HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Sharpsburg, September 19, 1862--11.45 a. m.

Major General W. B. FRANKLIN,

Commanding Sixth Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you move your corps into such a position that you can establish your batteries so as to enfilade the enemy's columns to as much advantage as possible, without exposing your men to the fire of the enemy's batteries on the other side of the river opposite the ford. Take all the prisoners you can and do the enemy all the damage possible, but do not attempt to cross the river without further orders.

Very respectfully, yours,

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 19, 1862--11.45 p. m.

Major-General FRANKLIN:

GENERAL: The rebel General Stuart is reported as having moved on Williamsport with 4,000 cavalry and six pieces of artillery. Ten thousand infantry of the enemy are also reported advancing on Williamsport. General Couch is ordered to Williamsport with his division, and General Pleasonton, with two batteries of artillery and nearly half of his cavalry, is ordered to co-operate with him. It is the intention that these troops shall be at Williamsport at daylight to-morrow. General McClellan directs that you hold your corps in readiness to support this movement if required.

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

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Sharpsburg, September 19, 1862--8.15 p. m.

General D. N. COUCH,

Commanding Division:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you at once send a detachment from your division, of about 2,000 men, to proceed on the Hagerstown pike to Jones' Cross-Roads, where you will find Colonel Voss, with Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. The general in command of your detachment will order Colonel Voss to join him with his regiment, except one squadron to be left to guard the cross-roads, and the command will then procedd by the direct road toward Williamsport. On arriving near the town, where there is reported to be 1,000 rebel infantry and one piece of artilelry, the comamdner will so dispose his forces as to surround and capture the trooops in possession of the town. Please send one bttery with this comamdn> Cavalry scouts should be kept well in advance, after leaving the cross-roads, to determine, if possible, the exact nature of the force in possession of the town. The command should arrive before Williamsport very soon after daylight to-morrow.

Yours, very truly,

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]