longer road. King's division is ahead of me, excepting Hatch's brigade, which is now passing.

Very respectfully,

JAMES B. RICKETTS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, August 27, 1862.

Major General N. P. BANKS,
Commanding Second Corps, Fayetteville:

GENERAL: It is the order of the major-general commanding the army sent to me by telegraph to be communicated to you, that you send all your transportation immediately to Catlett's by Warrenton Junction, and then follow immediately with your whole force, moving with it on Manassas.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General.

HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Warrenton, August 27, 1862.

Major General N. P. BANKS,
Commanding Second Corps:

GENERAL: I have this moment your note of yesterday. I send you herewith an order from General Pope to move upon Catlett's and Manassas. You may find him there.

I am moving with my corps, as is Sigel, by way of the pike, on Gainesville, where we are expected to meet the enemy, who, it seems, has passed down through White Plains and Thoroughfare, and are in our rear. We are expected to be at Gainesville to-night. The railroad is broken up by the enemy between Catlett's and Manassas.

Very truly,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 27, 1862-12 m.

Major General I. McDOWELL,
Commanding Third Corps:

GENERAL: Your note of this date was received at 11.45, with the inclosed orders from the major-general commanding the Army of Virginia.* Orders have been issued in pursuance with his instructions. Trains sent forward to Catlett's Station, and my command will be at Warrenton Junction this evening, and will march to Manassas to-nigh if necessary.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

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*See Part II, pp.353, 354.

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