to detach a portion of his forces for operations elsewhere. I should be glad to have the views of the Government at the earliest possible moment.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, October 21, 1863-1. 30 p. m.

(Received 9. 15 p. m.)

Major-General MEADE:

Your telegrams of 8 p. m. last night and 10. 30 this morning were received. I cannot reply till I receive the orders of the President and the Secretary of War.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WASHINGTON, October 21, 1863-3. 30 p. m.

(Received 9. 15 p. m.)

Major-General MEADE:

If you can conveniently leave your army, the President wishes to see you to-morrow.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

SIGNAL DEPT., HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

October 21, 1863.

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The following report has just been received, and is respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general;

WATERY MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION,

October 21, 1863-5. 30 p. m.

Captain NORTON:

Large camp smokes are seen near Stevensburg, Brandy Station, opposite Rappahannock Station, and Freeman's Ford. Smokes in direction of Stevensburg are heaviest. A force (think of cavalry) is massed on south bank of Rappahannock. Quite a number of lights seen below Sulphur Springs.

TAYLOR,

Signal Officer.

Communication open by flag signals from these headquarters via Watery Mountain, with the headquarters of the Fifth and Sixth Corps.

I have the honor to be &c.,

L. B. NORTON,

Captain, and Chief Signal Officer.

CAMDEN STATION, Baltimore, Md., October 21, 1863.

(Received 12. 30 p. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK:

Upon receipt of your telegram yesterday, I instructed the greatest vigilance at all points in reference to our rolling stock and bridges.