Antietam - September 17, 1862
SEPTEMBER 17, 1862-12.30 p. M.
General HUMPHREYS:
Push up to Centerville [Keedysville]. Give your men twenty additional rounds to carry in the pockets. All goes well, and we are driving enemy. Bring up your men so as to be as fresh as possible, but get here soon.
F. J. PORTER.
Major-General, Commanding.
Get up to-night if possible.
Send reply stating state and strength of command, and when you will be likely to get here.
A. S. W[EBB], Chief of Staff.
General HUMPHREYS:
Push up to Centerville [Keedysville]. Give your men twenty additional rounds to carry in the pockets. All goes well, and we are driving enemy. Bring up your men so as to be as fresh as possible, but get here soon.
F. J. PORTER.
Major-General, Commanding.
Get up to-night if possible.
Send reply stating state and strength of command, and when you will be likely to get here.
A. S. W[EBB], Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-2.30 p. M.
General HUMPHREYS:
We are in the midst of the most important and extended battle of the war. The rebels are desperate. We have driven them some distance, but it is of vital importance to get up all our troops. Come on as soon as possible, and hurry up with all haste. Do not render the command unfit for service, but force your march.*
ALEX. S. WEBB.
Chief of Staff.
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*Written on the outside of envelope containing this dispatch is, "Humpheys on the road between this and Frederick. If not on the road, go to telegraph office and find where he is. Find him to-night." And in General Humphreys' handwriting, is. "Received at sunset one mile beyond Frederick-that is, one mile nearer Antietam."
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September 17, 1862-2.30 p. M.
General HUMPHREYS:
We are in the midst of the most important and extended battle of the war. The rebels are desperate. We have driven them some distance, but it is of vital importance to get up all our troops. Come on as soon as possible, and hurry up with all haste. Do not render the command unfit for service, but force your march.*
ALEX. S. WEBB.
Chief of Staff.
---------------
*Written on the outside of envelope containing this dispatch is, "Humpheys on the road between this and Frederick. If not on the road, go to telegraph office and find where he is. Find him to-night." And in General Humphreys' handwriting, is. "Received at sunset one mile beyond Frederick-that is, one mile nearer Antietam."
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CENTERVILLE, MD., [September] 17, 1862
General HUMPHEYS:
5 p. M. - Get here before daybreak.
F. J. PORTER.
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-12 midnight.
Major General D. N. COUCH.
Commanding:
GENERAL: Major-General McClellan desires you to march with your command to-morrow morning in time to report with it to Major-General Franklin as soon after daylight as you can possibly do so. Franklin is on the left of General Sumner.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-6.10 p. M.
Major-General BURNSIDE:
GENERAL: General McClellan directs me to say that whatever the result of your affair to-night may be, you must so guard the bridge with infantry and artillery as to make it impossible for the enemy to cross it.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
General HUMPHEYS:
5 p. M. - Get here before daybreak.
F. J. PORTER.
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-12 midnight.
Major General D. N. COUCH.
Commanding:
GENERAL: Major-General McClellan desires you to march with your command to-morrow morning in time to report with it to Major-General Franklin as soon after daylight as you can possibly do so. Franklin is on the left of General Sumner.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-6.10 p. M.
Major-General BURNSIDE:
GENERAL: General McClellan directs me to say that whatever the result of your affair to-night may be, you must so guard the bridge with infantry and artillery as to make it impossible for the enemy to cross it.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
September 17, 1862-6.15 p. M.
Major-General BURNSIDE:
GENERAL: General McClellan directs me to inclose the accompanying dispatch* from signal officer, and to say that if there is any truth in it, he desires you to push the enemy vigorously. Let the general know if the enemy is retreating and he will push forward with the center.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
September 17, 1862-6.15 p. M.
Major-General BURNSIDE:
GENERAL: General McClellan directs me to inclose the accompanying dispatch* from signal officer, and to say that if there is any truth in it, he desires you to push the enemy vigorously. Let the general know if the enemy is retreating and he will push forward with the center.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
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