WASHINGTON, D. D., May 17, 1864-10.20 a. m.

Brigadier General B. F. KELLEY,

Harper's Ferry:

How many pontoons are required to repair your bridge at Harper's Ferry? Make your regiment for them or other supplies for bridges upon the Engineer Department.

GEO W. CULLUM,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, May 17, 1864-4.30 p. m.

(Received 4.47 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, Washington:

Please direct that the pontoon bridge ordered from the Engineer Department be sent by special train at once. An Ohio regiment quartered on Maryland Heights will be sent to Baltimore this p. m.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 17, 1864-9.35 p. m.

Brigadier-General KELLEY,

Harper's Ferry:

Forty pontoons have been ordered to you from this place. It is presumed that Mr. Garrett will repair railroad bridge with all possible dispatch. Ohio militia should be sent forward as soon as possible.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HARPER'S FERRY, May 17, 1864-10 p. m.

(Received 10.40 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff, Washington:

Your telegram received. The railroad company will repair the bridge as soon as possible. The river is now falling quite fast. The militia regiments will be crossed as soon as the pontoon is laid.

Unfavorable rumors from General Sigel. I will return to Cumberland in the morning. Quite a rebel force under McNeil, White, and Harness, is reported at Moorefield, in Hardy County.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.

MARTINSBURG, May 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General KELLEY:

After two days' skirmishing, a severe battle was fought at New-Market between our forces and those of Echols and Imboden, under Breckinridge. I had to withdraw our troops from the battle-field toward evening, and recrossed the Shenandoah. I will go back to my position behind Cedar Creek and accept another battle, if neces-


Page 478 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLIX.