flat, extending back from the river nearly a half a mile and inclosed by an amphitheater of hills, I will, if the enemy be there in force, endeavor to occupy him by Rickett's division, while I pass King's over the river below at the fords at Fant's or Fox's Mill. I will endeavor, as these lower fords may not be good, to get hold of part of Sigel's bridge trains, so as to make the passage as free as possible.

Part of General Sigel's force, under previous orders, is passing through the town at this moment. The general himself has not come in. My aide-de-camp is searching for him in the front with his orders.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General.

AUGUST 26, 1862.

Major-General POPE:

I have just received your telegram of 5 o'clock a.m., directing me to ascertain in some way or another whether the enemy be really in force at Waterloo Bridge.

My corps, as ordered, is on the march to Sulphur Springs, and I start in a few moments myself. When I get there I will endeavor to ascertain what you wish.

IRVIN McDOWELL.

HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, August 26, 1862.

Major-General SIGEL,
Commanding Division:

GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Pope to take command of the troops on the right and front, for the purpose of strengthening some movements I am ordered to make. Please let me know the position and strength of your command, and especially the cavalry.

My headquarters are on the hill southwest of Warrenton, on Sulphur Springs road.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, August 26, 1862.

Major General JOHN POPE,
Commanding Army of Virginia:

GENERAL: As General Sigel's corps is resting here, and will not go farther, I beg to suggest that General Cox's command be ordered to this point by rail to-day if convenient.

Since my last telegraph General Ricketts has taken position on the Waterloo road, and therefore General Reynolds remains where he is, on Sulphur Springs road.

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Major-General, Commanding Third Corps.

HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, August 26, 1862.

Brigadier General JOHN F. REYNOLDS,

Commanding King's Division:

GENERAL: General Sigel states that the enemy's rear is at Orleans;