June 20, 1863-8. 45 p. m.

General ABERCROMBIE, Centreville:

General Hooker directs that you send out to-morrow, and complete a bridge across Bull Run, on the Gainesville pike.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General.

[P. S.]-The bridge should be suitable for trains.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 20, 1863-11. 30 a. m.

Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore, Md.:

The commanding general of the Army of the Potomac has authority to assume command of the troops of other departments, which, as his army move, fall within the sphere of his operations.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

Baltimore, June 20, 1863.

(Received, War Department, 6. 40 p. m.)

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief,

and Major-General COUCH, Harrisburg:

Following just received from New Creek: A German, formerly my groom, left Williamsport Thursday, and reports that General Rodes was encamped on the Virginia side, opposite that place, with 20, 000 troops; that General Jenkins with his forces was at Hagerstown, and that large numbers of horses were being brought in from Pennsylvania. This is unquestionably reliable excepting as to the number of Rodes' force.

B. F. KELLEY.

DONN PIATT,

Chief of Staff.

NEW CREEK, W. VA., June 20, 1863.

(Copy received, War Department, 8 p. m.)

Lieutenant Colonel DONN PIATT,

Chief of Staff, Baltimore:

Colonel Thoburn reports his arrival at Cumberland Enemy retreated via Paw Paw and Bloomery Gap. Cavalry scouts report from Rommey; no enemy there. Could hear of no advance by way of Winchester. General Averell reports that, owing to scarcity of horseshoes and workmen, he will not be able to move for a day or two. Had he been here, we would not have allowed Imboden to escape. I am strengthening my position, and putting my troops in the best possible condition. Sent off all of Milroy's stragglers to Bedford this morning.

B. F. KELLEY,

Brigadier-General.