CROSSING OF THE BALTIMORE PIKE AND RAILROAD, July 9, 1864. (Received 11. 40 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

I fought the enemy at Frederick Junction from 9 a. m . till 5 p. m., when they overwhelmed me with numbers. I am retreating with a foot-sore, battered, and half-demoralized column. Forces of the enemy at least 20,000. They do not seem to be pursuing. You will have to use every exertion to save Baltimore and Washington. Colonel Seward, son of the Secretary, is wounded, and is a prisoner. Brigadier-General Tyler is a prisoner. I think the troops of the Sixth Corps fought magnificently. I was totally overwhelmed by a force from the direction of Harper's Ferry arriving during the battle. Two fresh regiments of the Sixth Corps are covering my retreat. I shall try to get to Baltimore.

LEW. WALLACE,

Major-General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, July 9, 1864-11. 57 p. m.

Major General L. WALLACE,

Commanding Middle Department:

I am directed by the President to say that you will rally your forces and make every possible effort to retard the enemy's march on Baltimore.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

BALTIMORE, MD., July 9, 1864-11 a. m. (Received 11. 20 a. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have just received the following dispatch from General Wallace, "The enemy retreated from before Frederick City last night and General Wallace has sent his cavalry. He is now en route for Frederick and will follow with his whole command," dated Monocacy, July 8. General Ricketts' command has gone forward, and all orders received have been obeyed.

SAML. B. LAWRENCE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQS. MIDDLE DEPT., EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, Md., July 9, 1864.

General Kenly is respectfully requested to come to headquarters, as General Morris is here, and it is deemed important to have a conference.

SAML. B. LAWRENCE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

10 R R-VOL XXXVII, PT II