Robt. Williams to Leonard, August 4, 1861

Near Harper’s Ferry, Va., August 4, 1861.

Colonel LEONARD, Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers :

SIR: The general commanding directs that you proceed to Sharpsburg, Md., near the Potomac River, and there take post until further orders. You will detach from your regiment the following number of companies, to take post as follows: ;

Two companies at Antietam Ford; two companies at the ford a short distance below Shepherdstown; one company at the ford at Shepherd’s Island, some distance above Shepherdstown; one company at the ford a short distance below Dam No. 4.

You will instruct the commanders of these detachments to be particularly on the alert, in order to put a stop to all contraband trade in the vicinity of their posts; to put a stop to all tréasonable correspondence, without interfering with the United States mail, should there be one, and to arrest all persons engaged in treasonable acts, against whom sufficient proof can be obtained. It is the general’s wish that travel between Maryland and Virginia be stopped, except with persons of proved loyalty to the United States Government. He relies freely upon the discretion, energy, and good judgment of yourself and your subordinates for carrying out the above instructions.

The detachment of U. S. cavalry now at Antietam Ford will be relieved from duty at that post upon the arrival of your detachment.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Assistant Adjutant-General.