for blankets and equipments, to be up to-day, and will advance. The river is passable for troops to Front Royal, but we are making preparations for crossing.

N. P. BANKS.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WINCHESTER, June 13, 1862.

General McDOWELL:

The pontoons I instructed my aide-de-camp to inquire for were some lying at Alexandria, reported to me by Colonel Haupt, of the transportation department. It is not to be expected for a moment that the bridge at Fredericksburg could be brought this way. The other material will serve us, I think. Thanks for your prompt reply.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding Department.

FALMOUTH, June 13, 1862.

Major-General McDOWELL:

Our pickets were driven in at 6 this morning on the Spotsylvania road by a party said to be 100 strong. Contrabands reported a regiment of the enemy in the vicinity. I have sent a supporting force out on the road to sustain the cavalry reserves in case of need.

A. DOUBLEDAY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,
Manassas, June 13, 1862-11.40 a. m.

General DOUBLEDAY, Falmouth:

General McDowell wishes to know immediately the disposition in detail of the troops placed under your command in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, Falmouth, &c.

ED. SCHRIVER,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

ADDITIONAL.-The general directs that you only occupy the town with a guard, under the protection of your guns on the left bank, keeping your forces well together on the left bank on the defensive, sending out pickets up and down the river, and see that no body of the enemy crosses. Do not send anything but scouts and pickets much beyond the town on the other side.

ED. SCHRIVER,

Chief of Staff.

FROM ROYAL, June 13, 1862.

Colonel E. SCHRIVER,

Chief of Staff:

Inform General McDowell that owing to some instructions from Gen-

25 R R-VOL XII, PT III