CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

December 3, 1863-6 p.m.

The major-general commanding directs that you hold your corps in readiness for immediate movement. The enemy are reported by General Custer to be crossing the river at Raccoon Ford and Morton's Ford-cavalry, infantry, and artillery.

By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(To commanding officers First, Second, Third, Fifth, and Sixth Corps, Cavalry Corps, and chief of artillery.)

DECEMBER 3, 1863-6.40 p.m.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you hold your command in readiness for immediate movement. The enemy are reported by GEneral Custer to be crossing the Rapidan at Raccoon and Morton's Fords in heavy force-cavalry, artillery, and infantry. If you have not yet relieved the division of the First Corps guarding the railroad, the commanding general directs that you delay doing so until further orders.

Please acknowledge, and say whether you have relieved General Kenly's division.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DECEMBER 3, 1863.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that the order of this evening, requiring you to hold your command in readiness for an immediate movement, may be regarded as recalled, the troops of the enemy that crosses to this side of the Rapidan having been driven back.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
December 3, 1863-10 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have four brigades here. One I have stationed at Kelly's Ford, on the other side of the river; two brigades I will keep in the neighborhood of Paoli Mills, the other I will put on the river road leading from Rappahannock Station to Kelly's Ford, on this side of the river. You will perceive I have not enough troops to make a line of battle from Paoli Mills to the river. May I sug-