wagons very shortly. The country northwest of you is so open now that any advance of yours would give the enemy the change to get behind you, and Jackson's force is being actively used in that way just now.

Your official report of the battle of the 23rd is received.

J. D. COX,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE,
Lewisburg, May 29, 1862.

Captain G. M. BASCOM:

General Banks' defeat renders my position very unsafe. Conse- quently I fall back to Meaqdow Bluffs to-day, when I will be quite as near you as I am here.

GEORGE CROOK,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862 - 6 a. m.

Major-General MCDOWELL, Manassas:

Dispatches just received from Harper's Ferry state that we are still possession there and the pickets only were driven in. Mr. Watson is up there, and will probably report before long.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862 - 10 a. m.

Major-General MCDOWELL,

Manassas Junction:

I somewhat apprehend that Fremont force, in its present condition, may not be quite strong enough in case it comes in collision with the enemy. For this additional reason I wish you to push forward your column as rapidly as possible. Tell me what number your force reaching Front Royal will amount to.

A. LINCOLN.

MANASSAS, May 30, 1862.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

I am pushing forward everything to the utmost, as I telegraphed the Secretary of War last night. Major-General Shields did not think he could make Front Royal before to-night. I sent him your telegram and asked him what could be done by extraordinary exertions to accomplish your wishes that the advance of my force should be at Front Royal by 12 o;clock noon to-day. I informed him of the position of affairs, and how necessary it was to get forward. He fully appreciated the case, and said he would go without supplies, except what the men could carry themselves, and would place two brigades at Front Royal by

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