EDWARDS FERRY, October 21, 1861-5.40 p. m.

Major-General BANKS,

Darnestown:

Thanks for the re-enforcement.

C. P. STONE,

Brigasdier-General.

[5.]

EDWARDS FERRY, October 21, 1861.

Major-General BANKS,

Darnestown:

Your whole division will be needed. Colonel Baker killed and some trouble on the right.

C. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General.

[5.]

DARNESTOWN, October 21, 1861.

Brigadier-General STONE,

Edwards Ferry:

General Hamilton's brigade has started for you to await orders at Poolesville. General Banks and division are on their way to Seneca, by orders from Washington.

R. MORRIS COPELAND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[5.]

CONRAD'S FERRY, October 21, 1861-1.30 p. m.

General STONE:

GENERAL: I acknowledge your order of 11.50, announcing their force at 4,000.* I have lifted a large boat out of the canal into the river. I am getting a rope rigged across the river. I shall, as soon as a I feel strong enough, advance steadily, guarding my flanks carefully. I will communicate with you often. I shall cross some guns, Rhode Island and New York, directly. As you know, I have ordered down my brigade and Cogswell, who will cross as rapidly as possible. I shall feel cautiously for them. I hope that your movement below will give advantage. Please communicate with me often.

Very respectfully,

E. D. BAKER,

Commanding Brigade.

[5.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers 117.
Washington, October 25, 1861.

* * * *

4. The following-named regiments will constitute a brigade to be commanded by Brigadier General Oliver O. Howard, volunteer service, who will report to Brigadier General Silas Casey, volunteer service, for orders: Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers, Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouves. The

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*See VOL. V, p. 303.

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