James P. Mead to Humphreys, October 17, 1863

General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The Bull Run is very high this a. m.; 6 feet at McLean’s Ford and not less at Union Mills. W. M. H. FRENCH,

Union MILLS, October 17, 1863.

DEAR HuMPHREYsS: I am very sorry that I mistook two camps of our own for the other side of Bull Run yesterday, but did not know that Bull Run was bent so. This is for want of a map. I have written this morning to Duane for the Whipple map, and hope either you or he will supply me.

The column of cavalry and artillery I saw day before yesterday 2 or 3 miles west of here moving south was, Iam quite satisfied, the force that attacked Mott, at McLean’s Ford, going away.

I had a fine view this morning from a height. Sawcavalry pickets opposite to ours. Also saw crossing Manassas Plains (among the redoubts) precisely one squadron (no artillery) of rebels moving north. It met right there an army wagon moving south.

No other evidence of rebels anywhere. Seeing very fine.

SIGNAL STATION, October 17, 1863. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The signal officer at Blackburn’s Ford sends the following report : No troops can be seen at Bristoe, but a line of camp smokes are seen between Bristoe and Gainesville. No artillery at Manassas, but the earth-works are occupied by a heavy cavalry picket reserve that is always mounted.

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

Hpgrs. First ARMY Corps, ARMY OF THE Potomac, October 17, 1863. C. Kinessury, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General, First Army Corps:

CoLONEL: I have the honor to report that while at the right of the picket line, to post orderlies, as instructed by you, a sergeant of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry came in and reported the following: That he, with a small squad, was posted on the Aldie pike asa post of observation; that about 50 of the enemy’s cavalry came through the woods on the right, thus cutting off their retreat by the Aldie pike; that they retreated across the country to the Gum Springs road, to where their pickets were posted, and found a body of the enemy’s cavalry had come down the Gum Springs road, and the pickets had retired toward the Stone Bridge in confusion, leaving everythin behindthem. The sergeant came down the Gum Springs road, an taking the Warrenton pike, returned to his command.

A citizen, residing near where the cavalry pickets were posted on the Gum Springs road, states the enemy’s force that came down the Gum Springs road was not over 20, and supposed they were White’s men. None of the enemy’s forces were seen by the infantry pickets.

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