on the monsters, and desire to be down there when the rebellion ends, to be ready to pitch into the French in Mexico. Another point is, if you leave my assignement to a command to General Halleck I will get none. I pray your order this yourself or direct the Secretary of War to do it. I will take any command rather than be idle.

With great respect, your most obedient servant,

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

[29.]

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,

September 15, 1863.

Division commanders will withdraw from the south of the river all their troops excepting the pickets. Until further order the troops will be kept in readiness to move at short notice. Trains, haversacks, and cartridge-boxes must be immediately inspected and the troops fully prepared to move.

By command of Major-General Newton:

C. KINGSBURY, Jr.,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[29.]

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS,

September 15, 1863.

Commandants of divisions will mass their commands near Fox's Ford, prepared to cross the river. The Third Division will mass with its right at the ford, the First Division with its left at the ford, the Second Division, on the left of the Third. The order of passage, if required, will be: First, Third Division; second, Second Division; third, First Division. Trains will take the same order. The artillery will be governed by the standing orders for the march:

By command of Major-General French:

WILLIAM H. HILL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[29.]

CEDAR MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION,

September 15, 1863-2.30 p. m.

General MEADE:

The enemy have increased their infantry force at Rapidan Station, and are making rifle-pits and other preparations to defend the crossing. They still their firing at Raccoon and Somerville Fords. My people are well sheltered and do not reply, except some picket-firing on the river.

PLEASONTON.

[29.]

CASTLE'S SIGNAL STATION,

September 15, 1863-4 p. m.

General MEADE:

Two deserters of the Forty-seventh Georgia Infantry came in this a. m., and reports that A. P. Hill's corps are at Orange Court-House and Ewell's corps at Spotsylvania Court-House, and that General R. E. Lee reviewed Hill's corps on Friday last. The prisoners have been sent to General Warren.

A. PLEASONTON.

[29.]