Henry W. Halleck to E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, April 27, 1863

April 27, 1863. (Received April 28.)

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

I have the honor respectfully to request that the agents in Washington of the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer may be called upon to give the names of their correspondents with this army who furnished the information upon which was based the statements offered for transmission to those papers last night in Washington respecting a submarine cable said to be in use by the enemy between Falmouth and Fredericksburg; also the information upon which was founded the article in the Inquirer of Saturday last upon the same subject. If the names of these parties are not given, it 1s my intention to suppress the circulation of the two papers named in the Army of the Potomac, and exclude their correspondents from its lines. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General.

BALTIMORE, April 27, 1863. — I have communicated with General Halleck. He says:

I think Elliott should have full power to act at his discretion as he may learn the movements of the enemy. He is capable and prudent.

You will instruct General Elliott accordingly.

I telegraphed General Halleck that I thought the movement you suggested to Woodstock and Harrisonburg, though bold, yet practicable, and such as would probably prove effective and successful. It would be necessary, however, to move quickly, and to be guarded against the enemy, possibly now at Staunton and east of the Blue Ridge.

My latest dispatch from the railroad to-day reports :

Telegraph and railroad at Cranberry destroyed. The rebels crossed at Cranberry early this morning, from 800 to 1,000 strong, their destination Kingwood.

General Jones has started a force to Fellowsville, thence to Tunnelton or Newburg. This will completely surround Rowlesburg and cut off all communication.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.

BALTIMORE, April 27, 1863.

On reflection, I think Elliott should not attempt a reconnaissance beyond Woodstock. There is increasing probability that a large movement is preparing by the rebels for the Valley, and it will not do to hazard a large and distant detachment from Winchester just now. As to Jones, he has only cavalry with him, and has gone westward with that, or one of his colonels ([A. W.] Harman) has. They were repulsed at New Creek, and struck the railroad first at Oakland, then burned the bridge over the Youghiogheny, west of that point, and made attack at Rowlesburg. But we have the railroad and wires repaired again westward to the Youghiogheny burned bridge, and troops will proceed there to-night. Kelley has gone westward on the Northwest turnpike. Jones will probably unite west of the mountains with Jackson and Imboden, and I do hope Roberts, Mulligan, and Kelley may cut him off. Wilkinson, at Clarksburg, instead of coming to Grafton, has got himself and the country thereabouts in a panic. Inform me as soon as you hear again from Elliott.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.

Brigadier-General ROBERTS :

General Jones is menacing Rowlesburg with a large force. He has sent part toward Fellowsville, on the turnpike; from thence to Tunnelton and Newburg, on the railroad. This would completely surround Rowlesburg, and stop all supplies and communication with that point. Could part of Mulligan’s force be sent there?

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

BALTIMORE, April 27, 1863. Brigadier-General KELLEY, New Oreek, Va: Wilkinson has just telegraphed from Clarksburg as follows:

Scout at Rowlesburg, from Cranberry, just now reports telegraph and railroad at latter place destroyed. The rebels crossed at Cranberry early this morning, from 800 to 1,000 strong; their destination Kingwood. General Jones has started a force to Fellowsville; thence to Tunnelton or Newburg. This will completely surround Rowlesburg, and cut off all communication.

You should send the Maryland regiments, or whatever force can be spared from New Creek, westward beyond Piedmont, to check the enemy on this side. I will telegraph Wilkinson and Roberts to do all they can from Grafton, or from the west and south. Meantime, let a force push on westward, along the Northwestern turnpike, occupying, as you may think advisable to direct, such points as may protect the road or hem in the rebels and cut off their retreat south, and co-operate with Roberts and Mulligan. I will inform General Roberts.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.

CLARKSBURG, April 27, 1863.

The sacrifice of machinery and cars is nothing in getting re-enforcements to Rowlesburg—the importance of saving the bridge and trestling. If not re-enforced immediately, they must cut their way out, or be sacrificed with the structures there.

Brigadier-General ROBERTS:

Glad to hear from you. Seven thousand rations are on the road to you, and another train will start to-night. It was an infernal scare at Grafton. The operator left, and I guess every one else. As advised, I burned a bridge and tore up track to prevent enemy getting here by rail. At 6 this evening the wires commenced talking feebly from Grafton. Mulligan, it seems, is there, and all right. Have no word from Rowlesburg. Am exceedingly anxious about the troops there. Rebels reported at Morgantown. Have no knowledge of the whereabouts of our immediate opponents, but fear an attack before morning. Get here as soon as possible. I don’t fancy leaving large quantities of subsistence and forage, nor do I fancy the destruction of them. If destroyed, you will have to starve. We will not leave until compelled. Reports say the rebels are on Buckhannon road, 18 or 20 miles out, this afternoon. Generals Schenck and Kelley telegraph, by way of Cincinnati and Parkersburg, that our forces are advancing on the rebels with the intention of cutting them off. Kelley is at Greenland Gap.

BALTIMORE, April 27, 1863—11 p. m. Commanding Officer, New Oreek, Va.:

Maryland or other troops must be pushed westward after the enemy on the railroad to-night. The road and wires are already repaired to a point 3 miles beyond Oakland, where the Youghiogheny Bridge is burned.

A telegram has been received to-night from Oakland. The enemy has gone westward from there, still threatening Rowlesburg and Tunnelton. Follow him as you can immediately. Send this dispatch by courier to General Kelley.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.

April 27, 1863—11 p. m. H. I. SAMUELS,

Adjutant. General, Wheeling, Va.:

What a panic you must have at Wheeling! I have no evidence yet of any force of rebels west of Rowlesburg. Certainly they have not reached Grafton. Telegram direct from Oakland at 9 this p. m. informs me that the railroad and wire are already repaired beyond that point. The Youghiogheny Bridge burned.

The enemy all cavalry; only araid. I hope yet to catch the whole body of them by intercepting their retreat. I have been hoping General [James S.] Wheat might bring some force to Grafton.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Cotamanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.’s OFFICE, No. 190. Washington, April 27, 1863.

I, Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon, U. S. Volunteers, will report for duty without delay to Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, commanding, &c., Fort Monroe, Va:

V. Brig. Gen. John G. Barnard, U.S. Volunteers, will at once proceed to Harper’s Ferry, Va., and make a thorough examination of the defenseg of that place, and devise and create any others he may deem necessary. Having completed this duty, General Barnard will return to this city.

By command of Major-General Halleck :