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

Commanding Officer Third Corps:

The major-general commanding directs me to say that General Hays has been ordered to advance his line, in order to occupy the best ground in his vicinity. Should you have any part of your command in the front, the major-general commanding directs that you make its position conform to that of General Hays' command, so that there will be no break in the line of the army. Very respectfully, &c.,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. RIGHT WING, July 12, 1863-9. 55 a. m. (Received 10. 30 a. m.)

Major-General HOWARD,

Commanding Eleventh Corps:

GENERAL: General Sedgwick directs that you move forward your command, and take position on the right of General Wright's division of the Sixth Corps, in front of Funkstown, disposing your troops so as to cover the right of the Sixth Corps in the direction of Hagerstown. By command of Major-General Sedgwick:

M. T. McMAHON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

JULY 12, 1863-10 p. m.

Colonel E. SCHRIVER,

Commanding at Frederick:

The commanding general directs that the One hundred and forty first New York Regiment join the Eleventh Army Corps, which it will find in the neighborhood of Funkstown.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1863.

[Major-General MEADE:]

MY DEAR GENERAL: When you asked me last evening how to obtain information of the enemy, I did not, perhaps, fulfill what you may think the requirements of your question. You are, however, to a certain extent, to-day answering for yourself. Good topographical maps, spies, prisoners, deserters, well-affected citizens, reconnoitering parties, and preparatory attacks-these are the means absolutely within our power. There is one of two things which will happen.

(1) Lee has a chosen position in which he awaits our attack; or

(2) we will stum-