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THE SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN .

THE BATTLE OF CEDAR .MOUNTAIN — VIEW FROM THE UNION LINES. FROM A SKETCH MADE AT THE TIME.

The picture shows the artillery duel and deployment of troops before the main attack towardthe right, in the middle distance.

nsa TSSET-

under my command in direct operations against the enemy to relieve theArmy of the Potomac. That condition was, that such peremptory orders begiven to General McClellan , and in addition sncli measures taken in advanceas would render it certain that he would make a vigorous attack on the enemywith his whole force the moment he heard that I was engaged.

In face of the extraordinary difficulties which existed and the terribleresponsibility about to be thrown on me, I considered it my duty to stateplainly to the President that I could not risk the destruction of my army insuch a movement as was suggested if it were left to the discretion of GeneralMcClellan or any one else to withhold the vigorous use of his whole forcewhen my attack was made.

The whole plan of campaign for the army under my command was neces-sarily changed by the movement of the Army of the Potomac to Harrison’sLanding. A day or two after General McClellan had reached his position onJames River I addressed him a letter stating to him my position, the disposi-tion of the troops under my command, and what was required of them, andrequesting him in all good faith and earnestness to write me freely and fullyhis views, and to suggest to me any measures which he thought desirable toenable me to cooperate with him, and offering to render any assistance in mypower to the operations of the army under his command. I stated to himthat I was very anxious to assist him in his operations, and that I wouldundertake any labor or run any risk for that purpose. I therefore requestedhim to feel no hesitation in communicating freely with me, as he might restassured that any suggestions he made would meet all respect and considera-tion from me, and that, so far as was within my power, I would carry out hiswishes with all energy and all the means at my command. In reply to thiscommunication I received a letter from General McClellan very general in itsterms and proposing nothing toward the accomplishment of the purpose Isuggested to him.