s guns on Bolivar
Heights.

Saxton, now commanding about seven thousand men, had strongly occupied
the hills on the southern side of the Potomac. To the north the Maryland
Heights were held by several regiments and a naval battery of Dahlgren
guns. The brigadier commanding received and sent telegrams.

WASHINGTON.

BRIGADIER-GENERAL SAXTON,
HARPER'S FERRY.

Copy of Secretary of War's dispatch to Governors of States.

"Send forward all the troops that you can immediately. Banks
completely routed. Intelligence from various quarters leaves no
doubt that the enemy, in great force, are advancing on Washington.
You will please organize and forward immediately all the volunteer
and militia force in your state."

In addition, the President has notified General McClellan that his
return to Washington may be ordered. City in a panic.

X. Y.

HARPER'S FERRY, VIRGINIA, May 31.

The enemy moved up in force last evening about seven o'clock, in a
shower of rain, to attack. I opened on them from the position which
the troops occupy above the town, and from the Dahlgren battery on
the mountains. The enemy then retired. Their pickets attacked ours
twice last night within 300 yards of our works. A volley from
General Slough's breastworks drove them back. We lost one man
killed. Enemy had signal-lights on the mountains in every direction.
Their system of night-signals seems to be perfect. They fire on our
pickets in every case. My men are overworked. Stood by their guns
all night in the rain. What has become of Generals Fremont and
McDowell?

R. SAXTON.

HON. E. M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_.

At Williamsport on the Maryland side, twelve miles above, General
Banks likewise sent a telegram to the Government at Washington.

WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862.

Have received information to-day which I think should be
transmitted, but not published over my name, as I do not credit it
altogether. A merchant from Martinsburg, well known, came to inform
me that in a confidential conversation with a very prominent
secessionist, also merchant of that town, he was informed that the
po