Jno. Pope, August 27, 1862

ing understood that a large division of the enemy under Longstreet left Salem es p. m. for the BRaViA position in the direction of Manassas, through Thoroughfare Gap, and is now on the march, the following preliminary movements of the left wing of the army will be immediately made, and Major-General Sigel’s corps will without delay be concentrated at_or near Hay Market and Gainesville. A division of the Third Corps will be left at Buckland Mills to operate against the flanks of the enemy or march to Hay Market, as shall be found most expedient. King’s and Ricketts’ divisions will march to Gainesville, and start at 2 o’clock a. m., to attack the enemy’s position in the direction of Manassas. This attack will be supported under the provision of the eee order from headquarters of the Army of Virinia by the command of Major-General Heintzelman, now at Greenwich, and which will be on the Hight of ae eee ate md of Major-Geperal McDowell: aoe : 8. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. This order was written by me in General Sigel’s room at Buckland Mills after a full conversation with him, and embodied the result of that conversation. General Sigel had gone to sleep while I was writing, and not wishing to disturb him (for we all needed rest when we could get it) I went to my camp and gave the rough of the order to a staff officer to put in form and carry into effect; but before I thought he had done so I received the following order from General Pope: UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, (Received at Bristoe Station August 27, 1862, 9 p. m.) Major-General MCDOWELL: At daylight to-morrow morning march rapidly on Manassas Junction with your whole force, resting your right on the Manassas Gap Railroad, throwing your left well to the east. Jackson, Ewell, and A. P. Hill are between Gainesville and Manassas Junction. We had a severe eae with them to-day, driving them back several miles along the railroad. Ifyou will march promptly and rapidly at the earliest dawn of da: upon Manassas Junction we will bag the whole crowd. I have directed Reno to marc from Greenwich at the same hour upon Manassas Junction, and Kearny, who is in his rear, to march on Bristoe at daybreak. Be expeditious and the day is our own.

JNO. POPE,