in so delicate a matter; although, if I had been longer in the service, and more accustomed to decide such questions, I should not hesitate, with the opinion I now entertain of the transaction.

I respectfully suggest that General Patterson be relieved from the command of the Third Brigade, and that an inquiry be ordered into his conduct.

Inclosed herewith please find copy of my order directing the forward movement, and copy of my communication to General Patterson late Thursday night, and to which he refers in his note. This was sent on my return from Catlett's, and contained the substance of information just then received through Lieutenant H. E. Tremain, aide-de-camp, from Headquarters Army of the Potomac.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. E. SICKLES,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Indorsements.]

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON,
November 11, 1862.

I recommend that this matter be investigated.

Respectfully forwarded.

S. P. HEINTZELMAN,

Major-General,

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Falmouth, Va., November 24, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

A. E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General, Commanding,

By LEWIS RICHMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GAINESVILLE, [VA.,] November 9, 1862.

(Received November 9, 1862, 11.55 p.m.)

Major General S. P. HEINTZELMAN:

Scouts from Chester from Manassas Gaps report no enemy at either of the gaps. The last rebels were seen there on Wednesday. A contraband reported General Hill's forces to-day at Front Royal, moving toward Culpeper. A portion of E. V. White's cavalry entered Aldie this morning, and took a Union lady prisoner, but the whole party has been captured by our cavalry. Scouts from Ashby's and Snicker's Gaps have not returned. Will report when they arrive. The reconnoitering party to Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek has also not returned. My troops have to-day taken the position as telegraphed last night.

F. SIGEL,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

November 9, 1862.

General HERMAN HAUPT:

General Burnside is very anxious that your trains shall come here at the earliest moment. Will you please inform me when the cars will