SEPTEMBER 17, 1862 - 5 p. m.

General SYKES:

Burnside is driving the enemy. Please send word to the command you sent to Pleasonton, to support his batteries, and let him drive them.

F. J. PORTER,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Numbers --. In the Field, September 17, 1862.

Brigadier General W. S. Hancock is assigned to the command of the division lately commanded by Major-General Richardson.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON,
September 17. 1862 - 11 a. m.

Major General S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Arlington:

The commanding general directs that you push a cavalry force beyond Fairfax Court-House, toward Bull Run, and to that stream, if practicable, to cover the reconnaissance on the railway which General Haupt has been ordered to make. Please give General Haupt 100 good men for the purpose. Acknowledge.

RICH'D B. IRWIN,

Captain, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

ARLINGTON, VA.,

September 17, 1862 - 11.40 a. m.

Captain IRWIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Your telegram received. Where will the 100 men find General Haupt, to report to him? A scout from Centreville reports that the enemy has a regiment of cavalry, a regiment of infantry, and a battery of artillery encamped to the right of the town.

CHAUNCEY MCKEEVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ALEXANDRIA DEPOT, VA.,

September 17, 1862.

Major General N. P. BANKS:

I have just returned from a reconnaissance to Bull Run. There was but one break in the track, which we repaired and passed on. The bridge over Bull Run can be made passable for trains in one hour. I saw nothing of the cavalry.

H. HAUPT.