Official Records of the Rebellion

[p.97]

On the 28th I telegraphed as follows:

HEADQUARTERS CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA,
August 28, 1862—4.10 p. m.

General Franklin is with me here. I will know in a few minutes the condition of artillery and cavalry. We are not yet in condition to move ; may be by tomorrow morning. Pope must cut through to—day or adopt the plan I suggested. I have ordered troops to garrison the works at Upton’s hill. They must be held at any cost. As soon as I can see the way to spare them I will send a corps of good troops there. It is the key to Washington, which cannot be seriously menaced as long as it is held.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major- General.

Major-General HALLECK; Washingion, D. C.

I received the following from the General-in-Chief:

WASHINGTON, August 28, 1862.

I think you had better place Sumner’s corps as it arrives near the fortifications, and particularly at the Chain Bridge. The principal thing to be feared now is a cavalry raid into this city, especially in the night-time. Use Cox’s and Tyler’s brigades and the new troops for the same object, if you need them. Porter writes to Burnside from Bristoe, 9.30 a. m. yesterday, that Pope’s forces were then moving on Manassas, and that Burnside would soon hear of them by wayof Alexandria. General Cullum has gone to Harper’s Ferry, and I have only a single regular officer for duty in the office.

Please send some of your officers to-day to see that every precaution is taken at the forts against a raid; also at the bridge. Please answer.

H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.

Major-General MCCLELLAN.