J. B. Sweitzer to James Barnes, June 11, 1863

June 11, 1863—11 a. m. Brigadier-General BARNES: Sir: I have the honor to make the following report: All quiet along ourlines. Artillery firing was heard in the distance to our right this morning, which died away as if receding toward Brandy Station. Those who were here the day we were say the firing this morning sounded more distinct than it did on that day. A deserter fromthe Fourth North Carolina Cavalry, who was on picket at Kelly’s Ford, came in this morning. He fellinto the hands of the cavalry, who are now on duty from Kelly’s Ford, on our right, to Rapahannock Station. Captain [John H.] Cryer, of the Sixth Ohio egiment, commands the force on duty; they are in Colonel Duffié’s command, and the deserter was sent to him from Captain Cryer. I have the following report of information received by him from the deserter : The Fourth North Carolina Cavalry is on duty on the other side, at Kelly’s. There are two pieces of artillery commanding the ford, in the woods belowthe ford. General Lee’s headquarters are at Culpeper, and most of his army is there. Stuart has 20,000 cavalry. General [W. E.] Jones, from the Valley, has joined him. Think he intends tocross theriver higher up. Have had several reviews lately; one on Friday last. A cavalryman, who says his name is Samuel. Lay, and who represents himself as belonging to Company B, Tenth New York Cavalry, has just been brought in. He came across the river this morning, and says he was taken prisoner near Brandy Station, and escaped last night. He can give you some information as to the forces between here and there. I send him to you, and have not detained this report to reduce to writing what he has to say.

J. B. SWEITZER,