HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862.

General W. B. FRANKLIN,
Barnesville:

General McClellan is now absent at Brookeville, with General Burnside, but will be back to-night. Your aide, Captain Jackson, will remain here to-night. As soon as General McClellan returns he will communicate with you by telegraph. General Pleasonton's latest dispatches have been repeated to him. Banks' corps is within one mile of Damascus, and Sumner's corps in three miles east of Clarksburg, encamped for the night. Nothing new from the right to-day.

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862-3.30 a. M.

Major-General COUCH,
Seneca:

General Franklin is ordered to move at once to Barnesville. You will immediately move your command to Poolesville leaving sufficient force along the road to watch the river. You will report the number and kind of troops required for this purpose, in order that they may be sent from Washington to replace those left by you. Upon being replaced your men will rejoin the division. Keep in communication with General Franklin. Send an officer to report at these headquarters as soon as your troops shall have been placed 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, 1862-12.30 p. M.

Major-General COUCH,
Poolesville:

Pleasonton will take possession of Sugar Loaf Mountain, if possible. Furnish him infantry to assist him should he call upon you for any. If necessary, go to his assistance with your main force and assume charge yourself of the expedition. In such case you will leave sufficient force to watch Poolesville. Should you require additional troops call upon Franklin at Darnestown to furnish them.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862-1.45 p. M.

Major General D. N. COUCH,

Poolesville:

General Pleasonton reports that the rebels have opened with three guns on his troops on Sugar Loaf Mountain, and that they have some infantry with them. The general commanding desires you to hurry