cool under, to them at least, so unexpected adverse circumstances. The list of killed, wounded, and missing I will transmit as soon as it can be ascertained with anything like accuracy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. RUGER,

Colonel, Commanding Third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers.

C. P. HUTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade.

Numbers 38. Reports of Brigadier General Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, commanding post, of operations at Harper's Ferry, including instructions and congratulations from the Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, May 24, 1862.

General SAXTON:

You will please proceed with the troops from Washington to Harper's Ferry and operate with them according to your discretion, as circumstances may require, assuming the command of them.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 24, 1862-1 p.m.

General SAXTON:

Geary reports Jackson with 20,000 moving from Ashby's Gap by the Little River turnpike, through Aldie, toward Centreville. This, he says, is reliable. He is also informed of large forces south of him. We know a force of some 15,000 broke up Saturday night from in front of Fredericksburg, and went know not where. Please inform us, if possible, what has become of the force which pursued Banks yesterday; also any other information you have.

A. LINCOLN.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

May 24, 1862-3.41 p.m.

General SAXTON, Harper's Ferry:

A fine battery of artillery will leave Baltimore for you at 4 o'clock. More will leave here this evening. Exercise your own judgment as to your defense. Whatever you do will be cordially approved be the result what it may.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HARPER'S FERRY, May 25, 1862

(Received 10.45 a.m.)

I arrived here at 9.15 a.m. The train is 1 mile behind with the One hundred and ninth Regiment. The other Washington, regiment has