Sullivan Ihave been to the front and visited all the pickets and outposts guarded by this brigade. Ihave, November 16, 1861

This report relates to an affair not creditable to the officer commanding the escort. He is not here to justify himself, but from the within he would seem to have merited his fate of being captured. He might have taken warning from the capture on the 8th instant ata place 14 miles this side of the scene of his own disaster of two men engaged, as . was his own party, in eating their dinner, when they should have been on the watch. I purpose commenting on the case in orders, with the view of drawing some profit from it for the troops in the future.

hespeetfully forwarded. IRVIN McDOWELL, DBrigadier-General.

P. S.—The foregoing just eame into my hands on my return from Bailey’s Cross-Roads, making preparations for the review of the Army this side of the river. :

No. 3. Report of Capt. John Murray, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army.

Upton’s, November 16, 1861. At 7 a. m. this morning a foraging train of six wagons, with 3 men each, started from brigade headquarters, under escort of 50 men and Lieutenant Andrews, of the Thirtieth New York Volunteers, the whole commanded by Captain Laning, of the same regiment. They proceeded along the Annandale road to Doolan’s farm, where they arrived —

about 10 o’clock, and immediately commenced loading the wagons with corn, having previously posted guards and seouts in the woods and _ surrounding fields, but neglected to place guards over the road. The

L wagons were loaded by about 12 m., and started on their return and

reached camp in safety. The others remained with the escort, who were then allowed to get dinner, and while dining it appears that a company of the White Horse Cavalry dashed in before most of the men could reach their arms, and cut them off from retreat. Two or 3 men are reported hit, and 1 of the rebels was seen to fall from his horse. Some 20 men have since come in, being those posted in the woods and fields, and report as above. Five companies were immediately dispatched by Colonel Sullivan, commanding the brigade, to the scene, but have returned without accomplishing anything. ;

By command of Colonel Sullivan I have been to the front and visited all the pickets and outposts guarded by this brigade. I have