S. Williams to Your two dispatches relating to the brilliant achievement of the forces, March 26, 1862

Seminary, March 26, 1862.

The commanding general congratulates you and the troops under your command upon the victory gained by your own energy and activity and their bravery on the 23d. He is pained to learn that the wound you received in the skirmish of the day before is more serious than at first supposed.

Sumner, with two divisions of his corps, is 5 miles below Manassas, moving on Warrenton. The telegraph is working to Manassas; will probably be open to Warrenton on Friday. From the best information he can gather the general believes the main force of the enemy has retired beyond the Rappahannock, occupying the line of the Rapidan from Fredericksburg to Gordonsville, and thinks the force you met consisted almost entirely of Jackson’s command.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 26, 1862.

Brigadier-General SHIELDS:

Your two dispatches relating to the brilliant achievement of the forces

under your command have been received. While rejoicing at the success of your gallant troops, deep commiseration and sympathy are felt

for those who have been victims in the gallant and victorious contest

with treason and rebellion. Your wounds as well as your success prove