J. H. Taylor to Daniel Butterfield, June 10, 1863

June 10, 1863—10.45 p. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

Your second dispatch to-day just received. We did encounter infantry yesterday, both mounted and on foot. Those mounted are armed with rifles made at Fayetteville, and marked C. S. A. Some were captured. Infantry at Brandy Station peered from the cars, and attacked Gregg’s people. The infantry have is sufficient for my wants unless the enemy crosses his infantry in force; then at least one infantry corps will be needed in addition at Bealeton. Some of the contrabands state it was talked among the rebels of throwing their force over at Kelly’s Ford, and getting in between what they suppose the two wings of our army. I am satisfied the enemy have a strong infantry force at Culpeper. I am also satisfied their cavalry was crippled yesterday, while mine was not.

Have all my dismounted men at Potomac Creek mounted as soon as possible; also the dismounted regulars.

A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, June 10, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant-General:

CoLONEL: Your dispatch to Spangler relative to moving to-morrow received at 6 p.m. I have been most busy in endeavoring to move and equip the dismounted men of the First, Second, and Third Divisions, and have forwarded requisitions to Washington for ordnance, which ought to be on hand to-morrow, to complete the entire equipment of men at Stafford and Point Pleasonton (369), to forward to yourcommand. Major-General Hooker desires to break up

50 N. ©, V. A. W. V. A., M. D., P. A., ETC. [Cuar. XXXIX.

these depots, and furnish every available man to the corps. I have obtained this afternoon 100 sets of equipments for the Second Division, and have made requisitions for the equipment of the entire number of dismounted—say 1,106.

Did you propose that the dismounted men should be moved to your present position, or remain here? Generals 8. Williams and Ingalls have been assisting me in every particular, and as the mounting of these men is of such importance, the horses being at hand, I had better remain here to attend to it. Will gon give me the pleasure of the general commanding with regard to it at once? The Fifth and Eighth Illinois and Fifth and Ninth New York join you

to-morrow. A. J. COHEN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF Washington, June 10, 1863—12.05 p. m. Major-General STAHEL,

GENERAL: Colonel Jewett, commanding at Poolesville, reports, on what he deems reliable information, that Mosby was in force at Dranesville yesterday. If your people are no longer needed where they are, it would be well to scout the country in the direction of Dranesville. Do the best you can under the circumstances.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,