Letter

Andrew A. Humphreys to Humphreys, October 14, 1863

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,

October 14, 1863—5 p. m. General HUMPHREYS:

Warren is engaged with the enemy. His right is at Bristoe. He says they (the enemy) are along his front. Ishall move to Bristoe at once. There is no communication between French and myself. Sharp musketry firing is being heard. If their army is there, two corps are little better than one, but I am afraid when darkness comes they may get between Warren and Manassas, if Ido not move toward him, and even then they may get between French and myself.

Send me some word whether I shall unite with the army at Centreville to-night or remain at Bristoe. I have no information as to

where their main force is. . GEO. SYKES, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, October 14, 1863—7.30 p. m. Commanding Officer Second Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you withdraw to Centreville to-night, if it be practicable. If it is not practicable, the OR Bonen commanding desires to know it at the earliest moment possible.

Very respectfully, &c.,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General, and Chief of Staff.
CENTREVILLE, VaA., October 14, 1863—10 p. m.
(Received 12.30 a. m. 15th.)
Major-General HALLECK :
The enemy attacked my rear guard, the Second Corps, at Bristoe,
about 4p. m. General Warren repulsed them, capturing a battery
and over 100 prisoners. General Warren fought them until dark,
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Summary: Major-General Humphreys instructs General Sykes to withdraw Second Corps to Centreville that night if feasible, amid uncertain enemy positions and ongoing engagement near Bristoe during the 1863 Civil War campaign.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 29, Part 1 View original source ↗