General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

Following just received:

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, July 11, 1864.

Colonel MORGAN:

My pickets and scouts report heavy skirmishing in the direction of Ream's Station; began about 8 a.m. continues at intervals. I have sent out scouts to try and ascertain. Have we any troops in that direction beyond my line?

T. M. BRYAN, Jr.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864.

(Sent 12.15 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you hold your corps in readiness to move at a moment's warning. In the event of Hill having moved against our left flank, you will be directed against him. Direct General Ferrero to hold himself ready to move also.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864.

(Sent 9.10 p.m.)

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you concentrate your corps at once in the vicinity of the Williams house, destroying your present entrenchments; those that must be destroyed during the night will be first attended to, if all cannot be destroyed simultaneously. General Warren is directed to occupy the redoubt to-night and to arrange his picket-line with a view to your corps being withdrawn at any moment. Your picket-line will connect with his on the right and occupy the general direction and position of your present position. General Ferrero will be directed to move at daylight to the position designated in the communication to-day.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 11, 1864.

(Received 10 p.m.)

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

I understand from Colonel Morgan that it is a question between withdrawing to-night and in the morning. Would it answer the purpose to destroy the entrenchments during the night and move the command,