within striking distance of Front Royal. I would refer you to Mr. Garrett's telegram, who accompanied me to the ferry, and especially to so much as refers to Martinsburg. I will write you by mail in detail to-morrow morning.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.

WINCHESTER, VA., June 15, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Could you put temporarily the forces at Front Royal, consisting of two brigades, under General Banks, under my command? If you do it, I am confident we will drive Jackson out of the valley.

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,
Manassas, June 16, 1862-8 a. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Washington:

Last night I received from General Ricketts at Front Royal the following:

The water has fallen so much that on examination made by three intelligent officers the fords are found practicable from the north side, near the bridge, then up Strasburg road there-quarters of a mile before crossing South Fork.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

MANASSAS, June 16, 1862-8.15 p. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

General Shields' division, not being in a condition to march from Luray to Warrenton, has fallen back to Front Royal, where it arrived this evening. General Bayard will be at the same place to-morrow a. m. at 10 o'clock.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,
Manassas, June 16, 1862-12.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General RICKETTS, Front Royal:

The major-general wishes the cavalry and trains of your division to move to this place. Hartsuff's brigade is to move as soon as you can get transportation.

ED. SCHRIVER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.