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

[367] in Crawford at once, and leave nothing behind you. Follow Sigel very closely, and keep constant communication with him, as also with Gen. Reno in your rear. Be quick, for time is every thing.

(Signed)

Major-General Halleck: The heavy storm of yesterday and last night has caused the river to rise six feet. There are no longer any fords, and the bridges are carried away. I succeeded in time in withdrawing my advanced forces from the south side of the river. The movement across the river on the enemy's flank and rear is therefore impossible. The enemy's forces on this side, which have crossed at Sulphur Springs and Hedgeman's River, are cut off from those on the south side. I march at once with my whole force on Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge and Warrenton, in the hope to destroy these forces before the river runs down. The rain still continues, and I think we are good for thirty-six hours. As soon as I have effected this purpose, which I expect to do by an early hour to-morrow, I shall move back, detaching a large force to reopen my communications at Catlett's and send forward supplies. If Heintzelman and Cox move quickly, it will be easy to hold the Rappahannock, leaving the enemy much damaged by his attempt to turn our right. You may not hear from me before to-morrow night.

(Signed)

General Reynolds: You will please on arriving at Rappahannock Station, follow the route taken by the army corps of General McDowell, passing Brig.-General Tower, who is in command of the rear guard, and whom you will find near the railroad station. Please keep well closed and close up to the rear of McDowell's corps. Our march is to Warrenton, about ten miles distant, which you must make to-night.

Major-General Halleck: My advance entered the town about an hour ago, the enemy evacuated it on our approach. They fell back toward Hedgeman's River and Sulphur Springs. At the latter place my left was engaged about sunset, and now awaits daylight. I shall move rapidly at daylight upon Sulphur Springs and Waterloo Bridge. If the enemy is really in large force on this side of the Rappahannock, he will be trapped, as the river is very high behind him. I will communicate to-morrow.

(Signed)

Major-General Sigel, Commanding, etc.: The advance division of McDowell's corps occupied Warrenton last night without opposition. The head of his column was pushed just outside of town, on the road to Sulphur Springs, ready to move forward to that point should it be necessary. I am pushing a reconnoissance toward Waterloo Bridge, to see what is there. Communicate fully to me through Captain Merrill, who will hand you this note, the condition of things in front of you. Our work must be finished here to-day. We have no time to spare. Provisions will be in Warrenton this morning.

(Signed)

[Extract.]

. . . Thirty thousand (30,000) troops or more demand transportation. It is clear that the sudden demands exceed the capacity of the road. We can manage twelve thousand (12,000) troops per day, with supplies, if no accident occurs. The new troops might march; the veterans go in cars; horses driven. Baggage, tents, etc., wait until they can be forwarded; supplies take precedence.

(Signed)

[Extract.]

. . . . We expect to clean out all the troops now here, and all that are expected today. . . . .

(Signed)

Colonel George D. Ruggles, Chief of Staff: Colonel Beardsley reports the enemy's cavalry at Sulphur Springs, and the village occupied by the enemy's infantry. Colonel Beardsley has been sent by me to Sulphur Springs, with some cavalry and mountain howitzers. The main force of the enemy is advancing on this place, (Waterloo Bridge.) General Reno should send me the twenty-pound Parrotts. I could use them here excellently.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully,

(Signed)