Charles P. Stone to George B. McClellan, August 22, 1861

MAJOR: Ihave the honor to report, for the information of the MajorGeneral Commanding, that all is quiet throughout my lines; no change opposite. ;

This morning there was cannon firing near Leesburg, either two salutes or practicing; more probably the latter.

General Banks is at Hyattstown, some 93 or 10 miles northeast of Poolesville, connecting with my position by a reasonably good road, and with Rockville by an excellent one. i

578 . OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA. (Cuar, XIV. —

I fear there is too much nervousness on my right—that is, in the ES

command of Colonel Geary, at Point of Rocks. His ambulances came hastily into my camp this morning, having been sent off at 10 p. m. last night. The river is not fordable for wagons or artillery at this time.

Iam unable to discover any signs of raft or boat preparation, and the only signs of the enemy on the bank are small pickets, while there are no signs of large camps except at Leesburg and on Goose Creek. Those two do not appear very extensive, say for one or two regiments each. With a long-range rifle cannon I could stir up the intrenchments erected for the defense of Leesburg, and perhaps make them betray the power of their guns, if they have any in position, which I doubt.

Major Myer, signal officer, arrived at Poolesville this morning, and will make trials to-night between my left and General Banks position.

I would respectfully request that General MceCall’s force at Big Falls may be instrueted to throw out pickets, say 44 miles above that position, to meet the pickets of the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers.

Five negroes crossed the river yesterday, running away, as they say, from being sent to Manassas to work on the fortifications. I respectfully ask instructions as to the disposition to be made of them. They say there is no large camp opposite this place for 3 miles back.

Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,