HEADQUARTERS,
Manassas, May 29, 1862.

Brigadier General G. D. BAYARD:

General McDowell wishes to have your command at Front Royal as soon as is consistent with the welfare of your horses. Can you march to-night, taking your artillery with you, and sending the Rifle battalion by rail? Forage will be up in an hour. He wishes to keep your horses in good condition, so that they will be serviceable when they arrive. Answer, with particulars.

SAML. BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CATLETT'S STATION, May 29, 1862.

Major BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

If absolutely indispensable I will move, but the Pennsylvania regiment can go to-night, if they have a good feed, as far as Hay Market without injury. But I think it would be best to allow the Jersey horses a night's rest. I can go with the battery and Pennsylvania regiment, and Jersey regiment will follow in the morning.

GEO. D. BAYARD,

Brigadier-General.

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

Brigadier General G. D. BAYARD,

Commanding Brigade, Catlett's:

The general wishes you to move across to the line of the Manassas Gap Railroad, striking it at White Plains, Rectortown, or Thoroughfare Gap, and telegraph which. Acknowledge the receipt of this by telegraph.

SAML. BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 29, 1862.

Major-General MCDOWELL:

I send the questions and answers of my conversation with General Bayard, but have not given him definite orders. Do you wish him to move as he says he can? The train now up will bring the Rifle Battalion. I will give him orders to that effect.

SAML. BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Question 1. When did your command arrive at Catlett's?

Answer. Half past 1 o'clock this afternoon.

Question. Are they in condition to march to-night?

Answer. Each horse had two ears of corn this morning. They have had nothing since.