batteries. Some of the corps entirely broken up into stragglers. Shall Couch continue his movements to the front? We have no other tried troops in Washington. Sumner between Fairfax and Centreville. Franklin now at Centreville, having fallen back from Bull Run. Enemy has probably suffered heavily. Hammerstein is a cool-headed old soldier.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

ALEXANDRIA, VA., August 31, 1862.

Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

The following is just received from General F. J. Porter:

A spy informs me that 12,000 men, followed by a large body of infantry and 2,000 cavalry, are marching on Fredericksburg along the Telegraph road from Richmond.

Burnside has been telegraphed to.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 31, 1862-11 a.m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

I have about 450 of Gregg's regiment, Pennsylvania cavalry, ready for the field. Do you wish them sent to Pope or shall they scout in the direction of Vienna or be sent across the Potomac to scout above Washington? Please reply immediately. I will have the cavalry ready to move on the receipt of your reply.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., August 31, 1862-11.35 a.m.

Major-General McCLELLAN, Alexandria:

Send Gregg's cavalry scouting as you propose; also have them clear the roads with them in Pope's rear; that is, regulate the ambulances and baggage wagons.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 31, 1862-12 m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

Your dispatch in regard to Gregg's cavalry is ambiguous. I presented three propositions, and Gregg cannot accomplish all three. Please designate whether you wish him to move by any other road than the Little River pike; and, if so, by what road.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.