The wagons belonging to these divisions will precede or follow Ricketts' column, which will march by the same road to Cooksville. Owen's cavalry will precede the column which moves to Poplar Springs, and one troop of Harris Light Cavalry will follow each division as it marches to prevent straggling and depredations. The residue of this cavalry will follow up the rear of the corps. Major Houston will report to the headquarters of General Burnside for guides, and see that they are properly distributed; also to select and point out suitable encampments for the divisions of the corps.

By command of Major-General Hooker:

JOS. DICKINSON.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862-4 p. M.

Major-General BANKS,
Washington,

In your dispatch of 11.15 this morning, you say that it seems most probable that the main body of the enemy is not between Leesburg and the mountains. General McClellan desires to know whether the mountains referred to are the Bull Run Mountain or the Catoctin Mountain.*

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

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

Brigadier-General PLEASONTON,
Poolesville:

Burnside is ordered to move at once to Ridgeville; Sumner with his and Banks' corps to Damascus, and Clarksburg; Franklin to Barnesville, and Couch to Poolesville, keeping in communication with each other.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Camp near Rockville, September 10, 1862-11.15 a. M.

Brigadier General A. PLEASONTON.

Barnesville:

Your dispatch of 8.20 a. M. received. It is important to know what the movements you allude to across the Potomac mean. It is also important to occupy Sugar Loaf Mountain if it can be done without incurring too great risk. Your course in regard to obtaining supplies meets the entire approbation of the general commanding. you can continue this course at any time giving receipts for what you procure. The reconnaissances you contemplate are in the highest degree desirable . Steps will be taken at once to get you the Sharps carbines. In the meantime can you not put the carbines you have temporarily into

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*For reply, see 8.30 p. M. VOL. XIX, Part II, p. 237.

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