Ulric Dahlgren to Robert H. Milroy, June 3, 1863
(Copy received, War Department, 6.10 a. m.) General R. H. MILRoy, Winchester :
The artillery company asked for has been ordered, and the Fifth Maryland is hurrying on to you. The general commanding directs you to act with caution, keep him advised, and fall back, when forced, in the direction of Harper’s Ferry or Martinsburg, as your better Judgment may dictate.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Staff.
JUNE 4, 1863—9.20 a, m. Major-General MEADE, ;
Stoneman’s Switch : Third Corps have been ordered to relieve your pickets and railroad guard. It will not probably be accomplished ea afternoon, The balloon at Banks’ Ford will probably be able to give you information if you get in communication with it. Reports came in of the withdrawal of enemy’s forces opposite our left, since last night. The general desires that you will use all exertions to keep yourself and him imformed as to their movements. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.
JUNE 4, 1863—9.45 a. m. General BurorD, Bealeton or Warrenton:
Reports and appearances here indicate the disappearance of a portion of the enemy’s forces from opposite our left. The general desires you to keep a sharp lookout, country well scouted, and advise us as soon as possible of anything in your front or vicinity indicating
a movement. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.
JUNE 4, 1863—10 a. m. Major-General MEADE, Stoneman’s Switch: Balloon reports from Banks’ Ford two camps disappeared and several batteries in motion. Balloon near Reynolds reports line of dust near Salem Church, and
Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:
GENERAL: Last night (1 a. m.) the signal officer here saw fires southeast—about where Archer’s brigade seems to have been. At the same time the enemy’s pickets were withdrawn, excepting about 10 or 12 men along a line about 3 miles opposite here. This morning the pickets were strengthened, but not as strong as at first. The officer of the day thinks they were altogether withdrawn farther down, but I don’t think he knows anything about it. He thought, also, that they were replaced near here by cripples, but he has not been down far; it is not yet reliable. The signal officer here has just discovered that six camps are missing where the fires were last night. From the general direction, they seem to be Archer’s.
The artillery has not moved, only the six regiments of infantry. The signal officer at 1 p. m. reported no changes from the Fitzhugh House station.
The pickets along the river seem to be nearérthe water than usual, and also nearer together toward Fredericksburg, with scarcely any supports. I will continue around the whole line, and go to the next station below, to see if there is anything moving.
I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient