Unknown to Sharpe, October 16, 1863

(Received War Department 7.45 p. m.) Colonel SHARPE, Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

The prisoners are from Gilmor’s cavalry battalion, not in any brigade. They left Newtown, Va., 40 in number, on Wednesday, 14th instant, at 4 p. m., for the purpose of tapping the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Back Creek. e captured 23 of them 9 miles west of this point, on Back Creek road, near Hedgesville, yesterday. Two of the prisoners say they saw several footmen, regularly armed, near Strasburg, who said they were sunsets from a command of infantry marching in the direction of North Mountain, and had come from Front Royal. One prisoner says the stragglers belonged to Johnson’s division, Longstreet’s corps, but does not know what regiment or brigade. Ido not place so much reliance in their stories now as I did last night. Will send you a copy of a letter found on one of the prisoners, which letter foreshadows intended movement of the rebel army in Virginia. No account of the old man. Will

report again as soon as scouts are in.