Unknown to Henry W. Halleck, May 28, 1862

May 28, 1862—6 a. m. (Received 10.50 a. m.) My troops were not in condition to execute your order otherwise than has been done. They have marched day and night to doit. The men had had so little to eat that many were weak for want of food, and were so reported by the chief surgeon. Having for main object, as stated in your telegram, the relief of General Banks, the line of march followed was a necessity. In executing any order received I take it for granted that I am to exercise discretion concerning its literal execution, according to circumstances. If I am to understand that literal obedience to orders is required, please say so. I have no desire to exercise any power which you do not think belongs of necessity to my position in the field. J. O. C. FREMONT,

Major-General. The PRESIDENT.

MOOREFIELD, May 28, 18€2. (Received 11.30 a. m.) The reasons for my being in Moorefield are, Ist, the point of your order was to relieve General Banks. At the time it was issued it was only known that he had been attacked at Front Royal. When my march commenced I knew he had retreated from Winchester. 2d. Of the different roads to Harrisonburg all but one, and that one leading southward, had been obstructed by the enemy, and if the loss of time by taking the only open road were no consideration, it was still a simple impossibility to march in that direction. My troops were utterly out of provisions. There was nothing whatever to be found in the country except a small quantity of fresh beef, from the effects of which the troops were already suffering, and, in fact, all my men were only saved from starvation by taking the road to Petersburg, where they found five days’ rations. With these we are now moving with the utmost celerity possible in whatever direction the enemy may be found. J. C. FREMONT, Major-General.

Washington, May 28, 1862—1 p. m. » Major-General FREMONT, Moorefield :

The President directs you to halt at Moorefield and wait orders, unless you hear of the enemy being in the general direction of Romney, in which case you will move upon him. Acknowledge the receipt of this order and the hour it is received.

Secretary of War.

OAMP TEN MILES EAST OF MOOREFIELD, May 28, 1862—5 p. m. Your two dispatches of this date reached me together here at 4.45 p.m. Iam camped here, 10 miles east of Moorefield, at fork of roads leading, respectively, to Woodstock, Strasburg, and Winchester. Except Milroy, at Moorefield, my whole force is here. Scouting parties thrown forward to Wardensville. It being late and the men fatigued, p. m., directing commanding officer at Romney to make cavalry reconnaissance 15 miles on road to Winchester. My courier will await answer. J. ©. FREMONT, Major-General. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

Washington, May 28, 1862—4.50 p. m. Major-General FREMONT, Moorefield : The following dispatch has just been received from General Hamilton, at Harper’s Ferry: P ee HaRPER’S FERRY, May 28. Hon. E, M. STANTON, Secretary of War: There is very little doubt that Jackson’s force is between Winchester and Charles- town. His troops were too much fatigued to pursue Banks. A large body of rebel cavalry is near Charlestown now. Jackson and Ewell were near Bunker Hill yesterday at noon. Of this last there is no doubt.

The above probably indicates the true position of the enemy at this time. President directs you to move upon him by the best route you

Seoretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS NEAR MOOREFIELD, May 28, 1862. (Received 11 p. m.) Your telegram conveying information from General Hamilton was received at 7 o’clock thisevening. ‘The President’s order will be obeyed accordingly. J. O. FREMONT, Major-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

Washington, May 28, 1862—11 p. m.

The order to remain at Moorefield was based on the supposition that it would find you there. Upon subsequent information that the enemy were still operating in the vicinity of Winchester and Martinsburg you were directed to move against the enemy. The President now again directs you to move against the enemy without delay. Please acknowledge the receipt of this and the time received.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

Washington, May 29, 1862—2 p. m. Major-General FREMONT, Moorefield :

Dispatches from General Saxton, at Harper’s Ferry, state as follows :*

HARPER’S FERRY, May 28. Hon. E. M. STANTON:

I have learned from a Union roe that my reconnoitering party captured at

Charlestown to-day that General Steuart is moving from Winchester to Point of Rocks,

intending to cross there, move upon my rear, break up the line of railroad, ‘and burn

the bridge. I have sent 100 men to guard it. My troops are posted in strong positions, and unless they disgrace themselves they will hold it, provided the rear is safe. R. 8.

Brigadier-General. This is all the information we have of the enemy’s position. Banks

is at Williamsport, having retreated from Winchester. Please acknowledge the receipt of this.

“Copy of Saxton’s dispat ch sent also to McDowell.