Today in History:

648 Series I Volume XXVII-III Serial 45 - Gettysburg Campaign Part III

Page 648 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1863-3 p. m.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

Advance your line of battle to near the position now occupied by your skirmishers, and make your skirmish line connect with General Sedgwick's, on the Antietam Creek. Then push forward to reconnoiter between the creek and Sharpsburg pike, and drive the enemy toward Funkstown, till he is found in superior force.

It is not the intention that you should support this force further than to assist its return, if pressed. The Third Corps will be moved up to the rear of your line. Similar reconnaissances will be made by the Sixth Corps on the opposite side of the Antietam, and by the Second Corps on the Sharpsburg pike.

Very respectfully, &c.,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1863-3 p. m.

General SEDGWICK:

From news derived from the cavalry, there does not seem to be any enemy on your side of the Antietam.

You will push forward sufficient force to ascertain the truth of this, in your front, and take possession of the bridges below Funkstown.

General Sykes is going to make a strong reconnaissance toward Funkstown.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1863-3 p. m.

Commanding Officer Second Corps:

You will push forward a reconnoitering force, one brigade, on the road toward Hagerstown, on the Sharpsburg pike. Send a brigade, and let it move till it finds the enemy in superior force. General Sykes will reconnoiter between this road and the Antietam Creek. General Sedgwick is also feeling the enemy on the other side.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

JULY 11, 1863-3 p. m.

Colonel E. SCHRIVER,

Frederick, Md.:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that he learns, from dispatches this morning from Washington, that the three brigades intended to re-enforce him were arriving there. He wishes to know whether any have reached Frederick, or if you have heard of them. He desires to be advised immediately upon the arrival of troops at Frederick.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.


Page 648 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.