HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 17, 1862-7.15 a. M. (Received 2.05 p. M.)

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS

Frederick:

Push on to Boonsborough. Advise General Porter of the time of your approach in season to let him send orders upon your arrival.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

SEPTEMBER 17, 1862-12.30 p. M.

General HUMPHREYS:

Push up to Centerville [Keedysville]. Give your men twenty additional rounds to carry in the pockets. All goes well, and we are driving enemy. Bring up your men so as to be as fresh as possible, but get here soon.

F. J. PORTER.

Major-General, Commanding.

Get up to-night if possible.

Send reply stating state and strength of command, and when you will be likely to get here.

A. S. W[EBB],
Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 17, 1862-2.30 p. M.

General HUMPHREYS:

We are in the midst of the most important and extended battle of the war. The rebels are desperate. We have driven them some distance, but it is of vital importance to get up all our troops. Come on as soon as possible, and hurry up with all haste. Do not render the command unfit for service, but force your march.*

ALEX. S. WEBB.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

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*Written on the outside of envelope containing this dispatch is, "Humpheys on the road between this and Frederick. If not on the road, go to telegraph office and find where he is. Find him to-night." And in General Humphreys' handwriting, is. "Received at sunset one mile beyond Frederick-that is, one mile nearer Antietam."

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