U.S. Military Telegraph

Received Dec. 10th 1861

From Washington, D.C.

To Genl. McCall,

Telegraph received from McDowell’s pickets that a respectable force of rebel cavalry and infantry were a mile or so from our lines on right & rear of Brushes’ house. They have a picket posted in view of ours. The officers of exterior line of pickets express belief that there is a considerable force of rebels in woods just beyond Brushes’ house. Inform your pickets & keep sharp lookout.

G.B. McClellan

Maj. Genl., Commander

Head Quarters, McCall’s Division

Camp Pierpont, Va., Dec. 10th 1861

Official copy. Carry these orders into effect.

H.J. Biddle

Asst. Adjt. Genl.

Senior officer of line of ______ through

Brig. Genl. Reynolds

[Copy A]:

Dec. 10, 1861

Picket order from

Genl. McClellan

[Copy B]:

Capt. Johnson, Comdg. R. flank, ___ ___

Caution the Cavalry,

Videttes, & patrols.

J.F.R.

Keep a bright lookout

& be on the alert with

the whole of your comd.

at daybreak.

J.F.R.

Recd. 11:35

J F Gaul

Lt. Col. wm[?] right

wing of outer pickets