Geo. Sykkes to Andrew A. Humphreys, October 17, 1863

Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The signal officer on Centreville Heights reports that he sees—

No indications of enemy’s forces at Manassas. There are no guns in such works as he can see. Can distinctly observe camp smokes in rear of Bristoe. Too smoky

to see into Bristoe Station. L. B. NORTON, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer.

SIGNAL STATION, October 17, 1863. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff :

The signal officer at Blackburn’s Ford reports, at 8 p. m., that he sees Bree camp fires in rear of Bristoe Station. Also, that at dark he heard artillery firing south-southwest from his station and a long distance off.

L. B. NORTON, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS FirtH ARMY CoRPs, October 17, 1863—9 p. m. [General GRIFFIN :]

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you move with phar division at 5 a. m., and take post where you were stationed yesterday, covering the roads coming in to Germantown. Sedgwick is on the Aldie and Fairfax pike. Let your left rest where it did, and throw your pickets well to the front and right. I will direct two batteries to report to you. The enemy has appeared in some force (mounted) on Sedgwick’s right, and a slight skirmish had with his pickets, in which the enemy were driven off. Please communicate direct to general headquarters any information you may obtain

very respectfully,