HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Yorktown, Va., September 23, 1862.

Lieutenant Colonel S. E. SMITH,

Commanding Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry:

COLONEL: The commanding general desires me to say to you that the rumors of the approach of the enemy from Richmond are corroborated in such a manner as entitles them to credit. The general therefore desires that you will keep your command in a constant state of readiness and by unremitted vigilance prevent a surprise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. C. SUYDAM,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[18.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 24, 1862--2.30 p. m.

Major-General FRANKLIN:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to say that in future General Meade will watch the river as high as Mercerville, and that you, with your corps and Couch's division, will watch it from that point to Williamsport.

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

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 24, 1862--10 a. m.

General A. PLEASONTON,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you send out small reconnoitering parties across the river in the direction of Charlestown and Martinsburg, in order if possible to ascertain where the enemy is in force. The officers commanding should be instructed to advance very carefully, throwing forward scouts so as to keep their main forces advised of any appearance of the enemy. Let one party cross near the mill below Shepherdstown, and notify General Porter when this party is to cross the river. I suggest that a squadron be detailed for this duty and that two or three small parties from it be sent across first, to feel the way.

Very respectfully,

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

[19.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON, Numbers 15.
September 24, 1862.

* * * * * *

4. In compliance with instructions from the headquarters of the army, the infantry and artillery of Milroy's brigade are detached from the Eleventh Corps, and will at once be put in readiness to proceed by railway to Western Virginia. Brigadier-General Milroy will report in person to the General to the General-in-Chief for further orders.

By command of Major-General Banks:

RICHD. B. IRWIN,
Captain, Aide-de-Camp, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[19.]