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

[365] means to bring them here, or to keep them when I get them?

(Signed)

Major-Gen. Halleck: It is very apparent that the enemy is moving, with a view of turning our right. He has no forces further east than Stevensburgh, and every thing is tending up the river. I presume he will cross, if possible, at Sulphur Springs, on the pike to Washington. I would suggest that all the forces being sent from Fredericksburgh be pushed forward immediately as far as this place, as I think there is no danger whatever on the lower fords of the Rappahannock. A captured letter from Gen. Robert Lee to Gen. Stuart, dated at Gordonsville, August fifteenth, clearly indicates their movement. We had several handsome skirmishes yesterday, in one of which one of our cavalry regiments, on the south side of the river, charged over, a regiment of rebel infantry, dispersing them and driving them into the woods. Seventy head of the enemy's beef-cattle and seven horses were captured. There has been heavy artillery firing all this morning, the enemy not yet having finished his preparation for attack. My whole force is massed and well in hand. We have had a great many casualties within the last two days of skirmishing and cannonading. I cannot tell how many.

(Signed)

Major-Gen. Halleck: I think that the troops of Heintzelman and Cox had best be landed from the train at Bealton station, Kearny on or near Licking River, say two miles south-west of Warrenton Junction. The enemy has made no attempt to-day to cross the river. His movement up toward our right seems to have been continuous all day. I have little doubt if he crosses at all it will be at Sulphur Springs. Under present circumstances I shall not attempt to prevent his crossing at Sulphur Springs, but will mass my whole force on his flank in the neighborhood of Fayetteville. By undertaking to defend the crossing at Sulphur Springs I would much extend my lines and remove myself too far from the reenforcements that are arriving by railroad. Before the enemy can be fairly across the river with any considerable force I shall be strong enough to advance from Fayetteville upon his flank.

(Signed)

Major-General Halleck : Every thing indicates clearly to me that the enemy's movement will be upon Warrenton by way of Sulphur Springs. If I could know with any thing like certainty by what time to expect troops that are starting from Alexandria, I could act more understandingly. I have not heard of the arrival of any of the forces from Fredericksburgh at the fords below, though I have withdrawn nearly the whole of Reno's forces from Kelly's Ford. I cannot move against Sulphur Springs just now without exposing my rear to the heavy force in front of me, and having my communication with the forces coming up the Rappahannock intercepted, and most likely the railroad destroyed. I think it altogether well to bring Franklin's force to Alexandria. Lee made his headquarters at Culpeper last night. He has the whole of his army in front of me. Its numbers you can estimate as well as myself. As soon as his plans are fully developed I shall be ready to act.

(Signed)

Major-Gen. Halleck: Scouts report a heavy force moving up across Hedgeman River, on the Sperryville and Little Washington pike, toward Warrenton; also crossing at Sulphur Springs. I think a brigade should be sent to guard the railroad-bridge at Cedar Run, and that Heintzelman's corps should be hurried forward with all possible despatch.

(Signed)

Gen. Halleck: Reports from our forces near Sulphur Springs just in. Enemy was crossing river to-day at Sulphur, and on the road from Warrenton to Sperryville; he is still in heavy force at Rappahannock Ford, and above, and my rear is entirely exposed if I move toward Sulphur Springs or Warrenton. I must do one of two things: either fall back and meet Heintzelman behind Cedar Run, or cross the Rappahannock with my whole force and assail the enemy's flank and rear. I must do one or the other at daylight. Which shall it be? I incline to the latter, but don't wish to interfere with your plans.

(Signed)

To Major-General Pope: I think the latter of your two propositions the best. I also think you had better stop Heintzelman's corps, and the troops of Sturgis and Cox, as they arrive to-morrow at Warrenton Junction, instead of taking them to Bealton.

(Signed)