be promptly replaced, if supplies follow me to that point. My own division is sufficient against all in the valley. Only supply me with subsistence and forage. Have the Manassas Gap Railroad repaired if you can, to follow me. The bridges are all burned beyond Thoroughfare Gap. This is a shameful affair. What I want is forage for horses and subsistence for men sent to this point and as far beyond as road is good. I take a special train and find out how far it is good. All is confusion here. It is a painful spectacle. No force of the enemy worth speaking of. They ran at the sight of rabble cavalry. I can retake the valley and rejoin General McDowell, but you must send new men to keep it. The women will take it if we don't.

JAS. SHIELDS,

Commanding Division.

MANASSAS, May 27, 1862 - 11.45 p. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War, Washington:

I have arrived in advance of my brigade; one regiment with me and the others coming forward rapidly. Have reported by telegraph to General Shields.

JAMES B. RICKETTS,

Brigadier-General.

MANASSAS, May 27, 1862 - 10.7 a. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

My command reached here last night. My cavalry still hold Aldie. I have telegraphed to General Wadsworth for orders to advance with cavalry.

JNO. W. GEARY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MAY 27, 1862 - 2.25.

General GEARY, Manassas:

Have you found out yet where the enemy's forces are, and, if he has been in your neighborhood at any time, in what direction he has gone? Answer immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

MANASSAS, May 27, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

My scouts report to-day that the enemy's forces are still the mountains at Ashby's and Manassas Gaps. From Ashby's Gap they have sent advance troops toward Middleburg. From Manassas Gap they advanced as far yesterday as Thoroughfare Gap. One hundred and fifty cavalry were seen, and a company of horse artillery, with four pieces, at 4 miles from the latter place. Each of these are reported to