HEADQUARTERS, Manassas, May 29, 1862.

(Received 11.10 p. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

It has been reported to me that faint sounds of cannon have been heard at Aldie, Rectortown, Catlett's, and this place, in the direction of Harper's Ferry and Winchester. I have heard nothing. Has any notice of an engagement been received at the Department?

IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Major-general.

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862 - 11.30 p. m.

Major-General MCDOWELL, Manassas:

A dispatch just received, 11 o'clock p. m., from Assistant Secretary of War, at Harper's Ferry, states that Jackson with his forces were near there at sundown, plainly contemplating an attack.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

(The same to Banks, at Williamsport, and Fremont, at Moorefield.)

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862 - 12 p. m.

Major-General MCDOWELL:

Your telegram received. There was no engagement at Harper's Ferry as late as sundown; but Watson, who is there, says Jackson's forces appeared at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and plainly contemplated an attack.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,
Manassas, May 29, 1862.

Major-General SHIELDS,

Commanding Division, Rectortown:

I haver just learned that the engine and train off track at Thoroughfare Gap are now on again, and that the track will be in running order in a few minutes. There is forage and subsistence for you on the cars, which will soon be liberated.

IRVIN MCDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,
Manassas, May 29, 1862.

Major-General SHIELDS,

Commanding Division, Rectortown:

I have received a telegram from the President, saying Major-General Fremont force should be at Strasburg by 12 m. to-morrow, and the President adds that he wishes my force, or the advance of it, may