Andrew A. Humphreys to Henry W. Slocum, August 17, 1863

August 17, 1863—9.30 a. m. Major-General SLocum, Commanding Twelfth Corps: Did you hear firing about daylight this morning; and, if so, in what direction, and at what distance? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, August 17, 1863. ‘ (Received 10.45 a. m.) Major-General HUMPHREYS: The following rebel signal message has just been intercepted by our officers: General LEE: I am satisfied there is a movement of the enemy of position from front to flank and rear.

Also fragments of another message: As seen from here, none on this side of river. Large trains of wagons appear to be moving wp the river on the other side. Quite hazy this a. m.

_ JOHN NEWTON, Major-General, Commanding.

(Received 11.30 a. m.) Major-General HAaLLEcK, General-in-Chief :

On my return, on the 15th, information derived from scouts led to the belief the enemy contemplated a movement by the United States Ford, on my left flank.

The report derived from the soldiers’ talk was that the wholearmy was to be thrown across at that place and an effort made to get in my rear. The scouts reported seeing some 500 negroes cutting logs, supposed for a bridge. Believing it not improbable a raid might be attempted to interrupt my communications, the disposition of the cavalry has been changed so as to place the main body in my rear and toward my left. The pickets toward Falmouth have been strengthened, and every preparation made, should araid be attempted, to check it as soon as possible.

The cavalry on my right flank, on the 14th, attacked a guerrilla camp at Thoroughfare Gap, capturing 2 men, 10 mules, 27 horses, and a quantity of sutlers’ goods. On the evening of the same day an officer of Ewell’s staff was captured.

All reports would indicate Lee’s army stretched from Madison Court-House to Fredericksburg, with the cavalry at Culpeper. Everything is quiet along the lines this morning.

. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, August 17, 1863—1.30 p. m.

Major-General ScHURz, Commanding Eleventh Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you call in your detachments at Brentsville and on Cedar Run, and that one division of your corps be posted at Manassas Junction and be charged with the protection of the railroad from that vicinity to Warrenton Junction; that the other division of your corps be posted in the near vicinity of Warrenton Junction and be charged with the protection of the road from Warrenton Junction to Bealeton Station; that the number and disposition of the detachments and guards placed upon the road be such as effectually to watch and protect it. The exterior patrols being withdrawn, every possible precaution should be adopted on the line of the road to insure its strict surveillance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,