HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 5, 1863-11 a. m.

Major General JOHN SEDGWICK,

Commanding Sixth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that when the bridge Brigadier-General Benham is ordered to throw across the river to-day shall have been laid, you hold it with such force as may be necessary for the purpose.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. F. BARSTOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[27.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 5, 1863.

Major-General HOWARD:

We are shelling the enemy's rifle-pits in front of Franklin's Crossing where we purpose to lay a bridge.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[27.]

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,

June 6, 1863.

Major General D. N. Couch having returned, he directs me to say to you that he has assumed command of the Second Army Corps.

By command of Major-General Couch:

John S. SCHULTZE,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[25.]

COUCH'S HEADQUARTERS,

June 6, 1863.

General WILLIAMS:

My corps officer of the day reports the following:

The enemy have retired their line of pickets from the river and established a new line back of the city. Their earth-works are full of men, and they are mounting heavy guns and moving artillery.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

[27.]

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
June 6, 1863-6.15 p. m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

The following has just been received from General Barnes:

Colonel Vincent reports that Kemper's Ford the pickets yesterday were weak and few appeared. This morning they are stronger and show themselves in considerable numbers. Last night two supports were heard to move nearer the river, being moved back at daylight. It was not possible to ascertain whether they were cavalry or infantry. At Ellis' Ford the enemy makes no attempt to conceal his movements; has but small force, and there is apparently but little, if any, strengthening the line.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

[27.]