sides quite a large command, variously estimated from 400 to 1. 000 which they secrete in a densely covered ravine running down the hills, on the right of their rifle-pits, daily, with the evident object of filling those pits on the shortest notice.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. B. AYRES,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CORPS,
June 11, 1863-6. 30 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

Two deserters from Robertson's cavalry, just in, report they were in the fight day before yesterday, and that 20, 000 infantry of Longstreet's command came to Brandy Station that night.

A. PLEASONTON,

Brigadier-General,

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HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY CORPS,
June 11, 1863-7. 15 p. m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

Your dispatch of 5. 30 p. m. received. Deserters state that the enemy have 60, 000 infantry at Culpeper-Pickett's Anderson's, Hood's and McLaws'. General Lee is also there Ewell is at Fredericksburg with Jackson's corps. A. P. Hill is on the heights. These deserters came over this morning. Hood's division came to Brandy Station on the evening of the 9th.

A. PLEASONTON,

Brigadier-General.

[P. S.]-I encountered infantry in the fight of the 9th. We want more infantry here.

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HEADQUARTERS, FIFTH CORPS,
June 11, 1863-7. 50 p. m.

General BARNES:

Humphreys' division, Third Corps, now passing; will be at Grove Church to-night, and will, I presume, replace cavalry pickets on your right to-morrow. Have telegraphed headquarters the withdrawal of cavalry pickets before being relieved by infantry. Keep a sharp lookout to-night on the river and toward Bealeton.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

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HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Near Falmouth, Va.,
June 11, 1863.

General S. WILLIAMS

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

SIR: I have to state that, shortly after my joining this army, I felt, from what I heard, that I had discovered the great cause of failure,