HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February [6], 1865.

General HUMPHREYS:

Heavy firing was heard from these headquarters thirty minutes since. Can you tell us what it was?

A. S. WEBB,

Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HATCHER'S RUN, February 6, 1865-11 a.m.

Major-General WEBB:

An officer of my staff who went out with General De Trobriand's reconnaissance reports that he found a skirmish or picket line of the enemy in an old line of works (ours) near the Watkins house, from which he drove them into their main line, in sight of which he advanced to. Seeing that his force was small they moved a force toward their right, apparently with the object of coming out and intercepting him. He changed his direction to meet this, and should they be induced to come out he will be supported and account for them. The reconnaissance from the Ninth Corps was in his vicinity, near the Watkins house. It has not yet reported. I have sent out to it.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
February 6, 1865-11.15 a.m. (Sent 11.45 a.m.)

Major-General WEBB,

Chief of Staff:

General Hartranft reports that his reconnaissance advanced to the house beyond the abandoned redoubt near the Smith house and close to the enemy's old picket-line, which their picket now occupy as they did when we moved in October. The enemy is not outside of his main line of works.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 6, 1865-3.35 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Commanding Second Army Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that you send your reserve division to this crossing on Hatcher's Run. Let a staff officer precede it and report to General Warren.

Your obedient servant,

ALEX. S. WEBB,

Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff.