J Ne O. W. Geary to Henry M. Naglee, September 2, 1863

September 2, 1863—5.40 a. m. I drove the enemy across the river last evening. Have my guns in position below and above the gunboats, near Port Conway. Elder is within 700 yards of one boat.

The enemy have shown four guns. No news of the iron-clads. J. KILPATRICK,

GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS First CAVALRY DIVISION, September 2, 1863. General PLEASONTON : Everything is quiet. I have no news from Kilpatrick save what I sent last night. I thought I heard guns at 6 a. m. down the river,

but am not positive. There is nochange of the enemy in my front. JNO. BUFORD,

Hpagrs. SECOND Division, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Near Ellis’ Ford, Va., September 2, 1863. (Received 6 p. m.) Lieut. Col. H. C. RopDGERs, Assistant Adjutant-General :

CoLoNnEL: I have the honor to state, for the information of the general commanding the corps, that General Greene reported to me at 7.30 o’clock last evening that the cavalry pickets stationed at Skinker’s Dam, about a mile below Ellis’ Ford, were being fired upon. His brigade was put under arms, and Major Thomas, with 100 men of the One hundred and forty-ninth New York, was sent to that point to reconnoiter, discovering that the rebels, to the number of from 10 to 15, crossed on the dam and attacked the pickets, and after killing oneand scattering the rest they-recrossed. Major Thomas has been ordered to remain there until relieved by an infantry force to be sent from United States Ford by General Warren. e has discovered no enemy, and the lines have been quiet since his arrivai.

Ihave just returned from a visit to the lines, and find from my officers’ statements that there are about 300 cavalry in our front, between Ellis’ and Kemper’s Fords, and by indications I judge there is also a section of artillery. These movements and changes of the enemy are evidently in apprehension of some movement of ours. I do not apprehend any aggressive step on their part at present.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,