compass to have come from the direction of the railroad, and I thought it might be at Bealeton or Rappahannock Station. If it is not our troops, it may have been the enemy shelling the woods somewhere.

JOHN NEWTON,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
October 26, 1863.

General FRENCH:

General Newton reports that he heard firing at Bristoe. Do you hear anything of it? If so, in what direction does it seem to be? Answer.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

THIRD CORPS,

October 26, 1863.

Major-General HUMPHREYS:

I have heard no firing at this place and have been around the picket line. I cannot imagine where the firing was heard by Newton. Am I expected to advance from this position to Bealeton or to hold it?

WM. H. FRENCH,

Major-General.

[P. S.]-Brigade is at Bealeton.

THIRD CORPS,

October 26, 1863-11. 45 a. m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS:

This dispatch just received:

Major-General FRENCH,

Commanding Third Army Corps:

The enemy is advancing on us in some force. His artillery has opened upon us. General Buford is here in person, but I think has no force with him. We have about 800 cavalry, one battery, and my brigade.

I have the honor, &c.,

B. F. SMITH,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

WM. H. FRENCH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS,
October 26, 1863.

Brigadier-General WILLIAMS:

Colonel Smith, commanding brigade at or near Bealeton, reports the enemy in some force as advancing upon him. He states there are about 800 cavalry and his brigade to meet them. In the tem-