WINCHESTER, VA., September 2, 1862-3 p. m.

Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

Simultaneously with your order I received information that a column of 20,000 of the enemy is coming down the valley, and supposed to be now within 20 miles. I send cavalry out to make a reconnaissance. If true, I shall have little time to get the Government property away. There are about 80,000 rations here and a larger amount of ammunition, which must be destroyed of a rapid movement is necessary. There are sufficient guerrilla forces of the enemy at hand to immediately occupy the place. Shall I destroy the subsistence and ammunition or endeavor to defend or remove it?

JULIUS WHITE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

WINCHESTER, VA., September 2, 1862-3.15 p. m.

Major-General HALLECK:

If expedition is necessary, I can make Martinsburg and thence by rail to Harper's Ferry quicker. It is 20 miles to martinsburg and 30 miles to Harper's Ferry.

JULIUS WHITE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

WINCHESTER, VA., September 2, 1862-9.11 p. m.

Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

I leave Winchester to-night. The enemy is reported in some force in my front. I may have to go via Martinsburg. Can reach Harper's Ferry easier by that route, and may have to go that way to do so safely.

JULIUS WHITE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Washington, D. C., September 2, 1862-1.15 p. m.

General A. W. WHIPPLE,

Commanding at Arlington House:

Please direct that all occupants of houses in front of and near your tines be at once sent to the rear and not allowed to pass out again until further orders, and have everything in readiness to burn any houses that may afford cover to the line of fire from our troops. The horse will not be burned until the enemy comes near.

By order of General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.