: GEO. B. McCLELLAN to HEADQUARTERS, August 12, 1861, August 11, 1861

Washington, August 11, 1861.

GENERAL: I have to request that you will proceed with the force placed under your command to the vicinity of Poolesville, and there

observe the Potomac River from the Point of Rocks to Seneca Mills. You will keep the main body of your force united in a strong position near Poolesville, and observe the dangerous fords with strong pickets, that can dispute the passage until re-enforced. Keep up a constant communication with General Banks’ pickets near Point of Rocks, as well as with those of General McCall and Colonel Smith, until the telegraphic communication is established. Make such arrangements as will enable you, in the event of an attack in force, to fall back on General McCall, or to enable him to move up to your support at some strong position which we can hold with the force at our disposal. Should you see the opportunity of capturing or dispersing any small party by crossing the river, you are at liberty to do so, though great discretion is recommended in making such a movement. The general object of your command is to observe and dispute the passage of the river and the advance of the enemy until time is gained to concentrate the reserves of the main force. I leave your operations much to your own discretion, in which I have the fullest confidence. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

: GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS, August 12, 1861.

Major-General BANKS, U. $. A.,

` Commanding, dic., Sandy Hook, Md. :

Brigadier-General Stone has been assigned, with six regiments, a battery, and a company of cavalry, to watch the ferries and fords between

Great Falls of the Potomac and Point of Rocks. His headquarters will

be at Poolesville. He will communicate with you on his arrival.