Andrew A. Humphreys to Kine, August 20, 1863

General Kine :

Information has been received here that a force of cavalry crossed United States Ford this a. m., between 10 and 11 a.m. .Heavy musketry firing was heard in the direction of Elkton. General Slocum has sent this word to headquarters. Cavalry can approach us both by way of Dumfries either to Bristoe, here, or Union Mills, Fairfax, or toward Alexandria. I think they would go pretty low

down. No cavalry here. ALFRED GIBBS, Colonel.

MORRISVILLE, August 20,1863. Major-General HUMPHREYS:

A report from Elk Run confirms the statement of heavy skirmishing, with no artillery, about 10 a. m. for about one hour, about 5 miles east of Elk Run. General Kilpatrick’s communication has no hour mentioned to show when it was written. Ido not see how an enemy could have passed between him and me, but the skirmish firing is unexplained. It would be well to warn the guards between

you and Alexandria. G. K. WARREN, Major-General.

AUGUST 20, 1863—6 p. m. Brig. Gen. Rurus Kine,

Commanding Division, Centreville:

I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that recent information derived from scouts and spies indicates the probability of a strong raid, or some similar movement, on the part of the enemy from the vicinity of the United States Ford.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,