[Sub-inclosure.]

INDIAN SPRINGS, MD., September 22, 1862.

Colonel H. W. DELLINGER:

DEAR SIR: Reliable information is just received that a considerable body of the rebel army has attacked the Federal troops near Back Creek, and as their force is small they will likely be defeated if re-enforcement is not soon at hand. Could you not send word to Williamsport or Hagerstown of the danger which we are in if they cross the river, which they will do? You may expect a raid on your town by night.

Yours, in haste,

L. JACQUES.

[Indorsement.]

Colonel BABBITT:

Mr. Dellinger has just handed me this. The enemy are crossing the river. How much of a force I cannot say at present.

FRISBIE,

Captain.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 22, 1862--4 p. m.

Brigadier-General PLEASONTON:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs you to send two regiments of cavalry and one battery of horse artillery at daylight to-morrow morning to Harper's Ferry to scout out in the direction of Charlestown and Martinsburg. That portion of the Fifth Cavalry now with General Burnside is ordered to join its regiment. The general desires you to leave General Burnside sufficient cavalry to watch the fords in his vicinity. He also desires you to have your whole cavalry force in readiness to move to Harper's Ferry to-morrow.

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

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 108.
Fort Monroe, Va., September 22, 1862.

* * * * * *

2. Major General John J. Peck, volunteers, will proceed to Suffolk, Va., without delay and take command of the troops at that place and vicinity.

By command of Major-General Dix:

D. T. VAN BUREN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[18.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers 260.
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., September 23, 1862.

* * * * * *

5. Paragraph 3, of Special Orders, Numbers 258, of the 21st instant,* relieving Brigadier General J. Newton from duty with the Army of the Potomac, is revoked, and that officer will resume the command of his brigade.

* * * * * *

By command of Major-General McClellan:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[19.]

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*See VOL. XIX, Part II, p. 340.

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