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The execution of the order given to
McClellan on the 3rd of August for the evacuation of his base on
James River, was not completed until the 16th.
In the meantime,
General Lee had ordered the divisions of
Longstreet,
Hood (formerly
Whiting's),
D. R. Jones, and
Anderson (formerly
Huger's), to
Gordonsville for the purpose of advancing against
Pope, and the three first named arrived about the 15th of August,
Anderson's following later.
The greater part of
Stuart's cavalry was also ordered to the same vicinity.
On the 15th
Jackson's command moved from its camps and concentrated near Pisgah Church on the road
You will immediately send a regiment of cavalry and small batteries of artillery to
Burnside's command at
Aquia Creek.
It is reported that
Jackson is moving north with a very large force.
H. W. Halleck, Major General.
The following is an extract of letter from
Halleck to
McClellan, dated the 6th of August, 1862, explaining the reason for the order for the removal of the troops from
Harrison's Landing to
Aquia Creek.
Allow me to allude to a few of the facts in the case.
You and your officers, at our interview, estimated the enemy's force around Richmond at 200,000 men. Since then you and others report that they have and are receiving large reinforcements from the South.
General Pope's army, now covering Washington, is only about 40,000.
Your effective force is only about ninety thousand.
You are about thirty miles from Richmond, and General Pope eighty or ninety, with the enemy directly between you, ready to fall with his superior numbers upon one or the other, as he may elect.
headquarters, army of the Potomac,
Berkley, August 14, 1862, 11 P. M.
Movement has commenced by land and water.
All sick will be away to-morrow night.
Everything done to carry out your orders.
I don't like
Jackson's movements, he will suddenly appear where least expected.
Will telegraph fully and understandingly in the morning.
