HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 6, 1864- 2. 30 p. m.

Major- General BIRNEY,

Commanding Third Corps:

The major- general commanding directs that you move with two divisions of your corps on the road to Raccoon Ford about as far as Summerduck River or the church, and inform General Newton, commanding First Corps, that you are ready to support him. Direct General Prince to move toward Moron's Ford, through Stevensburg, and report to commander of the Second Corps.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major- General, Chief of Staff.

CULPEPER, February 6, 1864.

Colonel C. ROSS SMITH,

Chief of Staff:

I have the honor to report that 2,594 men are with General Merritt. Captain Norris, Second U. S. Cavalry, commanding camp of Reserve Brigade, reports this evening, at 4. 30 p. m., that the enemy approached at Somerville Ford with about 100 men. He has sent to investigate.

T. C. BACON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General.

FEBRUARY 6, 1864- 11. 35 P. M.

COMMANDING OFFICER CAVALRY CORPS:

The commanding general directs that you instruct General Merritt to return with his command in the course of to-morrow to the position occupied by his troops before the movement of to- day. Please acknowledge.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 6, 18640- 8. 20 p. m.

Brigadier General D. McM. GREGG,

Commanding Cavalry Corps:

The commanding general directs that you instruct General Kilpatrick not to take his artillery or trains across the river, and tomorrow to recross the river with his troops and take up again the position occupied by him before the movement.

Please acknowledge.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant- General.