Unknown to Humphreys, October 6, 1863

General HUMPHREYS:

GENERAL: The following rebel messages have been intercepted from the rebel signai stations on Clark’s Mountain by Lieutenants Wiggins and Camp, signal officers, First Army Corps:

General LEE:

It has been reported to me that the enemy is falling back. A deserter just brought in confirms the report. Particulars by courier. G.

General LEE:

Trains of wagons and two columns of infantry, estimated at two corps, moved back on the road, passing Cumberland George’s house. Camps at Stevensburg

being increased. S. [STUART,] General.

Respectfully forwarded. JOHN NEWTON, Major-General.

MITCHELL’s STATION, October 6, 1863. Captain NoRTON: Rebel message :

General LEE: Scout reports the whole Yankee army falling back. Deserter just brought in confirms the report, STUART,

[JOHN NEWTON, Major-General. CAMP NEAR CULPEPER, V. A., October 6, 1863. General Henry J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: Your letter of the 30th ultimo, on the subject of the transportation of ammunition, has been received and read with much interest. It so clearly sets forth the advantages of using caissons instead of wagons, and my views so fully coincided with yours as to the benefit which would accrue from the change, that I forwarded a copy of it with my report to the Quartermaster-General, requesting his special attention to a ee ae fe great MRD OLIEN ES, ;

very respectfully, your obedient servant,