Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Colonel Ruggles, Chief of Staff: About four o'clock shots were exchanged by the skirmishers. Artillery opened fire on both sides in a few minutes. One regiment of rebel infantry advancing, now deploying in front as skirmishers. I have ordered a regiment on the right, Williams's division, to meet them, and one from the left; Augur to advance on the left and in front.

(Signed)

To Gen. Pope: I fully approve your movement. I hope to push a part of Burnside's forces to near Barnett's Ford by to-morrow night, to assist you in holding that pass. Stand firm on the line of the Rappahannock till I can help you. Fight hard and aid will soon come.

Major-Gen. Halleck: Your despatch of yesterday received last night. I shall mass my whole force along what is known as Marsh Run, about two and a half or three miles north-east of Rappahannock Ford, occupying Kelly's Ford with an advanced guard from the centre, and picketing strongly with cavalry the fords above me as far as the road from Sperryville to Warrenton. If the enemy attempt to turn my right by the way of Sulphur Springs, they will probably march direct on Warrenton, from which place a good turnpike conducts to Washington. Such a movement, however, will expose their flank and rear, and you may be sure I shall not lose the opportunity. My right will be considerably diffused along the railroad as far at least as Bealton station. What relations with me will the corps of Fitz-John Porter have? I should like to know exactly. I am going out to post my command. I have heard from Reno. He crossed safely yesterday at Kelly's Ford and Barnett's Ford. The enemy so far has made no movement in advance. I think they are not yet ready, for want of transportation for supplies, to cross the Rapidan.

To Gen. Pope: I have telegraphed Gen. Burnside to know at what hour he can reinforce Reno. Am waiting his answer. Every effort must be made to hold the Rappahannock. Large forces will be in to-morrow.

(Signed)

Major-General Halleck: The enemy has made no further advance since yesterday afternoon, but his cavalry-pickets are in plain view of our front. After full examination of the ground I have determined to maintain the line of the Rappahannock instead of Marsh Creek. I have accordingly occupied advanced and commanding positions on the south side of the river, and have three bridges beside the fords to connect with them. The main body of my command is posted along the north side of the river, having easy access to the front. I have masked the fords above and below me with infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and have no concern about any attack in the front, though, as previously suggested, my right can be turned at considerable distance above me. This, however, will require time, and will be, besides, a hazardous operation. We drew back behind the Rappahannock in perfect order, without leaving any article whatever.

(Signed)

To Gen. Pope: I have just sent General Burnside's reply. Gen. Cox's forces are coming in from Parkersburgh, and will be here to-morrow and the next day. Dispute every inch of ground, and fight like the devil, till we can reinforce you. Forty-eight hours more and we can make you strong enough. Don't yield an inch if you can help it.

Commanding officer Warrenton Junction: Keep your cavalry scouring the roads and pick up stragglers. You will keep them under guard at Catlett's station, or use them for fatigue-duty.

By order of Major-Gen. Pope.

(Signed)

Major-General Halleck: The number of stragglers leaving this army just now, and the ease with which they escape, are becoming serious. Can they not be arrested and confined in prison at Washington, as I have not at present the