Today in History:

531 Series I Volume XXXVII-II Serial 71 - Monocacy Part II

Page 531 Chapter XLIX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -UNION.

NEAR KNOXVILLE, MD., July 31, 1864-5. 30 a. m.

(Received 10. 50 a. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

I am moving toward Emmitsburg as rapidly as possible, and will be governed by the movements of the enemy. Crook's column is on the Middletown and Wright's on the Frederick road. I deem it my duty to state I consider the information obtained by General Averell very unreliable. From all I can hear, the enemy's force crossing the rive is quite a small one.

D. HUNTER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 1864-12. 30 p. m.

Major-General HUNTER,

Via Frederick, Md.:

If the rebel army crossed the Potomac on the morning of the 29th, as reported by Averell and others, he would now be nearer to Baltimore, York, and Harrisburg, than you would be at Harper's Ferry, or on his rear, toward Williamsport or Sharpsburg. In the absence of more east of South Mountain, toward Emmitsburg, so that Emory could join you in some position favorable for meeting the enemy in the field, and, at the same time, for covering, as far as possible, important threatened points. If it be found that the enemy is moving north or northwest, you will be as much on his rear as you would have be moving west of the ridge. The main thing now will be to ascertain whether the main body of the enemy has actually crossed, and, if so, where it is. I will telegraph to you all information that is received here. It is also important that you give us all you get.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

FREDERICK, MD., July 31, 1864.

(Received 12. 40 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

From information received here it is evident that the enemy, having crossed at McCoy's Ferry and Cherry Run, is operating westward toward the Bedford Valley, threatening Pittsburg remotely, and our posts at Cumberland and New Creek, by which route they will probably return.

D. HUNTER,

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 1864-2 p. m.

Major-General HUNTER,

Frederick, Md.:

If satisfied that the enemy has moved westward, should not your army follow by South Mountain, Williamsport, and Hancock? If


Page 531 Chapter XLIX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -UNION.