Alfred Pleasonton to Jacob L. Greene, August 18, 1863

Capt. JacoB L. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have a scout of my own regiment who has just returned, having been across the river and in the campsof the enemy. He crossed half a mile below United States Ford. Had to swim the river. Found extensive camps. Longstreet’s corps, 10,000 strong; also, 5,000 mounted men—mostly mounted infantry—armed with Enfield rifles; likewise some regular cavalry. He went through the camp as a member of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry. He saw some 500 negroes at work near United States Ford, cutting timber into logs from 10 to and on to Washington. Said they were diverting General Meade to the left, while their forces come this wey:

This man is a very square fellow; still I hardly know how much reliance to place in the report. He staid over some time; took dinner with them; saw large quantities of commissary stores. This report, taken with the remark in the private letter intercepted today—”the coming great battle”—may be of significance. Scout said the boys said this was to be their last gia struggle. If successful, they would be recognized. If not, a

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 14, 1863—4.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Washington: Dispatch from signal officer at Watery Mountain: A large cloud of smoke is rising between Orange Court-House and Gordonsville;

very near the latter place. Can see the enemy’s camp smoke south of Clark’s

Mountain. There is not so much smoke in vicinity of Culpeper as pelos. Signal Officer,

A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 14, 1863—4.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, The following report* is sent at the request of Major-General Pleasonton, who urges that it may be sent to General Meade immediately, so ”that he may authorize a change in the present disposition of the cavalry as well as other corps.” f

This is not the opinion of Major-General Slocum, nor mine,.excepting partially in respect to the Cavalry Corps. I can get nothing from Watery Mountain signal officer, although I have directed observations to be made in reference to this report and made repeated

inquiries. Will keep you advised. A, A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Washington:

The following copy of a letter just received by me from General Williams is sent as corroboration of the dispatch transmitted 4.30 p. m.:

FatmRFAXx STATION, August 9, 1863.

DEAR BROTHER: A rebel raid on a large scale is intended through this s ction within a week or two. I have this information in a way that I consider reliable. It came from an officer in Stuart’s cavalry, who, I think, has been stopping at Fairfax Court-House with his wifefor some days, and leftaday or twoago. It will probably come from Fredericksburg, by way of Dumfries and Occoquan, and strike the railroad at this point, with intention to destroy it to Manassas. Mosby, I think, is gone, as it was getting rather hot for him, but he has gained all the information desired of the positive strength of the forces guarding the railroads. Nothing can be easier than for 5,000 or 6,000 cavalry to sweep around Meade’s army and gobble up the small forces along this road, destroy a large amount of stores at the various points, cars, locomotives, &c., and tear uP the railroad itself, so as to take weeks to repair it, and compel Meade to detach a large force to defend it. Would it not be best to give General Heintzelman this information ?

Hpgrs. CAVALRY Corps, ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 14, 1863—?7.15 p.m. (Received 7.30 p. m.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff :

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 7 p. m. received. Am I authorized to concentrate all the cavalry not on duty as picket guards? The commands are so scattered that it will take some time to concentrate any portion of them.

Very respectfully, .