Generals Ewell, Walker, "Extra Billy" Smith, and Hays took up their headquarters day before yesterday at house 2 miles from Shepherdstown, on the Winchester pike. Large bodies of troops can be seen from South Mountain, at Antietam Furnace, by aid of glasses. Cavalry and pickets were drawn in this morning beyond Boonsborough. All of which may be considered as reliable.

B. [BABCOCK.]

LEESBURG, June 24, 1863.

General HOOKER:

I have had all the fords within 10 miles of Edwards Ferry examined. Young's Island Ford, 3 miles below Edwards Ferry, is the best one, and can be crossed with trains. White's Ford, 2 miles above Edwards, is next in point of practicability, but is very difficult, and I would not dare to attempt crossing a train at night. The river is quite high.

H. W. SLOCUM,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 24, 1863-4. 50 p. m.

General S. W. CRAWFORD, Upton's Hill:

The Commanding general directs that your order the batteries of your command to join at once the Artillery Reserve, commanded by General Tyler, encamped near Fairfax Court-House. Batteries will be assigned to you as occasion may make it necessary for you to have them.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON, June 24, 1863-5 p. m.

General HOOKER, Fairfax Court-House:

Don't know what you mean by Jeff. * Have heard or said nothing about any Jeff. I go on to Baltimore by the 6. 30 p. m. train; will be at the Eutaw House. General Halleck's order only places the troops outside of Washington and Baltimore under your orders. Will report from Baltimore to-night or early to-morrow morning

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CENTREVILLE, June 24, 1863.

(Received 5 p. m.)

General HANCOCK:

GENERAL: I have been ordered by General Hooker to report to you with a brigade, consisting of four regiments. I hope to able to move to-morrow.

J. J. ABERCROMBIE,

Brigadier-General.

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*See Butterfield to Hooker, June 24, 12 noon, p. 281.

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