relieve him of this duty. Upon the arrival of these other troops, those now watching the river will rejoin the division. Keep up communication with sumner on your right and Couch on your left, holding all important points. Send a staff officer to report as these headquarters as soon as you shall have established your troops in their new position.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862-10.30 a. M.

Major-General FRANKLIN,
Darnestown:

The general commanding directs you to suspend the movement ordered this morning till further orders holding your command ready to march at short order. General Couch is ordered to move to Poolesville. General McClellan directs that you send a small force down to Seneca to watch that place. Should this force find any of General Couch's men at Seneca, such men will be directed to join their division at once.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862

Major General W. B. FRANKLIN.

Darnestown;

GENERAL: General Pleasonton has reported that the enemy have opened on his troops on Sugar Loaf Mountain with three guns and that they have some infantry with them. General Couch has been directed to hurry a brigade to the support of General Pleasonton, and if necessary, all of his command except enough to picket the roads from Poolesville to Seneca Mills, Edwards Ferry, and Conrad's Ferry. The Sugar Loaf Mountain must be carried if possible, and Generals Couch and Pleasonton have been informed that tyou will support the movement if necessary. If General Couch should send to you for assistance you will please furnish it as rapidly as possible.

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 10, 1862-3 p. M.

General W. B. FRANKLIN.

Barnesville.

The command general directs that you take the control of the movement to carry Sugar Loaf Mountain, and accomplish the important object if it can be done without incurring the risk of losing your command. The general expects to visit you this afternoon. Please report often, and keep the general advised of everything important that occurs.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff

[19.]