HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 14, 1863-10 a. m.

Commanding Officer Second Corps:

Orders have been sent you to push forward the reconnoitering party, and follow it up with your corps. The Third Corps has been ordered to follow you. All the information shows that the enemy is in full retreat and crossing the river, and the object of the major-general commanding is to overtake and strike him before he effects the crossing.

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

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 14, 1863-10. 15 a. m.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

Your dispatch is received. The major-general commanding directs me to say that the circular of 8. 30 this a. m. intended that the reconnoitering force should form the advance in the pursuit of the enemy, and come up with him, if possible, before he succeeds in crossing, and that each of the corps should follow closely in support of the advance. All intelligence shows the enemy to be crossing or to have crossed the river.

Very respectfully, &c.,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

(Same to General Sedgwick.)

HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING, In the Field, July 14, 1863-10. 30 a. m.

Brigadier-General WADSWORTH,
Commanding First Corps:

GENERAL: General Sedgwick directs that you advance with your command, and take position on the Hagerstown and Williamsport pike, to the left of Hagerstown, and halt them, in readiness to move to the support of the Sixth Corps, on your left, or the Eleventh Corps, on your right. You will please keep up communication with both corps. The Eleventh Corps is to move through Hagerstown out on the Clear Spring road, and halt after passing the town, sending forward a reconnoitering party. The Sixth Corps will move on the Williamsport pike until the position of the enemy is determined.

By command of Major-General Sedgwick:

M. T. McMAHON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.