George A. McCall to Edward C. Ord, December 19, 1861

GENERAL:

You will pleaso move 1n command of your brigade at 6 a. m. to-morrow, on the Leesburg pike, in the direction of Dranesville. The First Rifles, Pennsylvania Reserves, Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, have been ordered to form right in front on the pike near Commodore Jones’ house and await your arrival, when the commanding officer will report. to you for further orders. 7 :

Captain Easton’s battery has been directed to form on the left of the — Rifles. The captain will report to you for orders. RE

Two squadrons of cavalry will also be placed under your command. The senior officer will report to you this evening for orders. Sherman,

. the guide, will likewise report to you for duty.

The object of this expedition is twofold: In the first place, to drive back the enemy?s pickets, which have recently advanced within 4 or 5 miles of our lines (leaving a force of about 70 cavalry at Henderson’s), and carried off two good Union men, and threatened others; and, secondly, to proeure a supply of forage.

It has to-day been reported to me that there is a force of about 100 cavalry lying between Dranesville and the river. This force might be captured or routed by sending a regiment of infantry up the pike beO EI Omar. XIV] – ENGAGEMENT AT DRANESVILLE, VA.

yond their position, to strike their rear by a flank movement to the right, while your disposable cavalry, after picketing the eross-roads near Dick. ey’s, might move near the river, and attack them in front or on the lett. Should you not arrive at Dickey’s in time to make this movement and leave the ground on you return before nightfall, it must not be undertaken, as I donot wish any part of your command toremain out over night.

_ The forage will be procured at Gunnell’s or at some other rank seces- ‘Slonist’s in the neighborhood of Dickey’s. Direct your quartermaster to confine the selection of forage to corn and hay. Captain Hall will

: .. havechargeofthe wagon train. The regiment intended to move forward

from Dickey’s (if you think proper, Jackson’s) might ride in the wagons as far as Dickey’s, and then be fresh for the forward movement. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,