Unknown, October 20, 1861
October 20, 1861.
No. â. ‘ Poolesville, October 20, 1861â10.30 p. m.
Colonel Devens will land opposite Harrison’s Island with five companies of his regiment, and proceed to surprise the camp of the enemy â discovered by Captain Philbrick in the direction of Leesburg. The landing and march will be effected with silence and rapidity.
Colonel Lee, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, will immediately after Colonel Devensâ departure occupy Harrisonâs Island with four companies of his regiment, and will cause the four-oared boat to be. taken across the island to the point of departure of Colonel Devens. â
One company will be thrown across to occupy the heights on the Vir- .ginia shore after Colonel Devensâ departure to cover his return.
Two mountain howitzers will be taken silently up the tow-path, and carried to the opposite side of the island under the orders of Colonel Lee.
Colonel Devens will attack the camp of the enemy at daybreak, and, having routed them, will pursue them as far as he deems prudent, and
will destroy the camp, if practicable, before returning. He will make
all the observations possible on the country; will, under all circumstances, keep his command well in hand, and not sacrifice them to any supposed advantage of rapid pursuit. : ;
Having accomplished this duty, Colonel Devens will return. to his present position, unless he shall see one on the Virginia side, near the river, which he can undoubtedly hold until re-enforced, and one which can be successfully held against largely superior numbers. In such case he will hold on and report.
Great care will be used by Colonel Devens to prevent any unnecessary injury of private property, and any officer or soldier straggling from the command for curiosity or plunder will be instantly shot.
CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General.