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United States military telegraph. Received Aug. 22, 1862. From Manassas 10.04 P. M.
To Gen. Pope: We will continue to forward troops to Manassas unless you order otherwise; but beyond this point trains will be held to wait your orders, or until further information is received.
(Signed) headquarters army of Virginia, Rappahannock station, Aug. 23, 1862--2.20 o'clock A. M.
M. G. Halleck: As nearly as I can learn the facts, the enemy's cavalry made a raid from the direction of Warrenton upon our wagon-trains at Catlett's, and seems to have done some considerable damage to them through the gross carelessness of the guard, which was amply sufficient to protect them.
Please hurry forward Heintzelman, as the enemy may reach Warrenton Junction before he does.
Please push forward also all the troops moving up from Fredericksburgh, with orders to cross the Rappahannock at the various fords, and march rapidly on Stevensburgh.
My movement will be made tomorrow, as soon as I find the enemy has passed a sufficient number of his troops over the river.
The troops coming up from Fredericksburgh should be hastened forward with all despatch to Stevensburgh and Brandy station.
It will be well, also, to send with them immediately a train, bread, sugar, coffee, and salt, as our railroad communications may be unsafe for a few days.
(Signed) headquarters First corps army of Virginia, August 23, 1862.
Major-General Pope, Commanding Army of Virginia: There is no doubt that the enemy has outflanked us, and that his army crosses near Sulphur Springs and Fox's or Lawson's Ford.
I therefore must instantly beg you to send General Reno's division to Fayetteville, which will be good and necessary for all emergencies — but it should be done to-night, and immediately.
Gen. Banks, instead of marching to Lawson's Ford, as directed by me, has not done it, and the enemy is therefore crossing at Fox's Ford, from which ford General Bayard retired an hour or two ago. From Fayetteville General Reno can advance to Lawson's Ford, or maintain his position until you have made your proper arrangements.
It would be, according to my opinion, the best to withdraw the First corps toward Bealton, or my original position near Beverly Ford, to enable us to concentrate all our forces in a central position.
General Reno would cover this movement, and we would gain one day.
I am General, respectfully yours,
(Signed) F. Sigel, Major-General Comanding First Corps. A true copy: T. C. H. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. D.C.
headquarters army of Virginia, August 23, 1862.
Major-General Sigel: Your dispatch just received.
General Buford is at Fayetteville, and will watch any movement of the enemy toward that place, or toward your right.
Stand firm and let the enemy develop toward Warrenton.
Reinforcements are constantly arriving in our rear.
I do not wish any further extension of our lines to the right, but I desire the enemy to cross as large a force as he pleases in the direction of Warrenton.
When I wish to concentrate on the railroad I will cover your movement back.
Be under no concern, but keep your whole command ready to march at a moment's notice.
Send word to Bayard to keep his position as far up the river as possible, and check, if you find it necessary, any attempt of the enemy to cross at Lawson's Ford.
By order of General Pope.
(Signed) T. C. H. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. D.C. A true copy: T. C. H. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. D.C.
headquarters army of Virginia, August 23, 1862--7.15 o'clock A. M.
Major-General Sigel: The river has risen here six feet, and is entirely impassable at any ford.
I have no doubt it is the same all the way up the ford, as the main portion of the storm was above.
The enemy, therefore, on this.side is cut off from those on the other, and there is no fear of this position.
You will accordingly march at once upon Sulphur Springs, and thence toward Waterloo Bridge, attacking and beating the enemy wherever you find them.
Banks's corps and the force under General Reno will accompany and support you. McDowell, with his whole corps, marches direct on Warrenton, and you will be brought together in that neighborhood to-night.
Move promptly up the river.
The other troops will be close behind you. You ought to be in the neighborhood of Waterloo Bridge before sunset.
I will accompany McDowell's corps, and communicate further with you in the course of the day. You will have an effective force of twenty-five thousand men. Leave nothing behind you.
(Signed) headquarters army of Virginia, August 23, 1862--7.35 o'clock A. M.
Major-General Banks: You will accompany and support General Sigel in his forward movements toward Sulphur Springs and Waterloo Bridge. General Reno will follow you closely for the same purpose.
McDowell's corps marches immediately upon Warrenton.
The river has risen six feet, and is no longer passable by the enemy.
His forces on this side are cut off from those on the other, and we will march against those on this side, and the whole force will unite between Warrenton and Waterloo Bridge.
Call 