occupied by this army, and to communicate at once to these headquarters such information as may be obtained in relation to the strength, position, and movements of the enemy.

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

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 18, 1862-11.15 a. M.

Brigadier-General PLEASONTON:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you send two squadrons of cavalry, one to scout on the east side of the Elk Ridge Mountain, and the other on the west side, from our present position to the Potomac. These troops will continue to scout up and down the country as specified until further orders.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Keedysville, September 19, 1862-8.45 p. M.

The troops of this command will immediately be placed in position as follows, viz: Franklin's corps on Hagerstown pike, Meade's corps between Franklin's and Potomac, Davis to examine country between Hagerstown pike and Potomac in front of Meade, Banks' corps on Franklin's left, Sumner to rest his left on Sharpsburg, Porter to rest his right on Sharpsburg, Burnside to take position on Porter's left, extending his left toward the Potomac.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

(To Generals Sumner, Franklin, Burnside, POrter, Meade, and Colonel Davis.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Sharpsburg, September 19, 1862-12.30 p. M.

General G. G. MEADE,
Commanding Hooker's Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you remain where you are until further orders, examining wel the roads leading to the river.

Very respectfully, yours,

R. B. MARCY.

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

September 19, 1862-4 a. M.

Major-General SUMNER:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 11.30 o'clock last night just received. The commanding general directs you, if the enemy appears to be retir-

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