Today in History:

72 Series I Volume XII-II Serial 16 - Second Manassas Part II

Page 72 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., AND MD. Chapter XXIV.

had best run back the railroad trains to this side of Cedar Run. If he is not with you, write him to that effect.

By command of Major-General Pope:

GEO. D. RUGGLES, Colonel and Chief of Staff.

P. S.-If Banks is not at Warrenton Junction, leave a regiment of infantry and two pieces of artillery as a guard till he comes up, with instructions to follow you immediately upon his doing so. If Banks is not at the Junction, instruct Colonel Clary to run the trains back to this side of Cedar Run, and post a regiment and section of artillery with it.

By command of Major-General Pope:

GEO. D. RUGGLES,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.


Numbers 56. HEADQUARTERS, Bristoe, August 27, 1862-9 p. m.

Major-General KEARNY:

At the very earliest blush of dawn push forward with you command with all speed to this place. You cannot be more than 3 or 4 miles distant. Jackson, A. P. Hill, and Ewell are in front of us. Hooker has had a severe fight with them to-day. McDowell marches upon Manassas Junction from Gainesville to-morrow at daybreak; Reno upon the same place at the same hour. I want you here at day-down, if possible, and we shall bag the whole crowd. Be prompt and expeditious, and never mind wagon trains or roads till this affair is over. Lieutenant Brooks will deliver you this communication. He has one for General Reno and one for General McDowell. Please have these dispatches sent forward instantly by a trusty staff officer, who will be sure to deliver them without fail, and make him bring back a receipt to you before daylight. Lieutenant Brooks will remain with you and bring you to this camp. Use the cavalry I send you to escort you staff officer to McDowell and Reno.

JNO. POPE,

Major-General, Commanding.


Numbers 57. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Bristoe Station, August 27, 1862-9 p. m.

Major-General McDOWELL:

At daylight to-morrow morning march rapidly on Manassas Junction with your whole force, resting your right on the Manassas Gap Railroad, throwing your left well to the east. Jackson, Ewell, and A. P. Hill are between Gainesville and Manassas Junction. We had a severe fight with them to-day, driving them back several miles along the railroad. If you will march promptly and rapidly at the earliest dawn of day upon Manassas Junction we shall bag the whole crowd. I have directed Reno to march from Greenwich at the same hour upon Manassas Junction, and Kearny, who is in his rear, to march on Bristoe at daybreak. By expeditious, and the day is our own.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General, Commanding.


Page 72 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., AND MD. Chapter XXIV.