HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1863.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: The present arrangement of the front line of attack leaves but 6, 000 reserves, viz, the First and Second Brigades, original Third Army Corps, Very respectfully,

WM. H. FRENCH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1863-4. 45 p. m.

Commanding Officer Third Corps:

The commanding general directs that you send no more of your corps to fill vacancies between the Second and Fifth Corps, but retain in reserve the two division of the original Third Corps. Major-General Sykes has been directed to close his left up with the right of the Second Corps, as ordered this morning, and that he will not call upon you to fill vacancies caused by his extending to the right. Very respectfully, &c.,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1863-5 p. m.

Commanding Officer Artillery Reserve:

The commanding general directs me to say that, as all the army has now crossed the Antietam, and is posted along the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown pike, a more suitable position for the Reserve Artillery will be found in the vicinity of Jones' Four Corners, the intersection of the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown pike with the Boonsborough and Williamsport road. He directs, therefore, that you examine that vicinity, and, after reaching a suitable point, move your artillery to it after night.

Very respectfully, &c.,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1863-6 p. m.

Commanding Officer Fifth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General Hays will advance his line to conform to the configuration of the ground, and directs that you make the position of your left conform to his, so that the connection of the line will not be lost. Very respectfully, &. c.,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.