| Headquarters Defenses of Washington |
| Washington, September 21, 1862 -- 1:30 p. m. |
| |
| Major-General Heintzelman |
| Arlington |
| |
| The following telegram, from
Thomas R. Brayton to Brigadier-General Haupt, is communicated for your
information: |
| |
| "I have this moment returned from near
Bull Run. Saw 3 men, who live between Bristoe and Catlett's, making
their escape, as the rebels are pressing all the inhabitants into
service. They are taking away our seven engines, all car-wheels,
axles, and irons from Manassas and Bristoe. They have probably
repaired bridge at Bristoe, and coming to and through Manassas Gap
road, or, which is more probable to me, they have thrown a structure
across the Rapidan, and going that way. I do not think it will take
much of a force to prevent this. My informants are, I think, reliable. |
| Rich'd B. Irwin |
| Captain and Aide-de-Camp" |
| {The bridge over the Rapidan
River, on the Orange & Alexandria RR, had been completed several
days before.} |
|