George Sykes to Humphreys, August 8, 1863

General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The engineers have thrown a bridge across the Rappahannock, some 200 yards above the ford. An infantry force was sent over to rotect the outlet of the bridge. General Ayres thinks that General Mteade designed the bridge to cross the river below or opposite Hamilton’s house. The engineers did not come near me, and the first I knew of their presence was through General Garrard, who furnished the covering force for the bridge. I will throw the remainder of General Garrard’s brigade on the right bank of the stream. A few cavalry pickets belonging to the enemy are hovering around. The woods are so dense that they can easily keep themselves hidden. I have three batteries in position and two in reserve, but the whole north bank of the river is commanded by the ground on the other side, I am, sir,

respectfully,