Andrew A. Humphreys to Brigadier-General NaGuEE, August 9, 1863

Brigadier-General NaGuEE,

Norfolk :

I went to South Mills yesterday ; returned this a.m. The three troops of cavalry under Captain Roberts, Eleventh Pennsylvania, arrived at South Mills from Camden Court-House late yesterday afternoon. There are no gunboats or troops on the Pasquotank. Citizens represent that there is a regiment of mounted infantry (State troops) in the counties bordering upon the Pasquotank. Captain Roberts’ men, with few exceptions, have pistols only. His situation at South. Mills is precarious, unless supported by infantry.

GEO. W. GETTY, Brigadier-General.

Fort Monrog, Va., August 9, 1863—3.10 p. m. (Received 6.30 a. m., 10th.)

Maj. Gen. H. W. Hawecx, General-in-Chief :

I have the honor to report that General George H. Gordon’s division, ordered here en route for South Carolina, has arrived. In order to water and ration the sea transports, the men were landed at Newport News. This, in addition to the above reason, was considered desirable, in order to deceive any possible spy of the enemy as to the destination of the troops. The First Brigade is now embarking on sea transports, and will sail this evening. General Potter, who was sent to ascertain what he could concerning the late destruction of light-houses on the coast, has returned. He established guards at Smith’s Island, Hog Island, and Cherrystone. The result of his inquiries indicates that the destroying party were landed from sailing vessels lying off the lights. The character of the sailing vessels, whether sea-going or from the bay, could not be ascertained. The destroying party returned to their vessels, and so could not be overtaken and punished by General Potter.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 10, 1863—10.30 a. m.

Maj. Gen. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Headquarters Defenses:

The following extract from the report of General Pleasonton is respectfully transmitted, for the information of Major-General Heintzelman, by direction of the major-general commanding:

He (General Kilpatrick) further reports that scouts report that numbers of deserters from General King’s command, and the commands at Fairfax and Manassas, are joining Mosby for the purpose of plunder. It is thought some of Mosby’s men are in the commands referred to, in the character of spies, influencing our men to

desert. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 10, 1863—7 p. m.

Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps :

I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of Brigadier-General Gregg’s report* upon the detachments sent over to establish the picket line south of the Aestham River, and to say that it was unsatisfactory; for it was reported by General Gregg that the enemy picketed the south bank in force, and apprehensions were expressed by him that his outposts or pickets might be captured; yet a detachment of merely 1 officer and 16 men is sent from Welford’s Ford to communicate with the right of Buford’s picket line, 4 miles distant. Why so small a force was sent on this duty when Colonel [General] Gregg entertained the apprehensions referred to, in the opinion of the major-general commanding, requires explanation.

respectfully,