WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, September 24, 1863-9.45 a.m.

Major-General MEADE,

Army of the Potomac:

It is intended by my last dispatch that the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps are positively to be sent here with the least possible delay. Every effort must be made to have them ready to-morrow morning.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1863-10.45 a.m. (Received 11.30 a.m.)

Major-General HALLECK:

Your telegram of 9.30 a.m. just received, owing to break in line. Every effort will be made to have the troops designated ready to-morrow.

Cars for the Twelfth Corps, 10,600 men, should be sent to Brandy Station. The Eleventh Corps is now on the railroad from Rappahannock Station to Bristoe. General Howard will be directed to designate a point for the cars to be at.

His strength is 5,700.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1863-11 a.m.

Commanding Officer Eleventh Corps:

The commanding general directs that you have your command in readiness to proceed to Washington to-morrow morning by railroad. You will at once notify Mr. J. H. Devereux, superintendent of the road, at Alexandria, at what points you desire to have the trains take up your troops, and the number at each place.

Your command must have five days' cooked rations. You will not wait to be relieved by other troops, but proceed to Washington the moment the trains are ready to take your command.

Please acknowledge.

By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1863-11 a.m.

Commanding Officer Twelfth Corps:

You will be at once relieved by the First Corps. On being relieved you will fall back to Brandy Station, and immediately prepare for your whole command five days' cooked rations, and take transportation by railroad to Alexandria. The utmost promptitude and dispatch must be shown in executing this order, and the troops be kept on the march if necessary all night.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.