HDQRS. MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore,
June 20, 1863.

Honorable JOHN L. CHAPMAN,

Mayor of Baltimore:

SIR: I am prepare, among other preparations for the defense of Baltimore against a possible attack of the rebels, to construct some lines of entrenchments at points commanding approaches to the city. You have apprised me that in this emergency the city authorities would furnish the required number of laborers, either by hiring, volunteering, or otherwise. I desire to have immediately, to be put at the work by 4 o'clock this day, 1, 000 men, who, when ready, will report to Lieutenant [John R.] Meigs, of the Engineer Corps, on my staff, for the service. If you have any difficulty in furnishing the labor, an find it necessary to obtain it or any part of it by some equitable system of impressment, give me notice to that effect at any time, and I will furnish you the military power to enforce such impressment. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. C. SCHENCK,

Major-General.

Baltimore, June 20, 1863-12. 15 p. m.

Colonel H. S. McCOMB,

Comdg. Fifth Delaware Infantry, Wilmington, Del.:

Keep the other five companies ready for call. They may be wanted here rather than at Fort Delaware. By order of Major-General Schenck:

DONN PIATT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Staff.

BLOODY RUN, June 20, 1863.

General COUCH, Harrisburg:

Arrived here to-day. It is a better point for concentration than Bedford. It is at the terminus of the railroad, 9 miles east of Bedford. Find about 2, 500 of my troops here and at Bedford. Will have them all her to-night. Two-thirds have arrived. All badly supplied with ammunition, and no rations. It is reported that the enemy are at McConnellsburg, advancing on this place. Answer to Hopewell.

R. H. MILROY.