ing to McClellan: "The enemy is moving north in sufficient force to drive Gen. Banks before him ; precisely in what force we cannot tell. He is also threatening Leesburg and Geary on the Manassas Gap Railroad, from north and south; I think the movement is a general and concerted one—such as would not be if he was acting upon the purpose of a very desperate defense of Richmond. I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job, and come to the defense of Washington. Let me hear from you instantly."
To which McClellan replied : " Telegram received. Independently of it, the time is very near when I shall attack Richmond. The object of the movement is probably to prevent reinforcements being sent to me. All the information obtained agree in the statement that the mass of the rebel troops are still in the vicinity of Richmond. I have no knowledge of Banks' position and force, nor what there is at Manassas; therefore caiinot form a definite opinion as to the forces against him. I have two corps across Chickahominy, within six miles of Richmond ; the others on this side at other crossings, within same distance, and ready to cross when bridges are completed."
