Headquarters army of the Potomac, June 24, 1863-7. 30 p. m.

General O. O. Howard, Eleventh Corps, Edwards Ferry:

The commanding general directs that, until otherwise ordered, you guard the bridge and depots at Edwards Ferry, on the north side of the Potomac at that place. Please acknowledge.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 24, 1863.

(Received, War Department, 7. 47 p. m.)

H. W. BENHAM, Navy-Yard:

The commanding general directs that you transfer to one of your subordinates the care of the engineer's property in depot, leaving with it a sufficient number of men to put the property in order, and guard it, and that with the remainder of your command you proceed as soon as practicable to Edwards Ferry, reporting your arrival at that place by telegraph to these headquarters. Please acknowledge.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

June 24, 1863.

General BUTTERFIELD:

The cavalry pickets beyond the Gap report the capture to-night by the rebels of a dispatch bearer some 3 miles out in the Loudoun Valley, with dispatches from General Hooker. The information comes from negroes, and is given for what it is worth. I do not know what any messenger from General Hooker could be doing in that locality.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac, June 24, 1863-7. 30 p. m.

(Received 9. 10 p. m.)

General W. S. HANCOCK:

The commanding general does not think it necessary to have an infantry guard at Hopewell Pass. The cavalry guard there will answer.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 24, 1863-11. 35 p. m.

General O. O. HOWARD, Edwards Ferry:

The commanding general directs that your corps take up the line of march early to-morrow morning for Sandy Hook, in the vicinity