[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, October 16, 1863.

Respectfully referred to headquarters Third Corps, for information of the major-general commanding.

HENRY PRINCE,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 16, 1863-8. 20 p. m.

Major-General FRENCH:

Commanding Third Corps, Union Mills:

The major-general commanding desires to know whether the bank of Bull Run on this side of Union Mills is such as to command the crossing of the steam, or if the enemy could prevent it by establishing batteries and throwing up rifle-pits.

A. A. HUMPREYS.

UNION MILLS, October 16, 1863.

General HUMPHREYS:

My answer to your dispatch: The railroad cutting is very deep and oblique to the road on the opposite side of Bull Run. It is not commanded on this and can be commanded on the other. Whoever holds the crossing must have both sides of teh river.

WM. H. FRENCH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, October 16, 1863-8. 45 p. m.

General RUFUS KING,
Fairfax Court-House:

While you remain attacked to the Army of the Potomac you will, of course, received no orders from this office, but while you remain in your present vicinity I would like you to report to me every night what has occurred during the day, and as much oftener as events occur which you may think I ought to know.

C. C. AUGUR,

Major-General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 16, 1863-10 a. m.

Major-General COURCH,

Chambersburg, Pa.:

It is reported that the enemy has appeared on teh Potomac near Clear Spring or Cherry Run. I think your troops should act in that direction, instead of going to Harper's Ferry at present.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.